The glory of Libanus shall come to thee, the Ar tree, and the box tree, and the pine tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary: and I will glorify the place of my feet.

“Arise, be enlightened. Here he begins to set forth the promise of salvation: and first as to prosperity; second as to joy, chapter 61: The spirit of the Lord; third as to the honor of glory, chapter 62: For Sion's sake. Concerning the first, two things. First he sets forth consolation in general under the metaphor of light, setting forth the rising of that light: Arise — from your former misery; be enlightened — shine with the light of his consolation. The glory of the Lord — the benefits in which he appears glorious. Baruch 4: Walk by the way toward his splendor, facing his light. Or, Jerusalem is the Church; the light, the Son of God. Setting forth the judgment of discernment in perceiving the light: for behold darkness — the peoples of tribulation, of Babylon, and other enemies; but upon thee shall it rise, as a sun enlightening thee. Wisdom 17: Upon them alone was heavy night imposed, and an image of darkness. Or, darkness — of unbelief and of sins; peoples — the unbelievers. It shall rise — as the sun of justice: or, according to the letter, his glory — his miracles. He also sets forth the effect of the light: And the nations shall walk — to the knowledge and devotion of God, seeing the benefits given to thee by God — in the splendor of thy rising, as it were rising, glowing like a star. 2 Maccabees 3: When the holy city. Or, in the light — in the faith of Christ. Apocalypse 21: The nations shall walk. Second, he carries out the consolation part by part: and first he promises manifold prosperity; second, the observance of justice, And I will appoint. Concerning the first, two things. First he sets forth the state of prosperity; second, the manner of restitution, namely, by what means they will be restored in prosperity — Who are these. Concerning the first, three things. First he promises prosperity as to the gathering of the sons, who had first been scattered into diverse parts through captivity. Lift up round about (...) from the side — from the regions bordering the sides. Baruch 5: Arise, Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, and see thy sons gathered from the rising of the sun even to its setting. Or it is to be referred to the gathering of the diverse nations under the unity of the Church. Sons — the stronger in faith; daughters — the weaker; from the side — of Christ opened on the cross, whence the sacraments of salvation flowed forth. Or, they shall suck milk — of a more elementary teaching. Second, as to the service of the peoples: Then shalt thou see (...) when converted, serving thee in trade — the multitude of the sea, namely the merchants of the sea; the strength — kings and princes, ministering peace to thee, and gifts. Or, concerning the conversion of the nations to the Church. Job 22: Then shalt thou abound in delights over the Almighty. Third, as to the abundance of riches: and first as to trade, setting forth the beasts of burden: The flood — that is, abundance after the likeness of water — of camels, by which merchandise used to be carried; by which, mystically, are meant the rich who are converted to the faith, who bear the burden of riches and the hump of sin: above, chapter 30: bearing upon their shoulders; the dromedaries — an animal smaller than the camel, but swifter — by which are meant the nations swiftly converted to the faith: Midian and Ephah — regions beyond the sea abounding in such. He also sets forth precious merchandise: all from Saba — a city in the farthest parts of Ethiopia. Which also was fulfilled in the time of Christ: Matthew 2. Psalm 71: The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer gifts. Second, as to the clean animals, according as they served for use as food: All the flocks of Cedar — the son of Ishmael, from whom the land has its name, abounding in flocks; Nabajoth, another son — they shall minister, yielding to thy use, sold to the people that is in thee. And according as they served for the use of sacrifices: they shall be offered upon that which is acceptable, that is, that in which I am well-pleased. By the altar is signified faith; by the rams, the leaders of the flock — the apostles and the prelates of the Churches; by the flock, the simple faithful. Haggai 2: I will fill this house. Note on that word, Be enlightened, Jerusalem, that the Church is enlightened with light: first, of sacred doctrine. Proverbs 6: The commandment is a lamp, and the law a light. Second, of spiritual understanding. 2 Corinthians 4: God, who said that light should shine in darkness. Third, of grace. 1 John 1: But if we walk in the light, as he also is in the light, we have fellowship one with another. Fourth, of glory. Psalm 35: In thy light we shall see light. Fifth, of gladness. Tobit 5: What manner of joy is it to me, who sit in darkness, and do not see the light of heaven? Sixth, of the divine substance. 1 Timothy, the last chapter: Who alone has immortality, and inhabits light inaccessible. Who are these. Here he shows the manner of coming into the said prosperity: and first as to the restoration of the city; second as to the subjection of the foreign peoples, And they shall come to thee; third as to the multiplication of riches: For brass I will bring gold. Concerning the first, two things. First he (sets forth) the restoration of the city as to the uniting of its inhabitants, setting forth the manner of their coming under a note of wonder. As clouds — because swiftly, without hindrance; and as doves to their windows — that is, to their own openings — for the same reason. Or it is to be referred to the nations which were swiftly converted to the faith. Psalm 54: Who will give wings like a dove, and I will fly away, that I may rest. Setting forth also the help toward their coming, which they had from the nations: For me the islands — the diverse nations near the sea, and also the distant ones — shall wait, as subject to the judgment of my will, from the beginning — of the place in which the captives were held: because perhaps some returned by sea, or the Lord was able to bring them back in this way. Or, mystically, the islands — the diverse nations; the ships — the Churches; in the beginning — of the faith. Above, chapter 42: his law, the islands. Setting forth also the treasure of those who come, which they brought with them: silver. To the name — that is, for the glory and the service of the name. Psalm 104: He brought them out with silver and gold. Mystically, silver — the eloquence; gold — the wisdom of those converted to the faith. Second, he sets forth the restoration of the city as to the building of the walls, And they shall build: and first as to the buildings of the city; second as to the buildings of the temple, The glory of Lebanon. Concerning the first, two things. First he sets forth the rebuilding of the city: And they shall build — by giving help — kings — Cyrus and Darius — by providing the expenses, and the license to build. Mystically, the Gentiles build the Churches of God, and kings serve the Church. Above, chapter 49: Kings shall see. And he adds the reason from the divine mercy: In my indignation I struck — I took captive; I have had mercy — by setting free. Mystically, struck — through the blinding of the Jews, or through tribulations; had mercy — through the conversion of the nations, or through the Churches restored in peace. Above, chapter 54: In a moment of indignation I hid my face for a little while. Second, he shows the security of the rebuilt city, And they shall be opened — the fear of enemies ceasing, and because of the need of those coming to worship in Jerusalem; and this is that there may be brought. Mystically, the gates — the ministers who bring others into the faith and the Church, ready in prosperity and adversity to receive those converted to the faith. Apocalypse 21: Its gates shall not be shut. And he assigns the reason: For the nation. This does not seem to be fulfilled according to the letter, unless it be understood that those were Jews who acknowledged its dominion, and were therefore venerated by the people of God; but the mystical sense is plain. Jeremiah 27: The nation and the kingdom. The glory of Lebanon. Here he sets forth the rebuilding of the buildings of the temple: The glory of Lebanon, which is the fir tree; the place — namely, the temple; of my feet — in which I am adored, as kings are at the feet. Ezekiel 43: The place of my throne. Mystically, by the place is meant the Church; by the diverse trees, the diverse faithful among those converted to the faith. And they shall come. Here he shows the manner of attaining the said prosperity as to the subjection of the peoples: and first he sets forth the subjection itself, And they shall come to thee: which was fulfilled in the times of the Maccabees, who subjugated many of the neighboring enemies. Mystically, the sons of the tyrants who once persecuted the Church now serve the Church. Psalm 109: Until I make thy enemies thy footstool. Above, chapter 1: After this thou shalt be called. Second, he sets forth the reason for the subjection: For that thou wast — it is just that after distress thou shouldst be consoled — for pride, height — of ages, throughout many ages: which also mystically befits the Church. Tobit 3: After the storm he makes a calm. Third, he sets forth the usefulness of the subjection: And thou shalt suck; that is, the fatness of the earth shall be brought to thee in trade, and in offerings; the breast — defense; in help — of kings; of Tyre. Daniel 4. By milk, mystically, is meant the teaching of the simple; by kings, the apostles. Above, chapter 49: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers. For brass. Here he sets forth the manner of restoration as to the restoration of riches: because much greater things shall be offered to the temple by kings than were taken away by Nebuchadnezzar. Mystically, those who before were vile become precious in the Church. Above, chapter 55: Instead of the shrub shall come up. And I will appoint. Here he promises the observance of justice: and first in the prelates; second in the subjects, And they shall be fulfilled. Concerning the first, two things. First he consoles them from the rectitude of the prelates, touching upon the justice of the prelates: visitation — visitors and correctors. Mystically, concerning Christ and the apostles. Jeremiah 3: I will give thee pastors. Setting forth also the effect of justice as to the absence of malice: Iniquity shall not be heard, because for a certain time the laws were observed most excellently: 2 Maccabees 3: or, iniquity — idolatry. Mystically, as to the state of future beatitude. Psalm 102: As far as the rising is from the setting, so far has he removed our iniquities from us. And as to the absence of misery: wasting — as to things; ruin — as to men so crushed by enemies; gates — in which the people used to gather for judgments. This too, mystically, as to the state of future beatitude, when, although the sun shall be much brighter than now, and the moon: yet not for the saints, because they have no need of their splendor. Apocalypse 21: Then they shall have no need of the splendor of the sun. He also sets forth the eternity of him who governs: The sun shall not go down — who is God. Psalm 101: But thou art always the selfsame, and thy years shall not fail. And they shall be fulfilled. This as to the state of the subjects: and first he sets forth the cessation of sorrow: And the mourning shall be fulfilled — captivity. Mystically, in future beatitude. Apocalypse 21: God shall wipe away every tear from the eyes of the saints. Above, chapter 25: He shall take away the tear. Second, he sets forth the observance of justice: But the people; that they may glorify me. Above, chapter 43: everyone that calls upon my name. Forever — as long as they remain in justice. But mystically it is plain, concerning the blessed saints. Third, the multiplication of the seed: the least — that is, from one so many shall be born through succession, just as from Abraham one nation. Mystically, one from the Church shall be set over a nation as prelate. Psalm: The saints shall judge among the nations. In its time — that is, of Christ; or, at the time appointed. Suddenly — as though unforeseen, all this that has been said. Note on that word, Who are these that are as clouds, and as doves, that the apostles are called clouds: first, on account of the fertility of the earth, namely from the rain. Job 37: The clouds desire the grain. Second, on account of the diffusion of light. The same: the clouds scatter their light. Third, on account of the swiftness of motion, the same: which range over all things round about. Fourth, on account of the fulfillment of the divine will. The same: whithersoever the will of him that governs shall lead them. Likewise they are called doves: first, on account of compunction of heart. Nahum 2: moaning like doves. Second, on account of simplicity of life. Matthew 10: Be ye wise as serpents, and simple as doves. Third, on account of the height, or swiftness, of contemplation. Psalm 54: Who has given me wings like a dove, and I will fly away, and be at rest. Fourth, on account of purity of conscience. Canticle 5: Thy eyes are as doves. Canticle 4: Thy eyes, doves'.”

“The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee,.... Which are the trees that grew upon it, especially the cedars, for which it was famous, as well as the other trees after mentioned. Now, as these were brought into Solomon's temple, and used in the building of that, Kg1 6:9, so such shall come of themselves, willingly and cheerfully, being drawn with the cords of love, into the church of Christ, comparable to the tall and strong cedars of Lebanon, and other trees, being eminent for their gifts and graces, and strong in the exercise of them; the more feeble among them being as the house of David, and that as the Angel of the Lord; and being durable, constant, and immovable in the work of the Lord; pillars in his house that shall never go out; ever green and flourishing; never wither in their profession, and always fruitful in every good word and work; of a good smell in the exercise of grace; of savoury conversations, and of a good report in the world; see Psa 107:12, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together; which may denote persons of different ranks and sizes, both as to worldly and spiritual affairs; and yet will all agree to come together to the church, and will unite in the service and worship of God in it, and be a real glory to it; see Isa 41:19, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; the church, so called in allusion to the tabernacle and temple; and thus the Targum here, "the place of the house of my sanctuary;'' where the holy God dwells; and which is sanctified by him, and where he is sanctified, and worshipped in a holy and spiritual manner; and which will be beautified in the latter day, when the saints that will come into the church will put on by faith more manifestly the beautiful garments of Christ's righteousness; and be more visibly adorned with the graces of his Spirit, which will shine like so many brilliant diamonds and sparkling gems; and will appear in the beauties of a holy conversation; walk in brotherly love with each other, and unite in sentiments of doctrine, and in acts of Gospel worship; and when the Gospel shall be purely and powerfully preached; the ordinances administered as they were in the times of Christ and his apostles; and Gospel discipline in all its branches restored: and I will make the place of my feet glorious; alluding to the ark under the mercy seat, over which were the cherubim, and between which Jehovah dwelt, hence called his footstool, Ch1 28:2, denoting that the church is the place where the Lord grants his presence through Christ, the antitype of the mercy seat and ark; and which is the seat of his rest and residence; where he takes his walks, and where his footsteps of rich grace are seen; where his lower parts, his feet, his works, and acts of grace, are beheld; where he favours with communion with himself; where his power and glory are observed, and his beauty is upon his people; where they see the King in his beauty, and all which will be more manifestly enjoyed in the latter day, and make his church very glorious indeed.”

“glory--that is, the trees which adorned Lebanon; emblem of men eminent in natural gifts, devoting all that is in them to the God of Israel (Hos 14:5-6). fir . . . pine . . . box--rather, "the cypress . . . ilex . . . cedar." place of my sanctuary--Jerusalem (Jer 3:17). place of my feet--no longer the ark (Jer 3:16), "the footstool" of Jehovah (Psa 99:5; Psa 132:7; Ch1 28:2); but "the place of His throne, the place of the soles of His feet, where He will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever," in the new temple (Eze 43:7).”

“From the thought that everything great in the world of man is to be made to serve the Holy One and His church, the prophet passes to what is great in the world of nature. "The glory of Lebanon will come to thee, cypresses, plane-trees and Sherbin-trees all together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and to make the place of my feet glorious." The splendid cedars, which are the glory of Lebanon, and in fact the finest trees of all kinds, will be brought to Zion, not as trunks felled to be used as building materials, but dug up with their roots, to ornament the holy place of the temple (Jer 17:12), and also to this end, that Jehovah may glorify the "holy place of His feet," i.e., the place where He, who towers above the heaven of all heavens, has as it were to place His feet. The temple is frequently called His footstool (hadōm raglâiv), with especial reference to the ark of the covenant (Psa 99:5; Psa 132:7; Lam 2:1; Ch1 28:2) as being the central point of the earthly presence of God (cf., Isa 66:1). The trees, that is to say, which tower in regal glory above all the rest of the vegetable world, are to adorn the environs of the temple, so that avenues of cedars and plane-trees lead into it; a proof that there is no more fear of any further falling away to idolatry. On the names of the trees, see Isa 41:19. Three kinds are mentioned here; we found seven there. The words יחדו ותשׁור תדהר ברושׁ are repeated verbatim from Isa 41:19.”