Isaiah 60:13
The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this as just about building materials for a temple. But the "glory of Lebanon" isn't just trees; it represents the finest resources and talents from nations. These aren't just for construction, but to adorne and bring splendor to God's sanctuary, signifying that the world's best will be dedicated to Him.
The prophet is painting a picture of an incredible future for Jerusalem, where nations and their finest resources will be drawn to worship God. This verse follows promises of abundant wealth and tribute flowing in from all corners of the earth, with kings and nations serving the restored city. It concludes the section detailing the immense splendor and glory that will characterize God's people and His dwelling place.
What does the majestic glory of a famous mountain range have to do with God's dwelling place?
The prophet Isaiah paints a vibrant picture of the future glory of God's people and His sanctuary.
The Gifts of Nations
The "glory of Lebanon" refers to the magnificent trees (like cypress, plane, and pine) that were renowned for their beauty and strength, essential for building and adornment.
In this prophecy, these valuable resources, symbolizing the wealth and best offerings of nations, will be brought to beautify and enhance the place where God will dwell.
Divine Presence and Beauty
This imagery isn't just about literal trees; it signifies that the nations themselves, with all their unique gifts and excellences, will come to honor and beautify God's sanctuary. The focus shifts from the physical temple to a spiritual dwelling place, reflecting God's presence among His people.
What is 'the place of my feet,' and why is it so important that God makes it glorious?
The phrase 'the place of my feet' is a powerful metaphor for God's dwelling place on earth.
A Royal Throne Room
In ancient Near Eastern thought, a king's throne often had a footstool. The Ark of the Covenant, and later the Temple in Jerusalem, symbolized God's throne on earth, where His presence (the Shekinah) dwelled. Therefore, 'the place of my feet' refers to this sacred space – the holy of holies, where God's presence rested.
Divine Radiance
Isaiah declares that God Himself will 'make the place of my feet glorious.' This isn't just about adding outward beauty; it's about God imbuing His dwelling with His own radiant glory. It points to a future where God's presence will be so manifest and powerful that His dwelling place will shine with divine splendor, far surpassing any earthly magnificence.
Understand the original words
kābôd · Hebrew Noun
The character, radiance, and manifest presence of God. It signifies His weightiness, honor, and the visible display of His holiness among His creation.
miqdāš · Hebrew Noun
A consecrated place where God dwells or meets with His people. It represents the holiness of God and the center of true worship.
This verse evokes the glory of the First Temple, built with Lebanon's famed timbers, and promises a future restoration and expansion of God's dwelling place that will surpass even Solomon's magnificent creation. It speaks to the enduring hope for God's presence and glory, even after destruction and exile.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent structure built with materials, including cedars from Lebanon, intended to be God's dwelling place on Earth.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile many of the Judean population, marking a period of profound loss and diminished divine presence.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is completed, though it is less grand than Solomon's original. It becomes the center of worship and national identity.
c. 500 BC - 400 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecies Written
The prophecies of Isaiah, including chapter 60, are compiled and circulated. These writings offer hope of future restoration and glory, speaking to a people who have experienced exile and the rebuilding of their Temple.
This passage directly links the 'footstool' to worship, echoing Isaiah's imagery of God's glorious resting place and emphasizing the reverence due to such a sacred space.
Psalm 132:7This verse speaks of entering God's dwelling place and bowing before His footstool, reinforcing the idea that the 'place of my feet' in Isaiah refers to the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies within the Temple.
Ezekiel 43:7Ezekiel also uses the phrase 'the place of the soles of my feet' in relation to the Temple, providing a parallel prophetic vision of God's dwelling among His people and the glory associated with it.
1 Chronicles 28:2This passage explicitly calls the Ark of the Covenant God's footstool, directly connecting the physical object to the figurative language used by Isaiah for the sanctuary.
Zechariah 2:13Zechariah also speaks of God's holy habitation being shaken, but then declares He will awake from His holy dwelling, which connects to the idea of God's presence and glory being renewed in His sanctuary.
clarkeIsaiah 60:13: "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious."
And I will make the place of my feet glorious "And that I may glorify the place whereon I rest my feet" - The temple of Jerusalem was called the house of God, and the place of his rest or residence. The visible symbolical appearance of God, called by the Jews the schechinah, was in the most holy place,…
jfbIsaiah 60:13: "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious."
- 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 (Ho 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…
It's easy to read this as just about building materials for a temple. But the "glory of Lebanon" isn't just trees; it represents the finest resources and talents from nations. These aren't just for construction, but to adorne and bring splendor to God's sanctuary, signifying that the world's best will be dedicated to Him.
The prophet is painting a picture of an incredible future for Jerusalem, where nations and their finest resources will be drawn to worship God. This verse follows promises of abundant wealth and tribute flowing in from all corners of the earth, with kings and nations serving the restored city. It concludes the section detailing the immense splendor and glory that will characterize God's people and His dwelling place.
The prophet is painting a picture of an incredible future for Jerusalem, where nations and their finest resources will be drawn to worship God. This verse follows promises of abundant wealth and tribute flowing in from all corners of the earth, with kings and nations serving the restored city. It concludes the section detailing the immense splendor and glory that will characterize God's people and His dwelling place.
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c. 20 BC - AD 64
Herod's Temple Renovations
King Herod the Great begins an extensive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, making it a marvel of the ancient world. This project aimed to enhance its grandeur and symbolic importance.
"The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the cypress, the plane, and the pine, to beautify the place of my sanctuary, and I will make the place of my feet glorious." — It's easy to read this as just about building materials for a temple. But the "glory of Lebanon" isn't just trees; it represents the finest resources and talents from nations. These aren't just for c…
