Commentary on Isaiah Volume 2 John Calvin (continued)
COMMENTARY ON ISAIAH
Jerusalem, that under the image of it we may contemplate the "spiritual temple," (Ephesians 2:21) of which we are the "living stones" and the living substance. (1 Peter 2:5)
For I will glorify the place of my feet. By "the place of his feet," he means that he dwells in the temple in such a manner that his majesty is not confined within it, (for he is not limited to so narrow a place;) and therefore his feet only, what may be called the smallest part, is there, that we may ascend to heaven, and not fix our whole attention on those outward signs by which we are instructed according to our capacity. Thus also in the Psalm,
"Worship the footstool of his feet, for it is holy." (Psalm 99:5)
And again, "We will worship in the place where his feet stood." (Psalm 132:7)
Not that God's essence is divided into parts above and below, 401 but because by such means he lifts up his servants, as it were, from the feet to the head.
14. And the sons of them that afflict thee shall come. He continues the same subject, for he shows how splendid will be this work of redemption; that is, that they who persecuted or despised the Church "shall come," so as to bow down humbly before her, and submit to her with their whole heart. By "the sons of them that afflict her," he means the persecutors and enemies who oppressed her. This was indeed partly fulfilled, when the Jews returned to their native country; but that return was nothing more than a dark shadow of the deliverance which we have obtained through Christ. These things were actually accomplished under the reign of Christ, yet so that the full accomplishment of them may be expected at; his second coming, as we have already said under a different passage.
Some one will ask, "Is not this honor, of which the Prophet speaks, excessive and greater than ought to be given to the Church? for to bow down and prostrate ourselves are tokens of honor which no human being ought to receive." I reply, this honor is rendered, not to the members, but to the Head; that is, to Christ, who is worshipped in the Church; and this worship is rendered by those who formerly hated and persecuted him. Now we say that Christ is worshipped in the Church, not as the Papists do, who think that the honor which they bestow on that Roman idol is rendered to Christ. 402 They for whose sake these things are said reject and despise doctrine; for Christ is honored by those who obey his doctrine. And this is what the Prophet means, that they who were formerly alienated from it shall heartily submit, so as to obey Christ; for if Christ; has any majesty, it shines forth in the doctrine which he administers by the agency of men.
401"L'une au ciel, l'autre en terre." "One in heaven, another on earth." 402"Qui pensent bien honnorer Christ en s'agenouillant derant cette idole de Rome pour baiser sa pantoufle." "Who think that they greatly honor Christ by kneeling before that idol of Rome to kiss his slipper."