John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 52:7

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" — Isaiah 52:7 (ASV)

How beautiful upon the mountains. The Prophet again confirms believers regarding the certainty of the word of God, so that they may be fully persuaded that they will be restored to their former liberty, and may comfort their hearts with assured hope during that hard bondage. He pronounces magnificent commendations on this message, so that believers may be convinced that God holds out to them, in their calamity, the hope of future salvation. Indeed, when God speaks, they should accept the consolation, so that, relying on it, they may calmly and patiently wait for the fulfillment of the promise.

Thus, so that believers may restrain their desires with patience, he splendidly adorns the word of God. “Will you be so ungrateful as not to be satisfied with that incomparable treasure of the word, which contains so many benefits? Will you give way to unruly passions? Will you complain of God?” He wishes to guard the people against distrust, who were drawn away by various allurements and did not fully rely on the word of God. Therefore, he praises the excellence of the doctrine and shows that the Lord bestows upon us more than we can say or think (Ephesians 3:20).

He states that he is not now speaking of every kind of doctrine, but of that which is adapted to consolation, and therefore shows that “beautiful” and lovely is the approach of those who bring consolation from the mouth of God, which can not only alleviate our grief but even impart to us abundant joy. Here he speaks of the doctrine of salvation, and consequently says that peace, happiness, salvation, is proclaimed. By the word “peace” he denotes a prosperous and happy condition, as we have already fully explained the meaning of this term in other passages.

That saith to Zion. From this we infer what is the beginning of that doctrine which Isaiah preaches, and what we should chiefly desire: namely, that the kingdom of God may be established among us. For until he reigns among us, everything must go ill with us, and therefore we must be miserable. On the other hand, when God is pleased to take care of us, this of itself is the chief part of salvation. This, too, is the only way of obtaining peace, even if the state of affairs is ruinous and desperate. And let us remember that this message is sent to the Church, for it cannot apply to heathens who do not know God.

Paul quotes this passage to prove that the preaching of the Gospel proceeds not from men but from God, and that the ministers who bring the message of salvation are sent by him. He employs this chain of reasoning: “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But it is impossible for anyone to call on God until he knows him; for there can be no way to call on him until it is opened up by faith, so that, embracing God as our Father, we may familiarly pour our cares into his bosom. Now, its foundation is doctrine, by which the Lord has revealed himself to us, and for that purpose employs the agency and ministry of men. Therefore he adds, lastly, that there will be no one to preach until he is sent by God” (Romans 10:15).

But it may be thought that Paul distorts the Prophet’s words, for Isaiah does not say that God sends ministers, but that their approach and presence is desirable. I reply, Paul took this principle for granted: that nothing is desirable but what comes from God. But from where does salvation come? From men? No; for only God can be the author of such a distinguished benefit. Justly, therefore, he concludes that it proceeds from God, and not from man.