John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 60:18

"Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, desolation nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise." — Isaiah 60:18 (ASV)

Oppression shall no longer be heard in your land. Here he states more clearly what we have already said: namely, that while the Prophet speaks concerning the prosperous condition of the Church, he indirectly contrasts the miseries and calamities with which they had been afflicted in various ways. He promises, therefore, that they will never again be subjected to such afflictions.

Nevertheless, various afflictions afterwards befell them. This is undoubtedly true. However, the people were never scattered so completely that they did not retain some form of the Church, and thus enjoy peace and feel that they were protected and kept by the hand of God.

These words did not contain a promise of exemption from every annoyance and distress. Instead, by comparison, they offered this comfort for future evils: that God spares His Church, and consequently, the Church will be safe under His protection. And during the very course of the deliverance, a striking proof of this peace, which the Prophet extols, was exhibited. Finally, we must always remember what we have so often said: we experience all these things only in part, for the kingdom of Christ has not yet been completed.

And your gates Praise. He alludes, as we have often said, to the building of the temple or the city, and shows that the Church will be safe, not by means of walls, towers, or any enclosures. Instead, even though there are no earthly defenses, there will be an abundance of safety and peaceful joy in God alone. Now he connects the safety of the Church with peace or joy; because she rejoices at being safe and sound, whereas previously she lay silently in affliction and despair.