John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 60:22

"The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time." — Isaiah 60:22 (ASV)

A little one shall become a thousand. He again confirms what he previously said: that although they were few in number, yet the Church of God would be populous. When the Prophet foretold these things, there was still a vast multitude of people. However, it was afterwards so greatly diminished that not more than a feeble remnant was left, as we have previously seen (Isaiah 1:9; Isaiah 10:22). He declares that the small number will be so greatly enlarged that it will afterwards become a vast body of people and will possess great strength.

Let us consider that what was said to the Jews is now also said to us. That is, though we are few in number and inconsiderable, and appear to be very near destruction, the Church still cannot perish. It will be enlarged and multiplied until it becomes very numerous, for it is God’s planting, and therefore we must not judge it by the multitude or strength of men.

I Jehovah. He now shows the reason why he said all those things which we have previously seen: namely, that we may not suppose him to be like men, whose labors and efforts quickly pass away. Although they wish to change the condition of any kingdom or of the world, they will accomplish nothing; but the Lord changes everything in an instant. He does not speak, therefore, of an ordinary government, but of a wonderful work by which the Lord delivers and multiplies his Church.

Will hasten it in her time. He says that “he will hasten this,” so as to complete it. But he employs a little word that deserves notice regarding the time of the Church, for the relative pronoun is in the feminine gender and is improperly interpreted by some as relating to God. The Prophet means that there is a fixed time when the Church will be delivered; in this way, he exhorts believers to patience, so that they may not act rashly but depend on God’s eternal purpose, who knows how to arrange every moment appropriately.

First, then, he describes the seasonableness and the time when it is advantageous that the Church will be delivered. We do not indeed perceive this, for we would wish to obtain God’s promises instantly and are impatient of delay. But the Lord delays for our benefit and because the time has not yet come. Next, he speaks of haste, for the Lord appears to us to be idle and inactive when he prolongs the time, although he hastens to accomplish everything at the proper season, which he knows.

CHAPTER 61.