John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 62:6

"I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that are Jehovah`s remembrancers, take ye no rest," — Isaiah 62:6 (ASV)

On thy walls. As the Prophet intended to describe the perfect happiness of the kingdom of Christ, so he assembles all that belongs to the prosperous condition of any country or city. To other advantages he adds guards and a garrison, because the greatest abundance of all good things would be of little use if we were not safe from enemies. Therefore, he declares that the Lord will not only supply the Church with all that is necessary but will also appoint faithful guards to ward off enemies and robbers, so that He may thus be recognized, both within and without, as the author of a happy life.

Who shall not be silent. By “being silent,” he means “being at rest,” as if he meant, “They will be continually on the watch, so that they foresee at a great distance the dangers that threaten them.”

Ye who are mindful of Jehovah. He next explains who these guards are: namely, those who “shall be mindful of the Lord,” that is, shall celebrate the memory of His name. Although among the guards we might properly reckon the angels (Psalms 91:11; Hebrews 1:14), to whom we know this office is assigned, yet because they willingly and cheerfully watch over the safety of the Church and do not need to be spurred on by exhortations, the Prophet addresses his discourse to other watchmen.

The word he employs is of doubtful meaning. Sometimes it signifies “to remember,” and sometimes “to bring to remembrance”; and neither of those meanings would be inappropriate. But I think that he simply means that these guards will be God’s ministers to celebrate His name. Some render it as “Making known the Lord”; but that is unnatural and suddenly interrupts the Prophet’s meaning, and such commentators do not pay attention to the comparison of the guards of a city, which the Prophet employs.

Although the Prophet intends simply to teach that the Church will be safe from all dangers because God watches over her safety, yet we should always consider the nature of Christ’s kingdom. For it is not defended by the weapons of war or by arms but, being spiritual, is protected by spiritual arms and guards.

The Lord will therefore have His ministers, whom He will use for defending the Church by the sword of the word, so that she may be kept safe—not by earthly guards, but by God’s secret and spiritual power. The Prophet explains himself by saying, Ye who are mindful of the Lord.

Although this statement relates to all the godly, who are commanded to celebrate the name of God in all places as far as it is in their power, it is chiefly addressed to the priests. These priests, who hold a public office, should set an example to others and devote themselves with all their heart to the praises of God.

During the whole day and the whole night. Here pastors are reminded of their duty, for it is not enough to feed the Lord’s flock if they do not also defend it from the attacks of robbers and wolves. “Night and day,” therefore, they must guard and keep watch if they wish to perform their duty properly.

Keep not silence. The Lord forbids them to be silent, for He wishes them to be diligent and attentive; and in this He shows how great is the care He takes about the safety of the Church. This passage testifies that it is a remarkable kindness of God when we have faithful pastors who take care of us, for we are exposed to dangers of every kind and lie open to the snares of Satan if the Lord does not protect us by His guards. Therefore, we should always pray that He would surround us with those guards which He sees that we need.