Epistle of Baptism of Our Lord

Isaias 60:1-6

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon Thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about and see: all these are gathered together: they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense and showing forth praise to the Lord.

Haydock

Verse 1. O Jerusalem, is not in Heb. or S. Jer. but in the Sept. Some few things may refer to the terrestrial Jerusalem, though the prophet speaks chiefly of the celestial and of the Church. — Lord, very great. Christ came to save us. C. — God prevents by his grace, but man must co-operate to be justified. W.

Verse 2. People. Babylon shall suffer, while thou art relieved. C. — The Gentiles continue in darkness till they embrace the faith. v. 3. H. — Only those who are in the Church receive the light of truth. W.

Verse 3. Rising. The three wise men were the first.

Verse 4. Rise up. S. Jer. “suck,” as the Heb. may imply. C. — Sept. “shall be carried on the shoulders.” H. — This may refer to the captives and to the Church.

Verse 5. Wonder. Heb. and Sept. in S. Jerom, “fear.” This sensation is often mixed with joy. Mat. xxviii. 8. — Thee. No such nations joined the Jews, as they did the Church.

Verse 6. Epha. Abraham’s grandson, who dwelt near his father, Madian, in Arabia, which was famous for camels. C. — Saba. India mittit ebur, molles sua thura Sabæi? Geor. i. — The Arabians embraced the gospel, but never brought their treasures to Jerusalem. C. — The three kings came on swift beasts to adore Christ, and fulfilled his prophecy. Mat. ii. W.

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