As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin,
into the midst of the furnace
As refiners of metal do; though not together, as here, but each metal apart. Silver is here mentioned, to denote that those who were truly good should suffer in this calamity, and be tried and purified by it: to blow the fire upon it, and to melt it;
the metal being covered with fuel, this is kindled and blown upon, to cause the greater heat, in order to melt it down; expressive of the wrath of God, as follows: so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury;
from the several parts of the land unto the city of Jerusalem: this they thought was for their good and safety, but it was in wrath, and in order to ruin: and I will leave you there, and melt you;
that is, I will leave you in the city of Jerusalem, to the sword, famine, and pestilence, to be destroyed by them; or with fire at the burning of the city: or, "I will rest" F7; as the refiner does; having put his metal into the furnace, and blown the fire, sits still till all is melted.