Isaiah 60
Isaiah 60 speaks of the future glory of Zion, a time when Israel, restored and exalted by the Lord, will become a light to the nations. The chapter emphasizes God's promise to bring transformation, turning Zion into a beacon of peace, righteousness, and divine splendor. It anticipates the gathering of nations, the restoration of wealth, and the everlasting covenant of peace.
Isaiah 60:1 (NKJV)
1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
Israel is called to rise and reflect the glory of God that has arrived. This is a moment of divine intervention, where God's presence and favor are visibly manifested. The nation is no longer in darkness but is now a light to the world, drawing others to the brilliance of God's glory.
Isaiah 60:2 (NKJV)
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
Though the world is shrouded in darkness and ignorance, God’s light will shine upon Israel. This highlights the contrast between the spiritual darkness of the world and the illuminating presence of God with His people. The Lord's glory will set Israel apart as a beacon of hope and salvation.
Isaiah 60:3 (NKJV)
3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Nations and kings will be drawn to the light emanating from Israel. This signifies the global impact of Israel’s restored relationship with God. The radiance of God’s presence in Zion will attract Gentiles and rulers, signifying their recognition of God’s work and their desire to partake in it.
Isaiah 60:4-5 (NKJV)
4 “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you.
Israel is invited to witness the return of her exiled children, as well as the influx of wealth from the nations. The image of sons and daughters returning reflects restoration and unity, while the wealth of the Gentiles symbolizes recognition of Israel's God. This restoration will bring joy and prosperity, as God gathers His people and blesses them.
Isaiah 60:6-7 (NKJV)
6 The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory.
Nations from the east, like Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, will bring gifts of gold and incense, reminiscent of the offerings of worship. The flocks of Kedar and Nebaioth symbolize the wealth of the nations, and their sacrifices will be accepted by God. This indicates not just material prosperity but a spiritual alignment as nations acknowledge and worship the Lord.
Isaiah 60:8-10 (NKJV)
8 “Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts?
9 Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me; And the ships of Tarshish will come first, To bring your sons from afar, Their silver and their gold with them, To the name of the Lord your God, And to the Holy One of Israel, Because He has glorified you.
10 “The sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, And their kings shall minister to you; For in My wrath I struck you, But in My favor I have had mercy on you.
This passage portrays the return of exiles, likened to doves flying home, bringing treasures from distant lands. The nations will contribute to Israel’s restoration, rebuilding its walls and cities. Foreign kings will serve Israel, acknowledging God's favor upon them. Though God once disciplined Israel, He now shows mercy, highlighting a theme of divine restoration.
Isaiah 60:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day or night, That men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, And their kings in procession.
12 For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.
Israel’s gates will be perpetually open, symbolizing a state of peace and abundance. Nations will continually bring their wealth to honor God’s people, but those who refuse to acknowledge God’s plan for Israel will face destruction. This underscores the importance of aligning with God's purpose for Zion and the inevitable judgment for those who resist.
Isaiah 60:13-14 (NKJV)
13 “The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, The cypress, the pine, and the box tree together, To beautify the place of My sanctuary; And I will make the place of My feet glorious.
14 Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
The beauty of Lebanon’s forests will adorn God’s sanctuary, enhancing its splendor. Those who once oppressed and despised Israel will now humble themselves, recognizing Zion as God’s chosen city. This transformation of enemies into worshipers shows the power of God’s work in restoring His people and vindicating them before the world.
Isaiah 60:15-16 (NKJV)
15 “Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations.
16 You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
Israel, once despised and abandoned, will now be exalted and celebrated across generations. The nation will experience abundant provision from the Gentiles and kings, signifying honor and sustenance from those who once rejected her. Through this transformation, Israel will recognize God as her Savior and Redeemer, acknowledging His faithfulness.
Isaiah 60:17-18 (NKJV)
17 “Instead of bronze I will bring gold, Instead of iron I will bring silver, Instead of wood, bronze, And instead of stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace, And your magistrates righteousness.
18 Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise.
God promises to replace common materials with precious ones, symbolizing an upgrade in Israel’s prosperity and security. The leadership will be characterized by peace and righteousness. Violence, destruction, and chaos will be banished, and instead, salvation and praise will define the city. This reflects a complete transformation in Israel’s spiritual and physical well-being.
Isaiah 60:19-20 (NKJV)
19 “The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.
20 Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the Lord will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended.
God’s presence will be Israel’s perpetual light, far surpassing the need for the sun or moon. This symbolizes the eternal nature of God’s glory shining over His people. The mourning and sorrow that Israel once experienced will be over, as they enter into a time of everlasting joy and peace under the radiance of God’s presence.
Isaiah 60:21-22 (NKJV)
21 Also your people shall all be righteous; They shall inherit the land forever, The branch of My planting, The work of My hands, That I may be glorified.
22 A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.
Israel’s people will be righteous, reflecting their restored relationship with God. They will possess the land forever as a testimony of God’s faithful work. Even the smallest will become great, signifying exponential growth and blessing. God Himself will ensure that these promises come to pass in His perfect timing.