1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side.
5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.
6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.
8 Who [are] these [that] fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.
11 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought.
12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
14 The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
15 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through [thee], I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.
18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.
21 Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, 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 his time.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 60
Isaiah Chapter 60 presents a powerful vision of hope and restoration for the people of Israel. This chapter is often interpreted as a prophetic message that speaks to both the immediate future of Jerusalem and the broader theme of God’s ultimate plan for redemption and glory. It emphasizes the themes of light, glory, and the gathering of nations, portraying a time when God’s presence will shine brightly upon His people.
Thematic Elements
- Light and Glory: The chapter opens with a call for Jerusalem to arise and shine, indicating a transformation from darkness to light. This metaphor of light represents God’s glory and presence.
- Restoration and Redemption: The imagery of restoration is prevalent throughout the chapter, suggesting that Jerusalem will be rebuilt and revitalized after a period of desolation.
- Gathering of Nations: The chapter speaks of nations and kings coming to Jerusalem, highlighting the universal appeal of God’s salvation and the inclusion of all peoples in His plan.
- Divine Favor: The text emphasizes God’s favor upon His people, assuring them of His protection and provision in times of trouble.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verses 1-3: The call to “arise and shine” signifies a new beginning for Jerusalem. The glory of the Lord is described as having risen upon the city, contrasting the darkness that envelops the nations. This sets the stage for the transformative power of God’s presence.
- Verses 4-6: These verses depict the gathering of people from various nations, drawn to the light of Jerusalem. The imagery of wealth and abundance flowing into the city symbolizes the blessings that come from God, reinforcing the idea of Jerusalem as a center of divine favor.
- Verses 7-9: The mention of flocks and offerings emphasizes the restoration of worship and the return of the people to their spiritual roots. The reference to ships bringing people from afar signifies the outreach of God’s promise beyond Israel, inviting all to partake in His grace.
- Verses 10-14: These verses illustrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem, with foreign nations serving and honoring it. This reflects a reversal of fortunes, where former oppressors now contribute to the city’s glory. The imagery of kings bowing down underscores the recognition of God’s sovereignty.
- Verses 15-16: The text contrasts the past desolation with future glory, promising that Jerusalem will no longer be forsaken. The assurance of God’s presence is a source of comfort, as He will provide for His people abundantly.
- Verses 17-22: The concluding verses focus on the transformation of Jerusalem into a place of peace and righteousness. The promise of everlasting light and the absence of night symbolizes the eternal nature of God’s kingdom. The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s faithfulness, ensuring that His people will flourish under His care.
Key Takeaways
- The chapter emphasizes the transformative power of God’s glory and the hope of restoration for His people.
- The gathering of nations signifies the inclusivity of God’s salvation, extending beyond Israel to all peoples.
- Jerusalem is portrayed as a central hub of divine favor, prosperity, and worship, reflecting God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
- The promise of everlasting light serves as a metaphor for the eternal presence of God among His people.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 60 serves as a profound reminder of God’s redemptive work and His desire for all nations to come to Him. The chapter encapsulates themes of hope, restoration, and divine glory, offering a vision of what is to come for Jerusalem and, by extension, all who seek the Lord. It invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives and the promise of a future filled with light and peace.
