Isaiah 60
BSB1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2 For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm. 5 Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you. 6 Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. 7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. 8 Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters? 9 Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you. 10 Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. 11 Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession. 12 For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed. 13 The glory of Lebanon will come to you— its cypress, elm, and boxwood together— to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet. 14 The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 Whereas you have been forsaken and despised, with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age. 16 You will drink the milk of nations and nurse at the breasts of royalty; you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler. 18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. 19 No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. 20 Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease. 21 Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. 22 The least of you will become a thousand, and the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will accomplish it quickly.
Study Notes — Isaiah 60
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 60
- Themes from Isaiah 60
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 60
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a call to arise and shine, as the glory of the Lord has risen upon His people (Isaiah 60:1). The nations will come to the light of the Lord, and the wealth of the nations will be brought to God's people (Isaiah 60:3-5). The chapter then describes the redemption of God's people, where they will be called by a new name and will be a holy people (Isaiah 60:14, 21). The chapter concludes with a description of the eternal kingdom of God, where the sun will no longer be the light, but the Lord will be the everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19-20).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 60 is part of the larger context of Isaiah 40-66, which describes the redemption of God's people and the establishment of the eternal kingdom of God. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's plan of salvation and redemption. The chapter points forward to the coming of Christ, who is the light of the world and the redeemer of God's people.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages God's people to trust in His sovereignty and promises, and to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God. The chapter also encourages God's people to be a light in the darkness, shining the light of the Lord to the nations. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's plan of redemption and to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about God's glory and light shining in the darkness, bringing redemption to His people. God's people are called to arise and shine, trusting in His sovereignty and promises (Isaiah 60:1). The chapter describes the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19-20). As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's plan of redemption and to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God.
Voices from the Church
“The light of the Lord is not a mere metaphor, but a reality that shines in the hearts of God's people, illuminating the darkness and bringing salvation.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The glory of the Lord is not a fleeting thing, but an eternal reality that will be revealed in all its fullness in the eternal kingdom of God.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Call to Arise and Shine (Isaiah 60:1-3) — The chapter begins with a call to arise and shine, as the glory of the Lord has risen upon His people.
- The Nations Will Come to the Light (Isaiah 60:3-7) — The nations will come to the light of the Lord, and the wealth of the nations will be brought to God's people.
- The Redemption of God's People (Isaiah 60:8-14) — The chapter describes the redemption of God's people, where they will be called by a new name and will be a holy people.
- The Description of the Eternal Kingdom (Isaiah 60:15-22) — The chapter describes the eternal kingdom of God, where the sun will no longer be the light, but the Lord will be the everlasting light.
- The Conclusion (Isaiah 60:22) — The chapter concludes with a description of the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of redemption, where God redeems His people from sin and darkness. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of redemption.
- The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of God's sovereignty, where God is in control of all things, including the nations and the redemption of His people.
- The Doctrine of the Eternal Kingdom
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light. The chapter emphasizes the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the eternal redemption of His people.
- The Doctrine of the Light of the World
- The chapter teaches the doctrine of the light of the world, where Christ is the light that shines in the darkness, bringing salvation to God's people.
Lessons from Isaiah 60
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and promises, even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
- Look Forward to the Eternal Kingdom — The chapter encourages us to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light.
- Be a Light in the Darkness — The chapter encourages us to be a light in the darkness, shining the light of the Lord to the nations.
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of redemption.
- The Eternal Nature of God's Kingdom — The chapter teaches us about the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the eternal redemption of His people.
Themes from Isaiah 60
- The Theme of Light and Darkness — The chapter uses the contrast between light and darkness to describe God's presence and redemption.
- The Theme of God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the nations and the redemption of His people.
- The Theme of Redemption — The chapter teaches the doctrine of redemption, where God redeems His people from sin and darkness.
- The Theme of the Eternal Kingdom — The chapter describes the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light.
- The Theme of Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of redemption.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to arise and shine, and how can we apply this to our lives?
- How does the chapter describe the redemption of God's people, and what does this mean for us today?
- What is the eternal kingdom of God, and how does this chapter describe it?
- How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty, and what does this mean for our lives?
- What does it mean to be a light in the darkness, and how can we shine the light of the Lord to the nations?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Call to Arise and Shine (Isaiah 60:1-3)
| Isaiah 60:1 | The chapter begins with a call to arise and shine, as the glory of the Lord has risen upon His people. |
| Isaiah 60:2 | The nations will come to the light of the Lord, and the wealth of the nations will be brought to God's people. |
2. The Nations Will Come to the Light (Isaiah 60:3-7)
| Isaiah 60:3 | The nations will come to the light of the Lord, and the wealth of the nations will be brought to God's people. |
| Isaiah 60:4 | The sons of those who afflicted you will come bowing to you, and all who despised you will bow down at your feet. |
3. The Redemption of God's People (Isaiah 60:8-14)
| Isaiah 60:8 | Who are these who fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows? |
| Isaiah 60:9 | For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them. |
4. The Description of the Eternal Kingdom (Isaiah 60:15-22)
| Isaiah 60:15 | Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you an eternal pride, a joy from age to age. |
| Isaiah 60:16 | You will drink the milk of nations, and nurse at the breast of kings; and you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. |
5. The Conclusion (Isaiah 60:22)
| Isaiah 60:22 | The least one will become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to arise and shine?
To arise and shine means to trust in God's sovereignty and promises, and to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light (Isaiah 60:1).
How does the chapter describe the redemption of God's people?
The chapter describes the redemption of God's people, where they will be called by a new name and will be a holy people (Isaiah 60:14, 21).
What is the eternal kingdom of God?
The eternal kingdom of God is a place where the Lord will be the everlasting light, and where God's people will live in eternal joy and peace (Isaiah 60:19-20).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 60:1 → Psalm 27:1 | The psalmist writes about the Lord being his light and salvation, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:1. |
| 2 | Isaiah 60:2 → John 1:4 | The Gospel of John writes about the life being the light of men, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:2. |
| 3 | Isaiah 60:3 → Revelation 21:24 | The book of Revelation writes about the nations bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:3. |
| 4 | Isaiah 60:5 → Haggai 2:7 | The prophet Haggai writes about the treasure of all nations coming to the house of the Lord, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:5. |
| 5 | Isaiah 60:6 → Matthew 2:11 | The Gospel of Matthew writes about the wise men coming to worship Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:6. |
| 6 | Isaiah 60:9 → Genesis 12:3 | The book of Genesis writes about the blessing of the nations through Abraham, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:9. |
| 7 | Isaiah 60:10 → Psalm 102:13 | The psalmist writes about the Lord rising up to have compassion on Zion, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:10. |
| 8 | Isaiah 60:11 → Revelation 21:25 | The book of Revelation writes about the gates of the New Jerusalem never being shut, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:11. |
| 9 | Isaiah 60:12 → Psalm 2:8 | The psalmist writes about the nations being given to the Messiah as an inheritance, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:12. |
| 10 | Isaiah 60:22 → Habakkuk 2:3 | The prophet Habakkuk writes about the vision being for an appointed time, which is also a theme in Isaiah 60:22. |
Sermons on Isaiah 60
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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At the End of Time - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the themes of the end of time, eternity, and the importance of focusing on the eternal realm rather than just temporal matters. It emphasizes the contrast b |
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A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
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The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate goal of God's plan for His people: to dwell in the land and be in a covenant relationship with Him. The speaker uses the analogy |
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(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled in |
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Walking in the Power of the New Convenant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher explores the story of Isaac sending his son Jacob on a journey with nothing, despite being a wealthy man. The preacher questions why a rich father woul |
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Can These Dry Bones Live by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church's role in reaching out to the Jewish people. He shares his personal journey of coming to recognize the significa |
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Revival - Part 1 by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impact of God's blessings on his people and the resulting evangelistic overflow. He emphasizes that when God blesses his people, the worl |
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Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a former Marxist who showed him kindness and patience. The speaker was intrigued by the person's constant mention |
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I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land and draws parallels to the Christian journey. He emphasizes that the call of G |
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The Millennium - What? Where? When? How? Who? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the hunger and thirst for God that will characterize the future. He mentions specific instances where he has witnessed this hunger, such as in |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 60
Matthew Henry writes that this chapter is a prophecy of the glorious state of the church in the latter days, when the light of the Lord will shine forth, and the nations will be brought to the knowledge of God. He notes that the chapter is a call to the church to arise and shine, and to trust in God's sovereignty and promises. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan of redemption, and encourages the church to look forward to the eternal kingdom of God, where the Lord will be the everlasting light. He writes that the chapter is a description of the eternal kingdom of God, where the sun will no longer be the light, but the Lord will be the everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19-20). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Use of Light and Darkness
The chapter uses the contrast between light and darkness to describe God's presence and redemption. The light of the Lord shines in the darkness, bringing hope and salvation to His people.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the nations and the redemption of His people. God is the one who brings light and salvation to His people.
The Description of the Eternal Kingdom
The chapter describes the eternal kingdom of God, where the sun will no longer be the light, but the Lord will be the everlasting light. This description emphasizes the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the eternal redemption of His people.