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Isaiah 60:2
Verse
Context
Future Glory for Zion
1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2For 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. 3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Darkness shall cover the earth - This is the state of the Gentile people.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is now all darkness over mankind; but Zion is the east, in which this sun of suns will rise. Isa 60:2 "For, behold, the darkness covereth the earth, and deep darkness the nations; and Jehovah riseth over thee, and His glory becomes visible over thee." The night which settles upon the world of nations is not to be understood as meaning a night of ignorance and enmity against God. This prophecy no doubt stands in progressive connection with the previous one; but, according to Isa 59:19, the manifestation of judgment, through which Zion is redeemed, brings even the heathen from west to east, i.e., those who survive the judgment, to the fear of Jehovah. The idea is rather the following: After the judgments of God have passed, darkness in its greatest depth still covers the earth, and a night of clouds the nations. It is still night as on the first day, but a night which is to give place to light. Where, then, will the sun rise, by which this darkness is to be lighted up? The answer is, "Over Zion, the redeemed church of Israel." But whilst darkness still covers the nations, it is getting light in the Holy Land, for a sun is rising over Zion, viz., Jehovah in His unveiled glory. The consequence of this is, that Zion itself becomes thoroughly light, and that not for itself only, but for all mankind. When Jehovah has transformed Zion into the likeness of His own glory, Zion transforms all nations into the likeness of her own. Isa 60:3 "And nations walk to thy light, and kings to the shining of thy rays." Zion exerts such an attractive force, that nations move towards her light (ל הלך as in לביתו ni sa הלך and other similar expressions), and kings to the splendour of her rays, to share in them for themselves, and enjoy them with her. All earthly might and majesty station themselves in the light of the divine glory, which is reflected by the church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
darkness . . . earth--the rest of the earth: in contrast with "light . . . upon thee" (Isa 60:1). The earth will be afterwards enlightened through Israel (Isa 9:2). be seen--conspicuously: so the Hebrew.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,.... Like that which covered the land of Egypt, when there was light in Goshen: and this may be meant either of the darkness of ignorance, idolatry, superstition, false doctrine, and false worship, that should cover the far greater part of the nations of the world, before this light and glory should break out, as it does at this day; some parts of it being covered with Pagan darkness, others with Mahometan darkness, and others with Papal darkness; and a very small spot it is where the light of the Gospel is, and that clear, but among a very few; for the most part it is not clear nor dark, it is not day nor night; and this is the evening time, in which, ere long, it shall be light; see Zac 14:6 or else this may design the distress that the antichristian states will be in, when this light shall break forth; the kingdom of the beast will be full of darkness, distress, and confusion, Rev 16:10, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee: as on the tabernacle of old, Lev 9:23 to which the allusion is, Isa 4:5 this shows that the light and glory of the Lord, in the preceding verse, design the Lord himself, and his gracious purpose, and the display of his glory in the Gospel now preached; and that it will be visible in the church, and taken notice of by others, and induce them, and even great personages, to come unto it, as follows: or "he shall be seen", or "appear", in "his glory upon thee"; so Ben Melech renders it, supposing that "in", is wanting; and so the sense is, that Christ shall appear in the glory of his person and of his offices, and especially his kingly office; and in the glory of his grace and righteousness, in the ministration of his word among his people. The Jews (r) apply this to the first coming of Christ, which belongs to his spiritual reign. (r) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1.
Isaiah 60:2
Future Glory for Zion
1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. 2For 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. 3Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Child Is This? the Benedictus
By J. Glyn Owen1.9K21:49BenedictusGEN 18:10PSA 23:6PSA 107:10ISA 9:2ISA 60:2LUK 1:67In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevailing conditions of desolation and darkness in the world during the time of Zechariah. He emphasizes the need for salvation from enemies and the importance of serving God without fear. The speaker also highlights the concept of divine visitation, where God visits his people both in grace and judgment. The sermon references biblical passages such as Exodus 20:5 and Psalm 89:32 to support these ideas. Additionally, the speaker mentions the metaphor of God visiting his people to save them and the unusual imagery used by Zechariah to describe God's salvation through the conception and birth of Jesus.
What the Holy Spirit Is Emphasizing in This Generation
By Mike Bickle281:41:21RevivalCommitment to PrayerISA 60:2MAL 4:5MAT 13:30MAT 22:37Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgent call of the Holy Spirit to the church in this generation, highlighting the simultaneous rise of both revival and crisis as we approach the Lord's return. He discusses the need for a deeper commitment to prayer, holiness, and caring for the marginalized, particularly the fatherless, while also warning against complacency in faith. Bickle encourages believers to embrace their identity as the bride of Christ and to actively participate in the growing prayer movement, which he believes will be the greatest in history. He calls for a radical shift in how the church expresses its faith, focusing on the supremacy of Jesus and the importance of intercession.
The Need of This Great Hour of History
By Mike Bickle2442:35Forerunners in FaithRevivalISA 60:2ACT 2:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgent need for God's people to recognize the critical moment in history we are living in, where a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit is occurring alongside a troubling compromise within the church. He calls for believers to boldly declare the truth of God's Word without succumbing to societal pressures or fear, as both revival and falling away are happening simultaneously. Bickle stresses the importance of being forerunners who prepare themselves and others for the challenges ahead, while actively engaging in prayer, fasting, and living out their faith. He warns against the dangers of complacency and encourages a deep commitment to Jesus and His teachings, as the church faces unprecedented moral crises. Ultimately, he invites believers to recommit to their faith and to be active participants in God's plan during this pivotal time.
Why Understanding the Biblical View of the End Times Is Important
By Mike Bickle191:06:59End TimesBiblical ProphecyISA 60:2MAT 24:33HEB 12:26Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the biblical view of the end times, arguing that it is not a secondary theme but a vital issue for believers today. He warns of an impending perfect storm of escalating global crises, including financial, political, and moral challenges, and stresses that without a biblical context, many will be confused and misled. Bickle highlights the need for believers to be informed and engaged with the biblical narrative to respond with faith and hope, rather than fear and confusion. He calls for a generation of messengers who will boldly proclaim the truth of God's plan amidst the chaos, ensuring that the church is prepared for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, he encourages believers to take a stand and be part of God's unfolding story, as the glory of God will be revealed even in the midst of turmoil.
Building on His Voice
By Brian Guerin728:18Foundation in ChristObedience to God's WordPRO 24:27ISA 60:2MAT 7:24ROM 10:17JAS 1:22Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus' words, as illustrated in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. He explains that both builders faced the same storms, but only the one who acted on Jesus' teachings stood firm, while the other faced a great fall. Guerin highlights the importance of proximity to Jesus and the necessity of being doers of the word, not just hearers, to ensure our foundations remain strong amidst life's challenges. He encourages believers to seek God's voice and obey it fully, warning against partial obedience that can lead to instability. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the foundational truths of Scripture to withstand the trials of life.
Five Reasons to Value Studying the End Times
By Mike Bickle0ISA 60:2JER 23:20HAG 2:6MAT 24:10MAT 24:33LUK 21:26LUK 21:341TI 4:1Mike Bickle preaches about the acceleration of the nations towards the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the increasing darkness and glory of God in the generation of Jesus' return. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique dynamics and biblical reasons for studying the end times, highlighting the need for increased knowledge and prophetic insight in the Church. Bickle also addresses the pastoral challenges that will escalate in the end-time Church, focusing on overcoming fear, offense, lust, and deception to stand firm in faith and love amidst the pressures of the last days.
Signs of the Times
By A.W. Pink0Repentance and SalvationTrue EvangelismISA 44:20ISA 45:9ISA 60:2MAT 1:21MAT 9:12MRK 1:15LUK 13:3ROM 3:20EPH 5:11HEB 5:9A.W. Pink addresses the alarming state of modern evangelism, asserting that much of it is superficial and misleading, failing to convey the true nature of the Gospel. He emphasizes that genuine conversion requires a deep understanding of sin and repentance, rather than a mere acceptance of Christ as Savior without acknowledging His Lordship. Pink warns that many who believe they are saved are actually deceived, as they have not truly repented or surrendered to Christ. He calls for a return to preaching the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a transformed life in Christ, urging believers to reject the false messages prevalent in contemporary evangelism. The sermon serves as a wake-up call to the church to uphold the integrity of the Gospel amidst a culture of compromise.
The Armor of Light
By Richard E. Bieber0ISA 60:2Richard E. Bieber delivers a powerful sermon urging believers to wake up from spiritual slumber as the time of salvation draws near, likening the current world events to the impending storm before World War II. He emphasizes the need to cast off works of darkness and put on the armor of light, living in a manner that reflects exposure to God's truth and light amidst growing darkness. Bieber challenges believers to choose between living for temporary pleasures, making provision for the flesh, or embracing the armor of light to withstand the spiritual corruption and challenges of the coming days.
Deliverance From the Power of Darkness
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 9:2ISA 60:2ZEC 3:1MAT 10:39MAT 16:26LUK 22:53JHN 1:5EPH 5:11EPH 6:12COL 1:12J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of being delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. He emphasizes the need for true religion to be all-encompassing, warning about the irreparable loss of the soul. Philpot delves into the meanings of darkness as ignorance, sin, Satan's influence, and eternal misery, highlighting the necessity of God's deliverance. He explains the process of being made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light through washing, justification, and sanctification. Philpot concludes by urging gratitude and thanksgiving to the Father for His merciful acts of grace and the transformation from darkness to light.
The Word of My Patience
By Charles S. Price0DEU 28:13PSA 37:11PRO 4:18ISA 2:12ISA 60:2LUK 21:19JHN 8:322TI 2:12REV 22:20Charles S. Price preaches about the darkness and confusion prevailing on earth due to humanity's desire for sovereignty and rejection of God. Despite the chaos, God's promise in Deuteronomy 28:13-14 assures that He will establish His sovereignty over all. The sermon emphasizes the need for surrender to Christ, as only through knowing Him can true freedom and liberation be found. It speaks of the current captivity and waiting period, highlighting the importance of being overcome by God's Spirit to be prepared for His glorious manifestation in the future.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Darkness shall cover the earth - This is the state of the Gentile people.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
It is now all darkness over mankind; but Zion is the east, in which this sun of suns will rise. Isa 60:2 "For, behold, the darkness covereth the earth, and deep darkness the nations; and Jehovah riseth over thee, and His glory becomes visible over thee." The night which settles upon the world of nations is not to be understood as meaning a night of ignorance and enmity against God. This prophecy no doubt stands in progressive connection with the previous one; but, according to Isa 59:19, the manifestation of judgment, through which Zion is redeemed, brings even the heathen from west to east, i.e., those who survive the judgment, to the fear of Jehovah. The idea is rather the following: After the judgments of God have passed, darkness in its greatest depth still covers the earth, and a night of clouds the nations. It is still night as on the first day, but a night which is to give place to light. Where, then, will the sun rise, by which this darkness is to be lighted up? The answer is, "Over Zion, the redeemed church of Israel." But whilst darkness still covers the nations, it is getting light in the Holy Land, for a sun is rising over Zion, viz., Jehovah in His unveiled glory. The consequence of this is, that Zion itself becomes thoroughly light, and that not for itself only, but for all mankind. When Jehovah has transformed Zion into the likeness of His own glory, Zion transforms all nations into the likeness of her own. Isa 60:3 "And nations walk to thy light, and kings to the shining of thy rays." Zion exerts such an attractive force, that nations move towards her light (ל הלך as in לביתו ni sa הלך and other similar expressions), and kings to the splendour of her rays, to share in them for themselves, and enjoy them with her. All earthly might and majesty station themselves in the light of the divine glory, which is reflected by the church.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
darkness . . . earth--the rest of the earth: in contrast with "light . . . upon thee" (Isa 60:1). The earth will be afterwards enlightened through Israel (Isa 9:2). be seen--conspicuously: so the Hebrew.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,.... Like that which covered the land of Egypt, when there was light in Goshen: and this may be meant either of the darkness of ignorance, idolatry, superstition, false doctrine, and false worship, that should cover the far greater part of the nations of the world, before this light and glory should break out, as it does at this day; some parts of it being covered with Pagan darkness, others with Mahometan darkness, and others with Papal darkness; and a very small spot it is where the light of the Gospel is, and that clear, but among a very few; for the most part it is not clear nor dark, it is not day nor night; and this is the evening time, in which, ere long, it shall be light; see Zac 14:6 or else this may design the distress that the antichristian states will be in, when this light shall break forth; the kingdom of the beast will be full of darkness, distress, and confusion, Rev 16:10, but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee: as on the tabernacle of old, Lev 9:23 to which the allusion is, Isa 4:5 this shows that the light and glory of the Lord, in the preceding verse, design the Lord himself, and his gracious purpose, and the display of his glory in the Gospel now preached; and that it will be visible in the church, and taken notice of by others, and induce them, and even great personages, to come unto it, as follows: or "he shall be seen", or "appear", in "his glory upon thee"; so Ben Melech renders it, supposing that "in", is wanting; and so the sense is, that Christ shall appear in the glory of his person and of his offices, and especially his kingly office; and in the glory of his grace and righteousness, in the ministration of his word among his people. The Jews (r) apply this to the first coming of Christ, which belongs to his spiritual reign. (r) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1.