Isaiah 60

Isaiah 60:1

3. The Future Glory of Zion (Chap. 60)60:1-3 Zion’s time to arise and shine has come, for the glory of the LORD, that is, the Messiah Himself, has appeared. It is the time of His Second Advent. The world is still in spiritual darkness and the darkness of the Tribulation, but the LORD shines on Israel and through Israel to the rest of the world. Representatives of the Gentiles including kingsflock to Jerusalem to pay their respect to the reborn nation. 60:4-7 As Jerusalem raises her eyes, she sees her sons and daughters returning to the land. Super-abounding joy fills her heart as she watches the Gentiles bringing their gifts and tribute. Camel caravans from far and near come with gold and incense, praising Jehovah’s name. Great flocks arrive in Jerusalem to be used for the sacrifices at the temple, commemorating the Messiah’s finished work on Calvary. Note that myrrh is missing in verse 6. Myrrh speaks of suffering. Christ’s atoning sufferings are finished forever! At His Second Advent there will only be gold (glory) and incense (fragrance). 60:8, 9 Plane-loads of Israel’s sons and exiles return to Israel like flocks of birds, along with large ships bringing their accumulated wealth with them. 60:10 Foreigners serve as construction crews, and kings as servants of God’s people. The tables are turned. God is now showing mercy to the nation that He has punished. 60:11-14 No need to lock the city gates because there is no danger. On the contrary, it is important to keep them open because kings and caravans of wealth are arriving day and night! Destruction awaits any nation that does not serve Israel in that day. Lebanon sends its finest trees to beautify the temple area. The descendants of those Gentiles who formerly persecuted Israel now acknowledge Jerusalem as The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 60:15, 16 Formerly hated and forsaken, Zion becomes a city of excellence, nourished and supported by the rest of the world. Jehovah’s ancient people will know then that He is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 60:17-22 The costliest materialsgold and silver and bronze and ironwill be used in building the city, with peace serving as superintendents and righteousness as the police force. In place of violence and destruction will be Salvation and Praise. The light of the sun and moon will no longer be necessary in Jerusalem, since the glory of the LORD will provide all necessary light. Darkness will vanish and Israel’s mourning shall be ended. A righteous . . . people inherit the land, planted by God for His glory. The humblest of the people will be blessed with numerous posterity, because the LORD has decreed it and will hasten to do it.