Isaiah 60:1-3
Isaiah portrays this day like a sunrise in the dark. The earth is show in darkness but God's people in the light as the glory of the Lord has risen like the sun. His glory will be seen over them and in them. This will be a witness to the world and the gentiles will come and the leaders will come.
Isaiah 60:4-7
This is what it will look like. Isaiah invites them to lift their eyes and see in their mind's eye what will be reality someday. All Israel will be gathered from afar; The wealth of nations will be brought much like the wealth of Egypt was carried from there.
- Midian: Nomadic tribe in NW Arabia – a son of Abraham by second wife (Gen 25)
- Epah: A son of Midian (Gen 25:4).
- Sheba: SW Arabia know for wealth – trade of precious stones and metals
- Kedar: Son of Ishmael, northern Arabia, east of Syria.
- Nabaioth: Eldest son of Ishmael, northern Arabia
They will come and bless Zion. They shall come to the altar and be accepted. Gentiles weren't allowed in the covenant of the law. This is a new covenant.
Isaiah 60:8-9
What a sight this gathering will be! It may be such that one would ask, "Who are all these people?" They are like doves returning to their coop – coming home. The coastlands are typically the gentiles as are the ships of Tarshish. These all look to the Lord as they return the sons from afar. The sons may be the sons of Israel returning home by way of the gentile ships or they may be the sons of Israel with the new sons that are grafted in – the church. They come from 'afar'; they come to 'the name of the Lord' and to 'the Holy One of Israel'. Why? Because he has glorified you.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)
Isaiah 60:10-12
The sons of foreigners will find purpose in the rebuilding of the walls. Why? Is it only for symbolism? There is no threat. The gentile kings will be the servants to Israel and Jerusalem. The gates will remain open because there is no threat and because there is a continuous flow of wealth from the gentile nations brought to the Lord and His people. In that day, there will be One King and Ruler – all will serve Him or perish.
Isaiah 60:13-14
The glory of Lebanon is symbolic of the beauty, majesty of the great cedars, prosperity, glory and stability associated with the Lord. These things come to Zion; they come to the Lord's sanctuary. The Lord resides in the heavens but the earthly sanctuary is His footrest. We see this also in Psalm 99:5; 132:7; Ezekiel 43:7.
Those who used to afflict Israel will now bow before them; those who despised them will be prostrate before them. They will call Zion by its new name 'The city of the Yahweh'. See Is 62:2.
Isaiah 60:15-16
Israel is seen as once despised, hated and avoided and now held in the highest regard. The gentile nations and kings are depicted as a mother providing nutrition and loving care for her children. This the Lord's blessing to reverse this situation. In this reversal they will know that He is the Lord, Redeemer and Mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 60:17-18
The provision for Israel will not just be sufficient; bronze, iron, wood and stone were sufficient. But the Lord is glorified when the finest is provided; Gold, silver, bronze and iron. This is the wealth of nations that points to the Lord. This points to the 'You shall know' of verse 16. They would then be governed by peace and well-being would rule them. The millennial reign is in view as there is no longer any violence. Salvation is the Lord's work while praise is the response of the people. The wall doesn't do much if the gates aren't intact.
Isaiah 60:19-22
The light is associated with the Lord, righteousness and justice. The moon and sun are no longer needed to light the day; it will be lit by the Lord's glory. No more tears! No more oppression! God's people will thrive in His presence under the rule of Jesus. He is the 'branch of My planting' and 'work of My hands' in the work and provision of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. In its time, it will happen and quickly.
©2018 Doug Ford
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