Study notes

Isaiah 60

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

54:1–66:24 Section

The last chapters in Isaiah described what would happen to people who did things God hated. God hated it when his people only acted as if they worshipped and obeyed him. But what they actually did was commit murder. They told lies and treated needy people badly. God hated it when people made evil plans and worshipped false gods. God longed for his people to stop sinning and to obey him. God described his longing like holding out his hands to welcome a stubborn nation.

God promised to bring judgement against his people for their sins. They would suffer and would be put to shame. He also invited them to change so that they could live. He described this like buying food and drink from him at a market. But God gave the food and drink for free. That showed how deeply God wanted them to turn back to him and be forgiven.

The last chapters in Isaiah also described what would happen to people who obeyed God. People who obeyed were humble, trusted God and wanted to be taught by him. They would be blessed and would be welcome in God’s house. That was another name for the temple. God promised to live with anyone who turns away from their sins. This promise applied to people from Jacob’s family line, to outsiders and to people from all nations. They would possess God’s holy mountain of Zion. This meant that they could live in the land where God ruled as King.

God described the light and brightness and new day of Jerusalem. He was talking about something more than the time when people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. God described a completely new work that he would do. He would create new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth, everyone would honour God. This was described as people from all over the world coming to Jerusalem. They would worship God there. This Jerusalem that God described would be full of joy. There would be no more crying. No one would cause harm or destroy anything or anyone. Everyone would do what was right and fair. God would do this new work when it was the right time.

Many years later Jesus said that God was starting that new work through him. Jesus used the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 to describe the work he was doing on earth (Luke 4:14–21). In Revelation, John also described the new heavens and new earth. The city where God ruled for ever as King was called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–5).

60:1–3

God will come to be with his people and will transform Zion’s destiny from the darkness as black as night caused by sin and judgment.

60:3

The transformation of all nations and mighty kings will be so radical that all kingdoms will take notice and be drawn to God through his people (see also Revelation 21:24).

60:5–7

Zion will recover its losses from war through the wealth of many lands. Foreign nations will eagerly contribute (Isaiah 60:11; 61:6; 66:12; see Revelation 21:26).

60:6

Midian and Ephah were Midianite tribes located southeast of Israel.
Sheba was a region in southern Arabia (see 1 Kings 10:1–2). It was known for its frankincense (Jeremiah 6:20).
These were real nations, and their restoration would be a historical reality, not just an idealistic vision. Many nations would submit to and worship the Lord.

60:7

Kedar was a tribe in Arabia (Isaiah 21:16–17).
Nebaioth was a tribe of Ishmael's descendants.
I will adorn My glorious house: God's glory will be more evident than in Solomon’s Temple (see Isaiah 6:1–5; Haggai 2:9; Revelation 21:11, 22).

60:9

He has glorified you: See Revelation 21:26.

60:10

their kings will serve you: God's people, once humiliated (Isaiah 2:11), will be honored.

60:10–16

Those who previously oppressed the people of God will one day participate in restoring the holy city (see Isaiah 2:2–4; 19:18–25; Nehemiah 2:8; Amos 9:12).

60:11

There are two likely reasons why the gates remain open at night (see also Revelation 21:25):

A lot of people will enter the city (Isaiah 60:8–10), so the gates must stay open.
The citizens of Zion will not fear enemies because the Lord protects them (Isaiah 60:18); the remaining nations will serve the Lord and his people (60:9, 12).

60:12

In the coming age, nations that refuse to obey God will be destroyed.

60:13

The temple was God's sanctuary, the symbol of his presence on earth. Believers now are the temple of God by the indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). We still await the fullness of God’s presence (Revelation 21:22).

60:15

an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age: This would be a major change from the exile in Babylon. Fulfillments of this prophecy include:

the return of the jews from exile,
the arrival of Jesus Christ, and
the inclusion of non-Jewish people in the church.

The final fulfillment awaits the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ, which will bring in the new Jerusalem.

60:17

gold … silver … bronze … iron: People use these metals for decoration and strength (compare Isaiah 54:11; Revelation 21:15–21).
Peace and righteousness will create harmony and blessings among people and with God.

60:17–20

These verses describe the future greatness of Zion (compare Revelation 21:10–22:4).

60:18

you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise: People will enter the city of salvation through gates of praise to the Lord for his great salvation.

60:19–20

The sun and moon will seem dull compared to the brightness of God's presence (see also Isaiah 9:2; 30:26; Zechariah 2:5; Revelation 21:23–24).

60:21

The citizens of Zion will be righteous, enjoying a right relationship with God and with others (Revelation 21:27).
the land: Or all the earth (Isaiah 54:5; 62:7; 65:17; 66:22).

60:22

I am the LORD: The Lord reveals himself as the covenant God of Israel. His identity guarantees he will fulfill his promises (see Isaiah 27:3–4).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources