Isaiah 60:1

Commentary on Isaiah 60:1

1. The Text

Isaiah 60:1 (King James Version):
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

2. Exegetical Commentary

2.1 Literary and Historical Context

Isaiah chapter 60[i] forms part of the closing section of Isaiah (chapters 56 to 66), often called “Third Isaiah” by scholars. It speaks to a people who have returned from exile, yet still feel the weight of disappointment, weakness, and unfulfilled promises. The chapter is a prophetic vision of Zion restored, renewed, and radiant with the presence of God.

The chapter opens with a command and a declaration. The command is “Arise, shine.” The declaration is “for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

This is not a call to self-generated optimism. It is a summons grounded in divine action. God has acted; therefore, God’s people respond.

2.2 Word-by-Word Consideration

“Arise”

The Hebrew verb carries the sense of standing up, being established, and being set upright. It is a call out of passivity, despair, or spiritual slumber. It assumes that the people have been bowed down or inactive.

“Shine”

This is not merely reflecting sunlight; it is radiating with the light that God provides. The people of God do not produce the light; they display it.

“For thy light is come”

The light is not a vague spiritual feeling. It is the arrival of God’s saving presence. In Isaiah, “light” often symbolises salvation, revelation, and the presence of God Himself.

Compare:

Isaiah 9:2 (King James Version):
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

“And the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee”

The “glory of the LORD” refers to the visible manifestation of God’s presence, power, and holiness. It is the same glory that filled the tabernacle and the temple. Here, it rises like the dawn.

This is not merely poetic. It is covenantal. God is fulfilling His promises to dwell with His people.

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3. Theological Themes

3.1 God as the Source of Light

The light does not come from within Israel. It comes from God. This aligns with Christian theology’s emphasis on God’s initiative in salvation.

Psalm 27:1 (King James Version):
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

3.2 The Glory of God as Transforming

God’s glory is not static. It rises, shines, and transforms His people. The chapter continues:

Isaiah 60:2 (King James Version):
“For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.”

The contrast is stark: darkness over the nations, but glory upon God’s people.

3.3 Mission to the Nations

Isaiah 60 repeatedly shows the nations drawn to God’s light:

Isaiah 60:3 (King James Version):
“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

This anticipates the global mission of the church and the inclusion of the Gentiles in Christ.

3.4 Fulfilment in Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the light:

John 8:12 (King James Version):
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

The glory of God rises upon His people because Christ, the true Light, has come.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

4.1 Arise from Spiritual Passivity

Many believers feel weighed down by discouragement, sin, or apathy. God’s command is not harsh; it is hopeful. Because Christ has come, we can rise.

4.2 Shine with Borrowed Light

Christians do not shine by self-effort. We shine because Christ shines upon us. Our task is to reflect His character, His truth, and His grace.

4.3 Live as People of Hope in a Dark World

Isaiah acknowledges the darkness. Christians are not naïve. But we are not defined by the darkness. We are defined by the glory that has risen upon us.

4.4 Embrace the Mission of God

The nations come to the light. This calls the church to a posture of welcome, witness, and generosity. Our lives should point others to Christ.

4.5 Rest in God’s Covenant Faithfulness

Isaiah 60 is filled with promises of restoration, provision, and peace. These promises find their “Yes” in Jesus Christ. We live with confidence because God keeps His word.

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5. Meditation Guide

5.1 Prepare Your Heart

Sit quietly. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the beauty of Christ, the true Light.

5.2 Read the Verse Slowly

Read Isaiah 60:1 aloud. Let each phrase settle in your mind.

Isaiah 60:1 (King James Version):
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

5.3 Reflect on These Questions

• Where do I need to “arise” in my spiritual life?
• In what ways have I been trying to “shine” in my own strength?
• How does knowing that God’s glory has risen upon me change my outlook today?
• Who in my life needs to see the light of Christ through me?

5.4 Pray

“LORD, thank You that Your light has come in Jesus Christ. Lift me from spiritual heaviness. Help me shine with Your light, not my own. Make my life a witness to Your glory. Amen.”

5.5 Act

Choose one practical step today that reflects Christ’s light—an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, a moment of repentance, or a renewed commitment to prayer.

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[i] Isaiah 60

King James Version

60 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.

5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

6 The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

11 Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.

12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

14 The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee; The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

15 Whereas thou has been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

16 Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

19 The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.

20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

22 A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.