Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Wednesday

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Isaiah chapter 60

The message of the Messiah is for everyone, Jew and Gentile. (The book of Romans makes a nice companion reading to this and other of Isaiah's Messianic prophecies. See also Revelation chapters 21 and 22 to compare them with this chapter.)

Does God issue any commands?

• The nation is told to arise and shine because their Light is come!

Does God make any promises?

• Multitudes from all nations will gather together in Israel to worship their King.
• The children of strangers would build the walls and kings would give money for the restoration projects. (This is probably a reference with ongoing implications. The rebuilding under Zerubbabel was begun under King Cyrus and was continued by Nehemiah under Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus). It surely is something that is being continued today with foreign aid.) Therefore the gates of the city would be open constantly so that the Gentiles and their rulers can trade openly with the Jews.
• The nation and kingdom that will not serve Israel will be utterly destroyed.
• The children of those who hated and abused them will come humbly to Zion as servants.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The glory that shines upon the earth and draws the Gentiles to the light is the majesty of Jesus. He is also the Light that shines in the darkness.
• Jesus is the Holy One of Israel.
• Jesus is the LORD, the Savior and the Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
• Jesus is the surrounding wall of Zion called Salvation and He is the gate of the city named Praise.
• Jesus is the LORD who "will hasten it in his (the Father's) time." v. 22

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• This chapter speaks of people coming from far and near to gather together to worship the King of Israel as one people and the glory of the LORD will be there with them. Although many people flock to Jerusalem in this day and age, not everyone who goes there is worshiping the Messiah. Jews, Gentiles, and Middle Eastern peoples all worship there, but they do not worship the same God. This then, is a future Millennial Kingdom event.
• The natural treasures (fine trees of Lebanon, etc.) made by the Creator will be used by Him to beautify His sanctuary.
• Zion will be an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.
• Where brass would normally used gold will be used instead. Where iron would normally used silver will be used instead. Where wood would normally be used brass will be used instead. Where stones would normally be used iron will be used instead. (Sounds like the return of the glorious reign of Solomon.)
• The gates of the city of Zion will never be closed.
• There will be no more violence in Zion! The walls will be called Salvation (after their Savior) and the gates will be called Praise. This is because the Salvation (Jesus) is the wall of the sheep fold and it is only through Him that anyone can enter! (Psalm 100:4 - Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.)
• The New Jerusalem has no need of the light of the sun or moon because the LORD shall be an everlasting light and God will be her glory. The days of mourning shall be ended. All the people who live there will be righteous and will inherit the land forever. A little one will become a strong nation!