Isaiah 60 explained: Jerusalem's Coming Dawn

Light rises on Zion (vv. 1-3)

Jerusalem, also called Zion, is spoken to like a grieving woman told to get up, because the LORD's glory is rising over her like sunrise. While the rest of the world lies in darkness, nations and kings are drawn to her light.

Children and riches come home (vv. 4-9)

Her scattered sons and daughters come home, the little ones carried on the hip as was the custom. Arabian peoples famous for camels, flocks, gold and incense bring gifts for the temple, and ships from Tarshish, a distant port probably far to the west, rush in like doves carrying exiles and silver.

Former enemies serve (vv. 10-14)

The LORD admits striking the city in anger but now promises mercy: foreigners rebuild its walls, its gates stay open for tribute, and Lebanon's famous timber adorns the temple. It is a stark reversal, with old oppressors bowing, and verse 12 says bluntly that any nation refusing to serve will be destroyed.

Forsaken city made glorious (vv. 15-18)

A city once so empty that no travelers passed through becomes a lasting joy, fed by the nations' wealth like a child at the breast. Cheap materials become precious ones, peace and fairness replace harsh officials, and the walls and gates get new names: Salvation and Praise.

The LORD as everlasting light (vv. 19-22)

God's own presence outshines the sun and moon, mourning ends for good, and the people become a tree God planted that grows from a tiny few into a strong nation. Many Christians read this in light of the new Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, a city that needs no sun because God is its light.

Key verse: Isaiah 60:1

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this vision was mainly about Jerusalem after the return from exile, is fulfilled spiritually in the worldwide church, or still awaits a future literal restoration of Israel and Jerusalem.

Something to think about

What makes a promise of a better future believable to someone who has felt forsaken for a long time?