Isaiah 60

The Lord exhorteth his church to rejoice because of the blessedness purchased for her by Christ, verse 1, enlightening her with the true knowledge of God, 2. Which the Gentiles should likewise enjoy, 3. Which should join themselves unto it, whereby it should be adorned, beautified, and enriched, 15. And the Lord should protect her, and be her light, 16.

1. Get thee up, [Or arise: To wit, out of darkness and misery, wherein thou hast lain so long. Compare above chap.52.2. The Lord speaketh here to Jerusalem, or Zion: that is, to his Church, as appeareth below ver.14.] be enlightened, [to wit, with more perfect knowledge then thou hast had hitherto; as the brightness of the day is enlightened, or increased, when the sun riseth] for thy light cometh: [to wit, Christ Jesus, who is the light of the world, which enlighteth the hearts of the elect with the true knowledge of God. See Luke 2:32. Joh.1.9. and 8.12. and Eph.5.14. or the time of the redemption is come] and the glory of the LORD [Compare herewith Revel.21.11.] ariseth upon thee. [like a bright shining sun, which spreadeth her light abroad in all places both far and near.]

2. For behold darkness [That is, ignorance or want of knowledge and understanding. Compare Eph.4.18. and 5.ver.11. Revel.16.10. Men are full of blindness and ignorance, and know not their God and Saviour, [to wit, all the inhabitants of the earth, and all those nations that continue in the darkness of their ignorance, rejecting the grace of the preaching of the Gospel] and gross darkness the nations: [the same with the former clause] but the LORD [that is, the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ] shall arise [like a sun. See Psal.84.12.] upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee [or shine upon thee.]

3. And the Gentiles shall go to thy light, [Or in, or by the light. The meaning is, the Gentiles shall be also enlightened with the true knowledge of God, by the Gospel which shall be preached among you. Compare Revel.21.24. See likewise above chap.49.6.] and kings to the brightness that is risen to thee. [Heb. Of thy rising.]

4. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see all they are gathered together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at (thy) side. [This the Prophet speaketh as it were wondering at the great number of men that should come from all parts of the world unto Christ. See above chap.49.18,22,23. (all they, etc.) to wit, Gentiles and Kings. (they come unto thee) or for thy sake. (thy sons shall come. Etc.) that is, believers among the gentiles, that appertain to the Church of God (and thy daughters shall be nursed etc.) or be nursed, or brought up, above chap.49.ver.22. See Numb.11.12.]

5. Then thou shalt see it, [To wit, with admiration] and flow together, [that is, flock together in great multitudes through admiration. Others, break forth, to wit, as a stream, or as the light , or as the sun. Others, shine, lighten, be enlightened. See Psal.14.the Annotat. On ver.6.] and thine heart shall be afraid, [not as fearing any evil, but through admiration at such an unexpected thing; to wit, when thou shalt see such a great multitude of divers people and nations come to the Lord Christ. See Jerem.33.9. Hos.3.5. See likewise Acts 2:7.] and be enlarged, [to wit, being full of joy and gladness] for the multitude of them that dwell by the sea side. Others, the riches of the sea. The Hebrew word may be taken here in both significations] shall be converted unto thee, [or be changed against thee, or towards thee, namely so, as that those that were thine enemies shall become thy friends] the host of the gentiles [or the riches of the nations. See Revel.21.26.] shall come unto thee. [to wit, to be friends with thee, embracing thy religion.]

6. An heavy multitude of Camels shall cover thee, [That is, thy land. In this and some verses following is foretelled in borrowed words that la nations shall submit themselves to the obedience of the Gospel] the swift Camels [See Jerem.2.on vers.23.] of Midian [that is, from the land of the Midianites, where there were great multitudes of Camels and Dromedaries. See 1 Chron.5.21. See likewise Judg.6.3. and 5.] and Hepha, [Hepha was the son of Midian, Gen.25.4. his posterity dwelt among the Midianites, yet keeping the name of Hepha their forefather] all they [that is, a great number of them, as Matth.3.5. [from Sheba, [that is, from the land of the Schebeans, the posterity of Sheba, the son of Radma, the son of Cush, the son of Cham, Gen.10.6,7. [shall come: [to wit, to the fellowship of the Church. This is also affirmed of their Kings, Psal.72.10.] they shall bring gold and frankincense, [that is, they shall use their riches for the service of God, and for the maintenance of the Ministers of the Church, as also of the poor members of the congregation] and they shall publish [that is, pray, declare, as glad tidings] the abundant praise of the LORD. [that is, the mercies of God, that are worthy of praise and glory.]

7. All the sheep of Kedar [That is, of the Kedarenes. See of these nations Psal.120. the Annotat. On ver.5. they were Ismaelites in Arabia, Abrahams posterity by Kethura. See Isai.21.13,17. Jerem.48.28,29.32.] shall be gathered unto thee; the rams of Nebajoth [that is, of the Nebathites in the stony Arabia, they were the off-spring of Nebajoth the son of Ismael, Genes.25.13.] shall serve thee: [here it is prophesied that Abrahams seed according to the flesh, should become likewise his children according to the faith, and should serve God with the spiritual service of the new Testament. Compare Malach.1.11.] they shall come up [that is, be offered] with acceptance, [or with favour, with good will; so as that their service shall be acceptable unto me] on mine altar, [the meaning is, that those nations should willingly present themselves on the altar Christ Jesus, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, as the Apostle speaketh, Rom.12.1.] and I will glorify the house of my glory. [or my glorious house, that is, my Church, or congregation of believers, built of living stones, I Pet.2.5.]

8. Who are these (that) come flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? [The Church wondereth at her sudden great increase. See above chap.49.21. (who are these (that) come) that is, that come in heaps, and from the Gentiles join themselves to the Christian Church. (flying) the prophet useth the word flying, to shew, that those that should be converted to the Lord Christ, should be so willing and eager to come to him, as that they should seem rather to fly very swiftly, then to go to him. (as a cloud) that is, openly and swiftly, and also in great quantity. So it is said Heb.12.1. a cloud of witnesses, that is, a great number of witnesses. (and as doves to their windows) or to their holes or houses wherein they dwell and have their nests.]

9. For [Or surely] the Isles [that is, the inhabitants of the Isles; that is, those that dwell in far countries. See above chap.42.4. and 51.5.] shall wait for me, and the ships of Tharsis, [that is, those that sail in the ships of Tharsis. See of Tharsis the Annotat. 1 Kings 10:22. See also Psal.48.8.] first, to bring thy children [that is, those that shall be born of thee as of a mother, by the seed of the word of God, as above vers.4.] from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD, thy God, and to the holy One of Israel, [or because of the name of the Lord, and because of the holy One of Israel. The name of the Lord signifieth here the Lord himself. See 2 Sam.7.13. compared with 1 Chron.17.12. See also Acts 9:15.] because he hath glorified thee. [or shall have glorified thee, wherein and whereby the true heavenly wisdom is propounded, tending to a glorious ornament unto thee.]

10. And the strangers shall build thy walls, and their King shall minister unto thee: [This was partly fulfilled when Cyrus and Darius assisted the Jews in the repairing of the city of Jerusalem, and of the Temple: but it was especially fulfilled in the New Testament, for many among the Gentiles being converted unto Christ, have likewise given their assistance towards the building up of the spiritual Jerusalem] for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour [or in my mercy, which may be understood of the time of favour. See Psal.69.on ver.14.] I had compassion on thee.

11. And thy gates shall stand open continually, [This is to be understood of the condition of the Church in this world, signifying that the entrance into the above chap.26.2. the Apostle John applyeth this to the heavenly Jerusalem, or triumphant Church, Revel.21.25.] they shall not be shut day nor night, that men might bring unto thee the host of the Gentiles, and (that) their Kings may be brought unto (thee).

12. For the nation and the kingdom that will not serve thee, [That is, which will not submit themselves to the kingdom of Christ] they shall perish: [for there is no salvation out of the Church of God. They that are saved are said to be added unto the Church, Acts 2:47. Revel.21.24.] and those nations shall be utterly wasted, [or shall utterly perish. Heb. Wasting be wasted, to wit, those that will not serve thee. Compare Psal.37.23.]

13. The Glory of Libanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the Beech-trees [Or pine-trees] and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my Sanctuary, [that is, the glorious high trees, the fairest the grow on mount Libanus, Psal.29.5. as these were used toward the building of the Temple of Jerusalem, 1 Kings 5:6,9,14. So rare and excellent men, endued with special gifts of the holy Ghost, shall be used toward the building up of the Church of Jesus Christ: yea even Kings, Princes, and great men of the world. Below chap.61.3. the godly are called trees. (to beautify the place of my sanctuary) that is, the sanctuary; for there the LORD did sit upon the Ark of the covenant: but here is spoken of the Christian Church, wherein God dwelleth by his spirit, 2 Cor.6.16.] and I will make the place of my feet [so the Church of God is elsewhere called. See Ezek.43.7.] glorious.

14. The children also of them that oppressed thee shall come bending unto thee, [That is, with great submission. See Revel.3.9. See likewise Psal.22.28,30. And above chap.45.14. and 49.23.] and all they that reviled [or despised] thee shall how themselves down at the soles of thy feet: [that is, they shall honour thee, because of, and in the name of thy head Jesus Christ] and they shall call thee the city of the LORD, [built and inhabited by the Lord, Psal.147.2,9,12. Ezek.48.35.] the Zion of the holy One of Israel. [So the Church of God under the Gospel is called, Heb.12.22. Revel.14.1. from mount Zion which was a figure of the Church of Christ. See Psal.2.6.]

15. Whereas thou hast been forsaken, hated, [To wit, of God as of thy lawful husband. Understand here, as to the outward appearance; for God doth never hate and forsake the Church of the elect] so that no man went through (thee), [he compareth the people of God unto a city that lieth waste and uninhabited.] I will make thee an eternal glory, [or highness, excellency] a joy from generation to generation. [that is, I will make thee such a one, as that all the saints shall continually rejoice because of thee. See Psal.12.the Annotat. On ver.8.]

16. And thou shalt suck the milk of the Gentiles, and thou shalt suck the breasts of Kings: [That is, the Gentiles, and the Kings that shall be converted unto Christ, they shall sustain thee, and be helpful unto thee. See above chap.49.23. (the breasts of Kings) Revel.21.24. it is said the glory and honour of Kings] and thou shalt know that I am the LORD, thy Saviour and thy Redeemer. [Compare above chap.43.3.] the mighty one of Jacob. [Jacob was the first that gave God this title, Genes.49.24. See Psal.132.2,5.]

17. For copper I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood copper, and for stones iron: [A prophesy of the happy change of the condition of the Church, being renewed by Christ, that instead of carnal ceremonies and a worldly sanctuary, they shall enjoy spiritual and heavenly ordinances. See Heb.9.1,9,10,11,12,23, etc. and 12.13,22,28.] and (I) will make thine overseers [or defenders. Heb. Oversight] peaceable, Heb. Peace, that is, men of peace, that preach or publish peace, Rom.10.15. or they that are inclined to peace. See Psal.120.7. and 109.4. See also Job 35.on ver.13.] and thy drivers [this is the same word that is used Exod.3.7. and it signifieth here as well those to whom is committed the care of souls, as Christian magistrates that press people to the practise of justice, and hold them to it] righteous [Heb. Righteousness]

18. There shall be no more violence heard in thy land, destruction nor breaking in thy borders; [all this and the former shall be fully accomplished in the life to come. Compare Ezek.,45.8.] thou shalt call thy walls salvation, [that is, thy walls (which shall be great and high, in whose foundation are the names of the twelve Apostles, Rev.21.12,14.) shall defend thine inhabitants, as if they dwelt in a strong and well walled city] and thy gates whereof there be twelve, each of several pearls, Revel.21.21.] praise. [the meaning is, thou shalt always have cause and ground to praise God within thy gates. See Psal.9.15.]

19. The sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall the moon lighten thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, [That city hath no need that the sun or moon should shine in it, for God shall be all in all in it, 1 Cor.15.28. Compare Revel.21.23. and 22.5. Some understand hereby the sun and moon, all wordily excellency and glory, as the kingdom, the sanctuary, ceremonies etc. (the LORD shall be unto thee for an everlasting light) for the Lord, it is said Revel.21.23. the brightness of thy God] and thy God [that is, the lamb Jesus Christ, who is the light or candle of that city, Revel.21.23.] thy beauty.

20. Thy sun shall no more go down, [That is, thy God (who will be thy sun, Psal.84.12.) shall no more take away the light of his countenance from thee] neither shall thy moon withdraw her (light): [Heb. Thy moon shall not be gathered, that is, not restrain, or withhold her light: or not be taken away, not be removed. Compare Joel 2:10. for the LORD shall be unto thee for an everlasting light, [Heb. For a light of eternity] and the days of thy sorrow [or of thy mourning, or of thy grief] shall have an end, [or Shall be ended, Heb. Shall be perfect. Compare Rev.21.4. See likewise below chap.61.2,3.]

21. And thy people [To wit, all the true members of the Christian Church] shall be altogether righteous, [to wit, by faith in Christ Jesus, who giveth unto them his righteousness, and communicateth his holy Spirit unto them, that they should endeavour after righteousness and holiness. Rom.1.17. and 5.19.] they shall hereditarily possess or possess as an inheritance] the earth forever: [the meaning is, they shall in this life abide in my Church & shall hereafter inherit the everlasting kingdom of heaven; of both which the land of Canaan was a type. See the like promises, Ps.37.29. above chap.57.13. Revel.21.7.] they shall be a plant or sprout planted by God as the husbandman, into Christ the true vine, Joh.15.1,2. Compare Matth.15.13.] a work of mine hands [created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Ezek.2.10. See above chap.29.23. and 45.11.] that I may be glorify him.]

22. The least [To wit, heap] shall become a thousand, [that is, shall greatly increase, as Gen.24.60. The meaning shall exceedingly grow and increase, even unto admiration. Others understand these words thus; even those that shall have but small gifts, they shall by their instruction bring many others to the Church or Congregation of God] and the smallest a mighty nation; I the LORD will cause it to come speedily [or cause it to hasten] in his time. [namely in due time, or in the appointed time which I have determined in my counsel, which is not sit for us to know. See Acts 1:6,7. But others conceive that this is to be understood of the time of the new Testament.