Isaiah 60

1. Arise, shine. The Septuagint adds, “O Jerusalem.”

the glory of the Lord, etc. Zion has lain prostrate in the darkness of night. But the sun arises, she springs upwards as with new life, and reflects the light which she receives. The verse is not only an encouragement, but a call to activity: comp. Rom. xiii. 11, 12.

4 shall be nursed at [thy] side. Rather, “shall be carried at the side”: see R.V. The Eastern mode of carrying children on the hip.

5. Then shalt thou see, etc. This verse describes the joyful excitement with which Zion would witness the vast accession made to her numbers. It may be rendered thus: “Then shalt thou see, and become radiant (with joy), and thy heart shall throb and swell; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned unto thee, the strength of nations shall come to thee”; referring to the multitudes and the wealth of distant lands, which should be poured in like a flood upon her.

6. Midian… Ephah… Sheba. On these tribes, see Gen. xxv. 2, 4, 13, 14; and note on Psa. lxxii. 10.

8 as the doves to their windows. This image (probably referring to the ships crowding the Mediterranean to bring the exiles home) conveys the idea of vast numbers as well as of eagerness in flight. The swiftness and the cloud-like appearance of a distant flock of pigeons in full flight has been often observed.

11 thy gates shall be open continually. Implying a state of security, which encourages the influx of strangers. Suggesting also a readiness to welcome them.

brought. i.e., led in triumph, as willing captives.

12. For the nation, etc. “The state of every nation is henceforth to be determined by its subjection or otherwise to the Church of God.”

13. The glory of Lebanon, etc. As the cedar and other forest-trees were employed in the erection of the Temple, so all that is best and richest in the world shall be brought to the service of the Sanctuary. “But when God became man, and did indeed tread with human feet this world of ours, what then were the places of His feet? Sometimes, it is true, the Temple, but … far more often where the sick lay and the bereaved were weeping … the city gateways where the beggars stood, the lanes where the village folk had gathered their deaf and dumb, their palsied and their lunatic” (G. A. Smith).

14. The sons, etc. As though the oppressors themselves had perished.

16 suck the milk, etc. States and rulers imparting their vitality to the Church.

17. I will also make, etc. Like “Salvation” and “Praise” in the next verse, “Peace” and “Righteousness” seem here to be personified. I will make Peace thy magistracy, and Righteousness thy police. Here is the security for national rights and freedom.

22 in his time. Or, “in its time.” When God sees that the proper time is come, there shall be no delay: see Heb. x. 37.