Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 60

God will come to be with his people and will transform Zion’s destiny from the darkness as black as night caused by sin and judgment.

The transformation of all nations and mighty kings will be so radical that all kingdoms will take notice and be drawn to God through his people (see also Revelation 21:24).

Zion will recover its losses from war through the wealth of many lands. Foreign nations will eagerly contribute (Isaiah 60:11; 61:6; 66:12; see Revelation 21:26).

• Midian and Ephah were Midianite tribes located southeast of Israel.

• Sheba was a region in southern Arabia (see 1 Kings 10:1–2). It was known for its frankincense (Jeremiah 6:20).

• These were real nations, and their restoration would be a historical reality, not just an idealistic vision. Many nations would submit to and worship the Lord.

• Kedar was a tribe in Arabia (Isaiah 21:16–17).

• Nebaioth was a tribe of Ishmael's descendants.

• I will adorn My glorious house: God's glory will be more evident than in Solomon’s Temple (see Isaiah 6:1–5; Haggai 2:9; Revelation 21:11, 22).

He has glorified you: See Revelation 21:26.

Those who previously oppressed the people of God will one day participate in restoring the holy city (see Isaiah 2:2–4; 19:18–25; Nehemiah 2:8; Amos 9:12).

their kings will serve you: God's people, once humiliated (Isaiah 2:11), will be honored.

There are two likely reasons why the gates remain open at night (see also Revelation 21:25):

1. A lot of people will enter the city (Isaiah 60:8–10), so the gates must stay open.

2. The citizens of Zion will not fear enemies because the Lord protects them (Isaiah 60:18); the remaining nations will serve the Lord and his people (60:9, 12).

In the coming age, nations that refuse to obey God will be destroyed.

The temple was God's sanctuary, the symbol of his presence on earth. Believers now are the temple of God by the indwelling Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). We still await the fullness of God’s presence (Revelation 21:22).

an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age: This would be a major change from the exile in Babylon. Fulfillments of this prophecy include:

• the return of the jews from exile,

• the arrival of Jesus Christ, and

• the inclusion of non-Jewish people in the church.

The final fulfillment awaits the glorious second coming of Jesus Christ, which will bring in the new Jerusalem.

These verses describe the future greatness of Zion (compare Revelation 21:10–22:4).

• gold … silver … bronze … iron: People use these metals for decoration and strength (compare Isaiah 54:11; Revelation 21:15–21).

• Peace and righteousness will create harmony and blessings among people and with God.

you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise: People will enter the city of salvation through gates of praise to the Lord for his great salvation.

The sun and moon will seem dull compared to the brightness of God's presence (see also Isaiah 9:2; 30:26; Zechariah 2:5; Revelation 21:23–24).

• The citizens of Zion will be righteous, enjoying a right relationship with God and with others (Revelation 21:27).

• the land: Or all the earth (Isaiah 54:5; 62:7; 65:17; 66:22).

I am the LORD: The Lord reveals himself as the covenant God of Israel. His identity guarantees he will fulfill his promises (see Isaiah 27:3–4).