What kind of prayer would we ask of God in a troubled world? Let’s look at Isaiah 64.
Have we ever felt like asking God to come down and wake the world up?
Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence—as when fire kindles the brushwood, and the fire causes the water to boil. Make your name known to your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at your presence! (Isa 64:1-2 WEB)
Did God make His presence known in ages past? Does He hide when we do wrong?
When you accomplished wonders beyond all our expectations; when you came down, mountains quaked before you. From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! You look after those who gladly do right; they will praise you for your ways. But you were angry when we sinned; you hid yourself when we did wrong. (Isa 64:3-5 CEB)
Is any one of us really perfect enough to stand before the one true God?
We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away. No one worships in your name or remains faithful. You have turned your back on us and let our sins melt us away. (Isa 64:6-7 CEV)
Do we ask our heavenly Father not to be so terribly angry with us?
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people. (Isa 64:8-9 ESV)
Are our holiest of places desolate because of neglect and sin? Will God always give us what we deserve or show mercy?
Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. Lord, after all this, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict severely? (Isa 64:10-12 HCSB)
Are any of us really righteous within ourselves or do we need God’s righteousness?
As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous. No one understands. No one searches for God. All have turned away. They have become completely worthless. No one shows kindness, not even one person! Their throats are open graves. With their tongues they deceive. The venom of poisonous snakes is under their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. They run swiftly to shed blood. Ruin and misery characterize their lives. They have not learned the path to peace. They don’t fear God. (Rom 3:10-18 ISV)
What kind of prayer would we ask of God in a troubled world? You decide!
Judgment & Restoration (Isaiah 63)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? Let’s look at Isaiah 63.
After dealing with Bozrah, the capital of Edom, will God speak to save?
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. (Isa 63:1 KJV)
Why is God’s clothing red like red grapes? Who did God punish for sins against Israel?
Why is Your clothing red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My clothes.
For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished, and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I brought down their lifeblood to the earth.” (Isa 63:2-6 LSB)
Was God merciful to Israel despite their many sins against Him?
I will make mention of the mercies of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His mercies. For He said, “Certainly they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress He was distressed, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (Isa 63:7-9 NASB)
What were some examples of Israel’s rebellion against God?
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.
Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Isa 63:10-14 NIV)
When God feels far away what should we do? Do we pray that the LORD returns for His inheritance?
Look down from heaven, And see from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, And hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, The tribes of Your inheritance. Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled, Those who were never called by Your name. (Isa 63:15-19 NKJV)
Will God’s clothing again be red? Who will God then punish for their sins?
He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. (Rev 19:13-15 NLT)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? You decide!
After dealing with Bozrah, the capital of Edom, will God speak to save?
Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. (Isa 63:1 KJV)
Why is God’s clothing red like red grapes? Who did God punish for sins against Israel?
Why is Your clothing red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath; And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My clothes.
For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished, and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath, And I brought down their lifeblood to the earth.” (Isa 63:2-6 LSB)
Was God merciful to Israel despite their many sins against Him?
I will make mention of the mercies of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has granted them according to His compassion And according to the abundance of His mercies. For He said, “Certainly they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress He was distressed, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. (Isa 63:7-9 NASB)
What were some examples of Israel’s rebellion against God?
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.
Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand, who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name. (Isa 63:10-14 NIV)
When God feels far away what should we do? Do we pray that the LORD returns for His inheritance?
Look down from heaven, And see from Your habitation, holy and glorious. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, The yearning of Your heart and Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, And hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, The tribes of Your inheritance. Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled, Those who were never called by Your name. (Isa 63:15-19 NKJV)
Will God’s clothing again be red? Who will God then punish for their sins?
He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. (Rev 19:13-15 NLT)
Will there come a day of God’s wrath against the nations for their sins? In His mercy will God restore those loyal to Him? You decide!
Hephzibah & Beulah (Isaiah 62)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? Let’s look at Isaiah 62.
Does God have plans to bless Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, and the city itself?
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will see your righteousness, all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which the Lord’s own mouth will determine. You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand, a royal turban [crown] in the palm of God’s hand. (Isa 62:1-3 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have some new names which picture a new relationship with God?
Your name will no longer be “Deserted and Childless,” but “Happily Married.” [Hephzibah and Beulah] You will please the Lord; your country will be his bride. Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride. (Isa 62:4-5 CEV)
Will God set watchmen to protect Jerusalem from foreign invaders?
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
“I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isa 62:6-9 ESV)
Is this prophecy just for the return from Babylon or also looking far into the future, when Jesus returns?
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. (Isa 62:10-12 HCSB)
Is the theme of being given a new name carried elsewhere in scripture?
‘Let everyone listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who overcomes.’ I will also give him a white stone. On the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the person who receives it. (Rev 2:17 ISV)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? You decide!
Does God have plans to bless Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, and the city itself?
For Zion’s sake I won’t keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I won’t sit still until her righteousness shines out like a light, and her salvation blazes like a torch. Nations will see your righteousness, all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which the Lord’s own mouth will determine. You will be a splendid garland in the Lord’s hand, a royal turban [crown] in the palm of God’s hand. (Isa 62:1-3 CEB)
Will Jerusalem have some new names which picture a new relationship with God?
Your name will no longer be “Deserted and Childless,” but “Happily Married.” [Hephzibah and Beulah] You will please the Lord; your country will be his bride. Your people will take the land, just as a young man takes a bride. The Lord will be pleased because of you, just as a husband is pleased with his bride. (Isa 62:4-5 CEV)
Will God set watchmen to protect Jerusalem from foreign invaders?
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm:
“I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.” (Isa 62:6-9 ESV)
Is this prophecy just for the return from Babylon or also looking far into the future, when Jesus returns?
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare a way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones! Raise a banner for the peoples. Look, the Lord has proclaimed to the ends of the earth, “Say to Daughter Zion: Look, your salvation is coming, His reward is with Him, and His gifts accompany Him.” And they will be called the Holy People, the Lord’s Redeemed; and you will be called Cared For, A City Not Deserted. (Isa 62:10-12 HCSB)
Is the theme of being given a new name carried elsewhere in scripture?
‘Let everyone listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who overcomes.’ I will also give him a white stone. On the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the person who receives it. (Rev 2:17 ISV)
How will God bless Jerusalem in a prophecy so far only partially fulfilled in history? Do we look forward to the final fulfillment of this? You decide!
Release (Isaiah 61)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? Let’s look at Isaiah 61.
Will the brokenhearted, the downtrodden poor and needy finally have a day of joy?
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isa 61:1-3 NASB)
Will those formerly oppressed by the world rebuild and be promoted to honor?
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. (Isa 61:4-6 NIV)
What will replace the former shame and confusion among the once poor and needy?
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” (Isa 61:7-9 NKJV)
Who will give the poor and needy reasons for overwhelming joy?
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. (Isa 61:10-11 NLT)
What did Jesus say, after He had read part of this passage in the Nazareth synagogue?
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16–21 WEB)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? You decide!
Will the brokenhearted, the downtrodden poor and needy finally have a day of joy?
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord anointed me To bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim release to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isa 61:1-3 NASB)
Will those formerly oppressed by the world rebuild and be promoted to honor?
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. (Isa 61:4-6 NIV)
What will replace the former shame and confusion among the once poor and needy?
Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs. For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, And will make with them an everlasting covenant. Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, And their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, That they are the posterity whom the Lord has blessed.” (Isa 61:7-9 NKJV)
Who will give the poor and needy reasons for overwhelming joy?
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere. (Isa 61:10-11 NLT)
What did Jesus say, after He had read part of this passage in the Nazareth synagogue?
He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16–21 WEB)
Will there be a time when all those oppressed in this unjust world will finally be blessed? You decide!
Your Light (Isaiah 60)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? Let’s look at Isaiah 60.
What darkness covers the nations? What light has come?
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isa 60:1-3 NIV)
Shall all nations look to something glorious in Israel? Will they bring gold and incense?
Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. (Isa 60:4-7 NKJV)
Will the exiles of Israel return to their land? Will they honor the Lord?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are ships from the ends of the earth, from lands that trust in me, led by the great ships of Tarshish. They are bringing the people of Israel home from far away, carrying their silver and gold. They will honor the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has filled you with splendor. (Isa 60:8-9 NLT)
Will foreigners serve in Jerusalem? Will all nations serve God’s kingdom?
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will serve you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isa 60:10-12 WEB)
Will even Lebanon serve God’s nation? Will other former enemies honor Israel?
Lebanon’s glory will come upon you, cypress, elm, and pine, to glorify the site of my sanctuary, and I will honor my royal footstool. The children of your tormenters will come bending low to you; all who despised you will bow down at your feet. They will call you The Lord’s City, Zion, of the holy one of Israel. (Isa 60:13-14 CEB)
Was Israel once hated? Will they know that God saved and rescued them?
You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come. You will drain the wealth of kings and foreign nations. You will know that I, the mighty Lord God of Israel, have saved and rescued you. (Isa 60:15-16)
Will wealth accumulate in the kingdom and will peace and righteousness prevail?
Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (Isa 60:17-18 ESV)
What will be different about the sun and moon? Will God reside there?
The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch I planted, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time. (Isa 60:19-22 HCSB)
Does this chapter refer to the new heaven and new earth?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2 ISV)
What further New Testament description seems to match the passage in Isaiah?
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. (Rev 21:23-25 KJV)
How bright will that time be and what will illuminate us?
And there will no longer be any night, and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev 22:5 LSB)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? You decide!
What darkness covers the nations? What light has come?
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. (Isa 60:1-3 NIV)
Shall all nations look to something glorious in Israel? Will they bring gold and incense?
Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory. (Isa 60:4-7 NKJV)
Will the exiles of Israel return to their land? Will they honor the Lord?
And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel, like doves to their nests? They are ships from the ends of the earth, from lands that trust in me, led by the great ships of Tarshish. They are bringing the people of Israel home from far away, carrying their silver and gold. They will honor the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has filled you with splendor. (Isa 60:8-9 NLT)
Will foreigners serve in Jerusalem? Will all nations serve God’s kingdom?
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will serve you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you. Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive. For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isa 60:10-12 WEB)
Will even Lebanon serve God’s nation? Will other former enemies honor Israel?
Lebanon’s glory will come upon you, cypress, elm, and pine, to glorify the site of my sanctuary, and I will honor my royal footstool. The children of your tormenters will come bending low to you; all who despised you will bow down at your feet. They will call you The Lord’s City, Zion, of the holy one of Israel. (Isa 60:13-14 CEB)
Was Israel once hated? Will they know that God saved and rescued them?
You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come. You will drain the wealth of kings and foreign nations. You will know that I, the mighty Lord God of Israel, have saved and rescued you. (Isa 60:15-16)
Will wealth accumulate in the kingdom and will peace and righteousness prevail?
Instead of bronze I will bring gold, and instead of iron I will bring silver; instead of wood, bronze, instead of stones, iron. I will make your overseers peace and your taskmasters righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (Isa 60:17-18 ESV)
What will be different about the sun and moon? Will God reside there?
The sun will no longer be your light by day, and the brightness of the moon will not shine on you; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not fade; for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will be over. Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever; they are the branch I planted, the work of My hands, so that I may be glorified. The least will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am Yahweh; I will accomplish it quickly in its time. (Isa 60:19-22 HCSB)
Does this chapter refer to the new heaven and new earth?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and the sea was gone. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:1-2 ISV)
What further New Testament description seems to match the passage in Isaiah?
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. (Rev 21:23-25 KJV)
How bright will that time be and what will illuminate us?
And there will no longer be any night, and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them, and they will reign forever and ever. (Rev 22:5 LSB)
Are we in a time of spiritual darkness around the world? Will there be a time of spiritual light? You decide!
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