Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 60:2
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
2, 3. While Zion is thus illuminated by the presence of Jehovah the heathen world still lies in darkness. Jerusalem is the one point of light on the earth’s surface, to which the nations and their kings are attracted. For people read with R.V. peoples.
but the Lord &c. ] Better: but upon thee (emphatic) shall Jehovah arise.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
For behold – Lo, darkness covers the earth. This is designed to turn the attention to the fact that all the rest of the world would be enveloped in deep spiritual night.
Darkness – (See the notes at Isa 45:7).
Shall cover the earth – Shall envelope the whole world except where it is illuminated by the gospel. It is needless to say that this was the fact when the Messiah came, and that it is still extensively true also.
And gross darkness – Lowth renders this, A thick vapor. Herder. Deep obscurity. Septuagint, Gnophos – Cloud, shade, tempest. The Hebrew word ( arapel) usually denotes thick cloud, cloudy darkness, gloom; and is often applied to the thick clouds of a tempest Exo 20:18; Deu 4:11; Psa 18:10. It is a word of intenser meaning than that which is rendered darkness ( choshek) and the idea here is, that the nations would be enveloped in a cloud of ignorance and sin so dense and obscure that no light could penetrate it – a description strikingly applicable to the whole pagan world.
But the Lord shall arise upon thee – Like the sun. That is, Yahweh would manifest his perfections to them in a glorious manner.
Shall be seen upon thee – There is more emphatic meaning in the original here than is conveyed in our translation. The Hebrew word ( yera’eh) does not mean merely that that glory would be visible, but that it would be conspicuous. It would be so bright and luminous that it would be seen afar – like a cloud or column of glory standing over Jerusalem that would be conspicuous to far distant people.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 60:2-3
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth
The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles
1.
The first token that was shown to the Gentile world that the great Light had arisen which was to cast its beams over them as well as over the small nation which alone hitherto had known God, was the wonderful star which was seen in the sky. This appeared but twice to the Magi–once to tell them to set out, and once to tell them that they had arrived. All the rest was faith.
2. It was the manifestation of the Redeemer, the Light of the world, to the Gentiles. But much had yet to be done before the Gentiles were received into the full equality of privilege and grace with the Jews. It was above thirty years yet before the rending of the veil of the temple showed that the partition-wall was broken down by the death of Christ, which divided Jew from Gentile; still longer before the commission was given to go and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Holy Trinity; still longer before the vision at Joppa and the gift of the Holy Spirit at Ceasarea bade St. Peter baptize Cornelius, the first Gentile Christian, into the Church.
3. Let us claim our share in that exceeding great joy with which the wise men saw the first brightness of that star when they saw it in the East. If we do truth–that is to say, if we really,, try to please God, by living according to His will–then we come to the light, and our deeds will be made manifest that they are wrought in God. (G. Moberly.)
Zions glory
The prophet here reverts for a moment to the previous condition of the world, in order to describe, with more effect, the glorious change to be produced. He is not, therefore, to be understood as saying that Zion shall be glorious because, while the nations are in darkness, she is to enjoy exclusive light, but because the light imparted to her first shall draw the nations to her. (J. A. Alexander.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. Darkness shall cover the earth] This is the state of the Gentile people.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The darkness; either affliction and misery, a known metaphor; or ignorance and idolatry; as also all kinds of errors and immoralities, with which all that are out of the church are smutted and polluted: compare Eph 4:18,19.
Shall cover the earth; either,
1. General, all the inhabitants of the earth, such as through ignorance reject the gospel. Or rather,
2. More particular, the Babylonians, by a synecdoche of the whole for a part, in that dismal condition being harassed by Cyrus, whereby the Jews were delivered; this being also a type of the deliverance of Gods people by the Messiah, which this text principally intends.
Gross darkness; an allusion to that Egyptian darkness, Exo 10:21, &c.; palpable ignorance, the inlet and nursery to gross idolatry and all profaneness.
The Lord, i.e. Christ, Mal 4:2; Luk 1:77-79.
His glory shall be seen; shall be wonderfully conspicuous: as the Lords arising answers to the darkness covering the earth, so the glory being seen answers to that gross darkness. The sense is, that whereas the time was, that the people of God were under great calamities, while their enemies were in ease and prosperity, now it shall be quite contrary; now these shall be in adversity, and those in prosperity, a great turn of providence; and withal implies that this light of grace is a peculiar to his people, in respect of which all other prosperity is but darkness and misery; as light was peculiar to Goshen, when darkness was in all the Egyptian houses, Exo 10:23.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. darkness . . . earththerest of the earth: in contrast with “light . . .upon thee” (Isa 60:1).The earth will be afterwards enlightened through Israel (Isa9:2).
be seenconspicuously:so the Hebrew.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,…. Like that which covered the land of Egypt, when there was light in Goshen: and this may be meant either of the darkness of ignorance, idolatry, superstition, false doctrine, and false worship, that should cover the far greater part of the nations of the world, before this light and glory should break out, as it does at this day; some parts of it being covered with Pagan darkness, others with Mahometan darkness, and others with Papal darkness; and a very small spot it is where the light of the Gospel is, and that clear, but among a very few; for the most part it is not clear nor dark, it is not day nor night; and this is the evening time, in which, ere long, it shall be light; see Zec 14:6 or else this may design the distress that the antichristian states will be in, when this light shall break forth; the kingdom of the beast will be full of darkness, distress, and confusion, Re 16:10:
but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee: as on the tabernacle of old, Le 9:23 to which the allusion is, Isa 4:5 this shows that the light and glory of the Lord, in the preceding verse, design the Lord himself, and his gracious purpose, and the display of his glory in the Gospel now preached; and that it will be visible in the church, and taken notice of by others, and induce them, and even great personages, to come unto it, as follows: or “he shall be seen”, or “appear”, in “his glory upon thee”; so Ben Melech renders it, supposing that “in”, is wanting; and so the sense is, that Christ shall appear in the glory of his person and of his offices, and especially his kingly office; and in the glory of his grace and righteousness, in the ministration of his word among his people. The Jews r apply this to the first coming of Christ, which belongs to his spiritual reign.
r T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 99. 1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
It is now all darkness over mankind; but Zion is the east, in which this sun of suns will rise. Isa 60:2 “For, behold, the darkness covereth the earth, and deep darkness the nations; and Jehovah riseth over thee, and His glory becomes visible over thee.” The night which settles upon the world of nations is not to be understood as meaning a night of ignorance and enmity against God. This prophecy no doubt stands in progressive connection with the previous one; but, according to Isa 59:19, the manifestation of judgment, through which Zion is redeemed, brings even the heathen from west to east, i.e., those who survive the judgment, to the fear of Jehovah. The idea is rather the following: After the judgments of God have passed, darkness in its greatest depth still covers the earth, and a night of clouds the nations. It is still night as on the first day, but a night which is to give place to light. Where, then, will the sun rise, by which this darkness is to be lighted up? The answer is, “Over Zion, the redeemed church of Israel.” But whilst darkness still covers the nations, it is getting light in the Holy Land, for a sun is rising over Zion, viz., Jehovah in His unveiled glory. The consequence of this is, that Zion itself becomes thoroughly light, and that not for itself only, but for all mankind. When Jehovah has transformed Zion into the likeness of His own glory, Zion transforms all nations into the likeness of her own. Isa 60:3 “And nations walk to thy light, and kings to the shining of thy rays.” Zion exerts such an attractive force, that nations move towards her light ( as in ni sa and other similar expressions), and kings to the splendour of her rays, to share in them for themselves, and enjoy them with her. All earthly might and majesty station themselves in the light of the divine glory, which is reflected by the church.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
2. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth. He now exhibits in a stronger light, by means of comparison, that grace which he formerly mentioned; that we may form some idea how much God loves his elect, and how extraordinary is the privilege which he bestows upon them. The amount of what he says is, that, while we are weighed down by innumerable afflictions, and while the whole world, as it were, sinks under them, God will take care of his people., in order to enrich them with various benefits. He shows, therefore, that the light of grace and favor, which he mentioned, will not be indiscriminately enjoyed by all, but will be peculiar to the people of God.
We have said that the word “brightness” denotes a prosperous condition of the Church; but let us not judge of this condition from outward appearance; for the Prophet rises higher, and I have no doubt that his discourse relates to spiritual light and brightness. Otherwise that mode of expression which he afterwards employs, “The Gentiles shall walk to thy brightness,” (verse 3) would not be appropriate. Besides, this is clearly demonstrated by the connection between this chapter and the preceding; for he says that this covenant is continued in the word and Spirit. Finally, from the contrast it may easily be inferred that the happiness promised to the Church is different from that which consists in meat and drink, or tranquillity and peace, and other conveniences; and indeed never afterwards was there any period in which the darkness of afflictions overwhelmed all the Gentiles, while the Jews enjoyed peace and prosperity. Since, therefore, the condition of the Church is separated from the whole world, that benefit which Isaiah puts into the possession of the Church is spiritual, and the brightness which he promises is spiritual; and consequently, these things relate to the spiritual kingdom of Christ, when the light of the Gospel shone in every part of the world, and foreign nations were enlightened by it. To this also relates what follows, —
The Lord will arise upon thee; for although he shows that the favor of God will be visible by manifest tokens and effects, yet he does not leave out that which is of the greatest importance, that believers will truly feel that he is their Father, so as to expect salvation from him. Hence infer that we are overwhelmed by darkness till God shine upon us with the testimony of adoption by free grace. I speak of all mankind; for Isaiah informs us that this life-giving light proceeds from God alone, in order to declare that it is a special gift of God.
Secondly, it ought to be observed that the Church alone, that is, the elect of God, are partakers of this brightness. Hence it follows, that it is not a common or natural gift, but a gift by which the Lord relieves us from an ordinary defect of human nature. Thus also we perceive that there is no light or brightness but in the Church; for the rest of men, though they think that they enjoy light and brightness, are overwhelmed by darkness, from which they cannot be extricated in any other way than by the light of the Gospel.
And his glory shall be seen upon thee. He adds the word “glory,” because, after having embraced us by his favor, the Lord continues more and more to increase his acts of kindness toward us.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) The darkness shall cover the earth . . .The darkness which had shrouded Zion still spreads its veil over the heathen nations of the world, but they also are to share in the light which is to stream forth from the new Jerusalem. (Comp. Mal. 4:2; Psa. 84:11.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2, 3. Darkness shall cover the earth Apparently spoken of the Gentiles, whose “darkness” shall continue for awhile, but will be ultimately dissipated by the reflected light from Zion.
The Lord shall arise upon thee Zion is brought into light, not as a spectacle, not to be in contrast with Gentiles engrossed in darkness; but to impart her light upon Gentiles.
This explains Isa 60:2. The Lord is risen upon the whole pagan world in that he has confided to Zion that is, the whole Christian world the duty of direct evangelization in every part of the earth. Thus (Isa 60:3) all nations are to walk in Zion’s light of truth and salvation.
Brightness of thy rising The glory of Zion is to increase, and attract many and strong nations and kings, as by a light suddenly breaking on thickest gloom. The words here must not be weakened by a change to thy rising brightness. “Thy rising” is as the “sun of suns” coming over Jerusalem from the east and in surpassing splendour passing on to the west.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 60:2-3. For, behold, &c. The design of the Holy Spirit in this clause seems to be, to describe the state of the nations of the world at the time when God should illuminate the church with this light, as a new advent of his Son, and a repeated manifestation of his divine kingdom. Many have thought from this passage, that almost all the world should be found in a similar state of darkness, wherein the Son of God found it at his first coming: but I hope not. I trust that vital godliness will increase, however formalism and antinomianism be overthrown and swept off the face of the earth, till the Messiah comes to reign with his ancients during the great millennium.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Isa 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
Ver. 2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth. ] As once it did Egypt, Exo 10:21 when there was light in the land of Goshen. So is there in the Church, when all the world besides lieth buried in a fog of ignorance and a bog of wickedness. Rhodes is always located in the sun. a The separation of the saints in light is a wonderful separation. Exo 33:16
But the Lord shall arise upon thee.
a Semper in sole sita est Rhodos.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos, to call attention to the condition of the nations just before Israel’s future glory shines forth.
people = peoples.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the darkness: Mat 15:14, Mat 23:19, Mat 23:24, Joh 8:55, Act 14:16, Act 17:23, Act 17:30, Act 17:31, Act 26:18, Rom 1:21-32, Eph 4:17-20, 1Pe 2:9
the Lord: Lev 9:23, Num 16:19, 1Ki 8:11, Psa 80:1, Eze 10:4, Hab 3:3, Hab 3:4, Hag 2:7-9, Mal 4:2, Joh 1:1, Joh 1:14, Joh 1:18, 2Co 3:18, 2Co 4:4-6, Heb 1:2, Heb 1:3
Reciprocal: Psa 36:9 – in thy Psa 97:6 – all the Psa 97:11 – Light Psa 102:16 – he shall Son 2:11 – General Isa 9:19 – is the land Isa 26:19 – Awake Isa 32:3 – General Isa 42:16 – I will bring Isa 49:9 – to them Isa 51:17 – awake Jer 13:16 – gross Mat 12:18 – and he Luk 4:18 – and Luk 21:28 – look Joh 12:20 – to worship 2Co 4:6 – the light Eph 5:8 – ye were 2Ti 1:10 – now 2Pe 1:19 – a light Rev 21:11 – the glory
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Isa 60:2. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth Ignorance, idolatry, and all kinds of errors and vices; and gross darkness the people Like that of Egypt; the most palpable blindness and infatuation as to divine things; but the Lord Christ, the bright and morning-star, the day- spring from on high, or, rather, the Sun of righteousness, Rev 22:16; Luk 1:78; Mal 4:2; shall arise upon thee By his gospel and his grace, bringing light to those that before sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death; and his glory shall be seen upon thee Shall be wonderfully conspicuous. The design of the Holy Spirit in this clause, as I suppose, says Vitringa, is to describe the state of the nations of the world, at the time when God should illuminate the church with this light, as if by a new advent of his Son, and a repeated manifestation of his divine kingdom. Almost all the world should be found in a similar state of darkness to that wherein the Son of God found it at his first coming; and if we might form any judgment from the state of things, from the darkness which now overspreads the earth, through the prevalence of Popery, infidelity, and immorality, in the countries professing Christianity, and Mohammedanism and paganism in the other regions of the earth, we may reasonably conclude, that these words of the prophet, at the period alluded to, will not want their exact completion.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the {b} earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
(b) Signifying, that all men are in darkness till God gives them the light of his Spirit, and that this light shines to no one, but to those that are in his Church.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
God’s glory will rise on His people when there is much darkness on the earth, the darkness of sin and wickedness (cf. Isa 8:19-22; Isa 59:9-10). He had given light to His people in the past when He led the Israelites out of dark Egypt (Exo 10:23). The second Exodus from Babylon would be similar. This was true also before Jesus appeared the first time, and it will be true before He appears the second time. His second coming will end the Great Tribulation.