True Worship Expands Worldwide, Chapter Twenty-One

CHAPTER  60 of Isaiah is written as soul-stirring drama.  In the opening verses, our attention is captured by a touching scene.  A series of events follows in rapid succession, leading us to a move finale.  The chapter describes in colorful word pictures the restoration of true worship in ancient Jerusalem and the worldwide expansion of true worship today. Moreover,  it points to eternal blessings in store for all of God's loyal worshipers.  Each one of us can play a part in the fulfillment of this fascinating portion of Isaiah's prophecy.  Let us therefore examine it carefully.

Light Shines in the Darkness

The opening words of this chapter of Isaiah are addressed to a woman in sad circumstances.  She is evidently lying prostrate in darkness on the ground.  Suddenly light pierces  the gloom as Jehovah, through Isaiah, calls out:  "Arise, O woman, shed forth light, for your light has come and upon you  the very glory of Jehovah has shone forth."  (Isaiah 60:1)  Yes, the "woman" should get to her feet and reflect God's glory!  Why is this a matter of urgency?  The prophecy continues:  "Look! Darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom  the national groups; but upon you Jehovah will shine forth, and upon you his own glory will  be seen." (Isaiah 60:2) For the benefit of those around her who are still groping in darkness, the "woman" must "shed forth light."  What will be the result?  "Nations will certainly go  to your light, and kings to the brightness of your shining forth."  (Isaiah 60"3) These  opening words provide the gist of what will be explained in greater detail in the verses that follow-true worship must expand worldwide! 

Although speaking about future events, Jehovah tells the "woman" that her light " has come."  This stresses the certainty that the prophecy will be fulfilled.  The "woman " being referred to  is Zion, or Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.  (Isaiah  52:1, 2; 60:14) The city stands  for the entire nation.  At the time of the first fulfillment of this prophecy, the "woman"  is found lying in darkness, where she has been since Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E., a faithful remnant of exiled Jews  return to Jerusalem and restore pure worship.  At last, Jehovah causes light to shine  upon his "woman," and his restored people become a source of enlightenment among the spiritually bedarkened  nations.

Next time: A Greater Fulfillment

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001