Isaiah 60:1

CHAPTER LX

The glorious prospect displayed in this chapter seems to have

elevated the prophet even above his usual majesty. The subject

is the very flourishing condition of the Church of Jesus Christ

at that period of the Gospel dispensation when both Jews and

Gentiles shall become one fold under one Shepherd. The imagery

employed is of the most consolatory and magnificent

description. This blessed state of the world shall follow a

time of gross darkness, 1, 2.

The universal diffusion of vital godliness beautifully set

forth by a great variety of images, 3-14.

The everlasting duration and spotless purity of this kingdom of

Christ, 15-21.

A time appointed in the counsels of Jehovah for the

commencement of this happy period; and when this time arrives,

the particulars of the prophecy shall have a speedy

accomplishment, 22.

The subject of this chapter is the great increase and flourishing state of the Church of God by the conversion and accession of the heathen nations to it, which is set forth in such ample and exalted terms, as plainly show that the full completion of this prophecy is reserved for future times. This subject is displayed in the most splendid colours under a great variety of images highly poetical, designed to give a general idea of the glories of that perfect state of the Church of God which we are taught to expect in the latter times; when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in, and the Jews shall be converted and gathered from their dispersions, and the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.

Of the use in prophecy of general or common poetical images, in setting forth the greatness and importance of a future event universally, without descending to particulars, or too minutely explaining circumstances, I have already pretty largely treated in the twentieth prelection on the Hebrew poetry; and have more than once observed in these notes that such images are not always to he applied particularly to persons and things, and were never intended to be minutely explained. I shall add here the opinion of a very learned and judicious person upon this subject: "It is, I think, a mark of right understanding in the language of prophecy, and in the design of prophecy too, to keep to what appears the design and meaning of the prophecy in general, and what the whole of it laid together points out to us, and not to suffer a warm imagination to mislead us from the real intention of the spirit of prophecy, by following uncertain applications of the parts of it." Lowman on the Revelation, note on Revelation 19:21. - L. To this testimony I must add my own. This is one of the most glorious chapters in the whole of the Old Testament. The splendour, glory, and excellence of the Church of Christ are here pointed out in language which the Spirit of God alone is capable of using. But when shall this state of blessedness take place? Lord, thou only knowest.

NOTES ON CHAP. LX

Verse Isaiah 60:1. Arise] Call upon God through Christ, for his salvation; and,

Shine] אורי ori, be illuminated: for till thou arise and call upon God, thou wilt never receive true light.

For thy light is come] כי בא אורך ki ba orech, for thy light cometh. The Messiah is at the door; who, while he is a light to lighten the Gentiles, will be the glory - the effulgence, of his people Israel.