Scripture Text: Isaiah 60:1-62:12
Memory Verse: “The sun shall no more be thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” —Isaiah 60:19
Introduction:
Judah’s captivity in Babylon had been perhaps the darkest in the nation’s entire history. The people were deflated with utter defeat. The thought of the Land of Promise destroyed, and the Holy City crumbled to dust, had the remnant in exile in sorrowful tears. In Isaiah 60-66, Isaiah describes the “glory of the Lord” that he has been referring to through the rest of the book. In fact, in these chapters, the word “glory” is used at least twenty-three times!
God’s glory had once inhabited the tabernacle of Moses (Exodus 40:34-38), but departed because of Israel’s sin (1 Samuel 4:21). God’s glory filled the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 8:11), then departed when Israel turned to idols (Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4, 18; 11:22-23). Isaiah prophesied that God’s glory would return to Israel in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), but that the Jews would nail this embodiment of God’s glory to a cross. Finally, Isaiah describes the glorious light that will come to God’s people when the Messiah returns to reign in Jerusalem. Habakkuk 2:14 says: “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
It will truly be the dawning of a new day, as the nations of the world also come to Jerusalem to bow to the Lord.
Isaiah 61 describes the beginning of a new life. The burdens of the people will be lifted to set them at liberty. Jesus Himself read this passage of Scripture in the synagogue in Nazareth, and applied the words to Himself (Luke 4:16-21).
Isaiah 62 speaks of the granting of a new name. Isaiah 62:1-5 tell us that God will not hold His peace, and will grant Israel a new name when she is reconciled back to Him. Isaiah 62:6-12 tell us further that God will appoint competent leaders (watchmen) over Israel. A new day has dawned—God’s glory has risen!
Studying the Word
- Compare the descent of God’s glory and the subsequent removal to the final habitation.
- Exodus 40:34-38 and 1 Samuel 4:21
- 1 Kings 8:11 and Ezekiel 9:3, 10; 10:4, 18
- John 1:14; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Describe the joys and wonders of God’s glorious kingdom. (Isaiah 60:5-7, 16; 49:23; 61:6; 1 Kings 10:21, 27; Revelation 21-22)
- Compare Isaiah’s use of light-darkness to John’s contrast of light-darkness. What similarities are there? (Isaiah 5:30; 13:10; 50:10; John 1:4-9; 8:12).
- Compare Isaiah 61:1-9 to Luke 4:16-21.
- In the above readings, why did Jesus only quote part of the verse in Isaiah 61:2? (Psalm 32:6; Romans 13:11; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
- Describe the lifetime “year of jubilee” when you trust Christ. (Revelation 1:6; Isaiah 61:3, 7, 10; Psalm 1:1-3; Deuteronomy 21:17)
- What instruction and warnings does God give the watchmen? (Isaiah 62:6-10; Psalm 122:6; Ezekiel 3:17; Hebrews 13:17; James 3:1)
- What does God proclaim? (Isaiah 62:11,12; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 2:8; 1 John 5:11)
- How will those who follow God be compensated? (Isaiah 62:11,12; 1 Corinthians 9:17; Revelation 22:12)