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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
For behold the darkness
H2822
הַחֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
For behold the darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
3 of 13
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
יְכַסֶּה
shall cover
H3680
יְכַסֶּה
shall cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
וְעָלַ֙יִךְ֙
H5921
וְעָלַ֙יִךְ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִזְרַ֣ח
shall arise
H2224
יִזְרַ֣ח
shall arise
Strong's:
H2224
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e., to rise (as the sun); specifically, to appear (as a symptom of leprosy)
יְהוָ֔ה
but the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
but the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּכְבוֹד֖וֹ
upon thee and his glory
H3519
וּכְבוֹד֖וֹ
upon thee and his glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
Cross References
Colossians 1:13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:1 Peter 2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Acts 17:23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.Acts 14:16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.John 8:55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Historical Context
This anticipates both post-exilic temple restoration and ultimate fulfillment in Christ - 'light of the world' (John 8:12) arising in dark Roman paganism. The church inherits this light-bearing mission (Matthew 5:14), displaying God's glory to dark world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contrast between world's 'gross darkness' and God's arising glory on you create evangelistic opportunity?
- In what ways should God's 'glory seen upon you' attract others to seek the light's source?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast 'darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people' depicts comprehensive spiritual ignorance, yet 'the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee' promises concentrated divine revelation to Israel. This establishes that God's light shines brightest against darkest background. The purpose: 'his glory shall be seen' - God's self-revelation attracts nations to His light-bearing people.