Isaiah 60:21
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Isaiah 60:21
21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 60 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, holiness. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 60:21
21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.
Analysis
The chapter's climax describes the citizens: "Thy people also shall be all righteous." The comprehensiveness is striking—kulam (all)—not partially but entirely righteous. "They shall inherit the land for ever." This echoes the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 13:15, 17:8) but extends to eternal inheritance (Matthew 5:5, Romans 4:13). The means of production follows: "the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified." Three metaphors:
- "branch" (netser)—organic growth from divine planting
- "planting"—God cultivated them
- "work of my hands"—divine craftsmanship.
The purpose: "that I may be glorified." From a Reformed perspective, this teaches sovereign grace and divine glory. The people's righteousness isn't self-achieved but results from God's planting and forming—He plants faith, cultivates holiness, perfects righteousness (Philippians 1:6). The comprehensive righteousness points to imputed righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21) and completed sanctification in glorification (1 John 3:2, Jude 24). God's glory is the ultimate purpose—all redemptive work serves His praise (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14).
Historical Context
Post-exilic Israel was a mixed multitude—some faithful, many compromising (Ezra 9:1-2, Nehemiah 13:23-27, Malachi 1:6-14). Universal righteousness seemed impossible. The prophecy looked beyond ethnic Israel to the true Israel—elect from all nations who inherit eternal life through faith in Christ (Romans 9:6-8, Galatians 3:7-9, 29). The church is God's planting (1 Corinthians 3:6-9), His workmanship created in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10), destined for complete righteousness at glorification (Romans 8:29-30).
Reflection
- How does the promise that all God's people will be righteous relate to imputed and imparted righteousness?
- What does it mean that we are 'the branch of His planting' and 'the work of His hands'?
- How does the purpose 'that I may be glorified' shape our understanding of salvation's ultimate goal?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6662 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Isaiah 61:3
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 29:23, 45:11, 52:1, Psalms 37:11, 37:22, 92:13