Isaiah 60:15

¶ Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through [thee], I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Whereas {H8478} thou hast been forsaken {H5800} and hated {H8130}, so that no man went through {H5674} thee, I will make {H7760} thee an eternal {H5769} excellency {H1347}, a joy {H4885} of many {H1755} generations {H1755}.

"In the past you were abandoned and hated, so that no one would even pass through you; but now I will make you the pride of the ages, a joy for many generations.

Whereas you have been forsaken and despised, with no one passing through, I will make you an everlasting pride, a joy from age to age.

Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man passed through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Context of Isaiah 60:15

Isaiah chapter 60 is a magnificent prophetic vision of the future glory of Zion (often representing Jerusalem and God's people). It follows chapters depicting Israel's suffering and God's justice. This specific verse, Isaiah 60:15, stands as a powerful contrast to the nation's past and present desolation. Historically, Jerusalem had faced destruction and its people exile, leading to a period of being "forsaken and hated" by nations, with its pathways untraveled due to ruin or danger. The prophecy here is not merely about physical rebuilding but a divine transformation, promising a reversal of fortune for God's chosen city and people, culminating in an era of unparalleled divine favor and worldwide recognition.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Reversal: The verse highlights God's ability to transform states of deep suffering and rejection into unimaginable glory. From being "forsaken and hated," Zion will become an "eternal excellency." This theme resonates throughout prophetic literature, showcasing God's redemptive power.
  • Eternal Glory: The promise of "eternal excellency" speaks to a lasting, inherent beauty and majesty bestowed by God. It signifies a status of honor and distinction that will never fade, unlike fleeting earthly glories. This concept is further explored in the glory of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:23.
  • Enduring Joy: The phrase "a joy of many generations" points to a profound and continuous happiness that will bless not just one era but successive generations. This joy is rooted in God's presence and His fulfilled promises, bringing delight to all who witness or participate in this restored state, much like the joy in God's new creation in Isaiah 65:18.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's failures and subsequent suffering, God's covenant faithfulness shines through. He pledges to restore His people and His city to a place of preeminence and blessing, fulfilling His ultimate purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "forsaken" (עֲזוּבָה, 'azuvah) implies being abandoned or desolate, while "hated" (שְׂנוּאָה, s'nu'ah) emphasizes the strong aversion others felt. In stark contrast, "excellency" (גָּאוֹן, ga'on) denotes majesty, pride, or glory, often in a positive sense when referring to God or His works. The term "joy" (מְשׂוֹשׂ, masos) signifies exultation and delight. These contrasting terms vividly paint the picture of a complete divine turnaround, moving from deep despair to ultimate triumph and celebration.

Related Scriptures

The vision of Zion's future glory in Isaiah 60 is deeply connected to other prophetic passages. For instance, Isaiah 60:1 calls for Zion to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come," setting the stage for this glorious transformation. The concept of God's people no longer being "forsaken" is reiterated in Isaiah 62:4, where God declares, "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah." This ultimate state of glory and joy finds its spiritual fulfillment in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21-22, where God's presence illuminates the city, and there is no more sorrow or pain.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 60:15 offers immense hope and encouragement. It reminds us that even in times of desolation, rejection, or apparent insignificance, God has a plan for ultimate restoration and glory. This verse speaks to the individual journey, where past hurts or feelings of abandonment can be transformed by God's grace into a life of purpose and "eternal excellency." It also speaks to the church, which, despite facing challenges and opposition, is destined for a glorious future through Christ. It's a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness and His promise to bring enduring joy out of our deepest sorrows, ultimately culminating in His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 61:7

    For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

  • Jeremiah 30:17

    For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

  • Isaiah 49:14

    But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

  • Isaiah 49:23

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Jeremiah 33:11

    The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 35:10

    And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

  • Isaiah 65:18

    But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

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