Isaiah 60:20

Commentary on Isaiah 60:20 (KJV)

Isaiah 60:20 is a powerful prophetic verse from the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), offering a glorious vision of future restoration and divine blessing for Jerusalem, often interpreted as Zion, God's people. It paints a picture of ultimate peace and joy, where the very source of light and comfort is God Himself.

Context

Chapter 60 of Isaiah describes the magnificent future glory of Zion, following a period of darkness and affliction (Isaiah 60:2). It envisions a time when God's light and glory shine brightly upon His people, attracting nations and kings to Jerusalem, bringing their wealth and homage. This chapter is filled with promises of abundant prosperity, security, and perpetual peace. Verse 20 serves as a climactic declaration, emphasizing the permanence and perfection of this new era, where the natural cycles of day and night, and consequently, periods of sorrow, are abolished by God's constant presence.

Key Themes

• Divine Light and Presence: The most prominent theme is that the Lord Himself becomes the "everlasting light." This signifies a direct, unmediated, and permanent divine presence that outshines and replaces the need for natural light sources like the sun and moon. It speaks to a profound intimacy and constant illumination from God.
• End of Suffering and Mourning: The promise that "the days of thy mourning shall be ended" offers profound comfort and hope. It envisions a state of perpetual joy and peace, where sorrow, grief, and darkness have no place. This echoes the ultimate promise of no more tears or pain in the new creation.
• Eternal Security and Restoration: The phrase "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself" speaks to an unending era of blessing and stability. There will be no decline, no recession, no periods of darkness or withdrawal of favor. It's a vision of complete and lasting restoration.
• Messianic and Eschatological Hope: While rooted in a promise for Israel's restoration, this prophecy transcends a purely earthly fulfillment. It points towards the ultimate reality of the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people, and His glory is their perpetual light (as seen in Revelation).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "everlasting light" is 'or olam (אוֹר עוֹלָם), which strongly emphasizes permanence and eternity. The word 'olam signifies a duration that is ancient, perpetual, or eternal, reinforcing that this divine light is not temporary but forever. "Mourning" comes from the Hebrew word yagon (יָגוֹן), which refers to deep sorrow or grief, making its promised end a complete and profound relief.

Practical Application

Isaiah 60:20 offers immense hope and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

• God is Our Ultimate Source of Light: In times of spiritual darkness, confusion, or despair, we can trust that the Lord is our constant, unfailing light. His presence dispels all shadows.
• Suffering is Temporary: While we experience sorrow and mourning in this life, this verse is a powerful reminder that these are not our ultimate destiny. A day is coming when all tears will be wiped away by God Himself.
• Future Glory Awaits: This prophecy gives us a glimpse into the glorious future God has prepared for His people—a future characterized by His constant presence, unending joy, and perfect peace. This hope serves as an anchor for the soul, especially when facing life's storms. It encourages us to live in anticipation of that day when Jesus, the Light of the World, will fully illuminate all things.