Isaiah 60:21

Commentary on Isaiah 60:21 (KJV)

Isaiah 60:21, part of the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), paints a vivid picture of the glorious future awaiting God's people. This verse speaks to a profound transformation and eternal inheritance, highlighting divine authorship and purpose.

Context

Chapter 60 of Isaiah describes a magnificent era of restoration and light for Jerusalem and the people of Israel after a period of suffering and exile. It envisions a time when God's glory shines brightly upon His people, drawing nations and their wealth to Zion. The preceding verses speak of an everlasting light, protection, and prosperity. Verse 21 fits seamlessly into this prophetic vision, detailing the character of this renewed community and the divine hand behind their blessed state. It anticipates a perfected covenant relationship and an enduring dwelling.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Righteousness and Transformation: The declaration "Thy people also shall be all righteous" points to a miraculous work of God, transforming the character of His people. This isn't merely external obedience but an internal alignment with God's perfect will, a hallmark of the new covenant (see Jeremiah 31:33).
• Eternal Inheritance: The promise "they shall inherit the land for ever" expands on the ancient promises of land to Abraham and Israel. Here, "for ever" suggests not just a temporal possession but an everlasting dwelling, perhaps pointing beyond the earthly land to the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13) and where the meek shall inherit the earth.
• God's Sovereignty and Authorship: The phrases "the branch of my planting" and "the work of my hands" powerfully emphasize that this transformation and inheritance are entirely God's doing. They are not self-achieved but divinely initiated and sustained. This underscores His creative power and faithful commitment to His people.
• God's Glory as the Ultimate Purpose: The concluding phrase, "that I may be glorified," reveals the ultimate aim of all these divine blessings and transformations. God's restoration of His people, making them righteous and granting them an eternal inheritance, serves to magnify His own character, power, and faithfulness. All things are ultimately for His glory.

Linguistic Insights

• The Hebrew word for "righteous" is tzaddiqim (צַדִּיקִים), implying not just ethical uprightness but a state of right relationship and covenant faithfulness with God. It speaks to a deep, transformative purity.
• "Branch" is from the Hebrew netser (נֵ֫צֶר), which can refer to a shoot or sprout. This term often carries messianic connotations in other prophetic books, such as the "Branch" from Jesse's roots in Isaiah 11:1, or the "Righteous Branch" in Jeremiah 23:5, pointing to a future ruler or deliverance. Here, it refers to God's people as His specially cultivated offspring.
• "Planting" (מַטָּע - matta') reinforces the idea of deliberate cultivation and growth under God's careful hand, likening His people to a vineyard or garden.

Practical Application

Isaiah 60:21 offers profound hope and guidance for believers today:

• Assurance of Transformation: We can find comfort in the promise that God is actively at work to make His people righteous. This is not solely our effort but His divine initiative, leading to spiritual growth and holiness (Philippians 1:6).
• Eternal Perspective: The promise of inheriting the land for ever encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our ultimate hope and dwelling are secured by God, far surpassing any temporary earthly possessions.
• Identity in Christ: As believers, we are indeed "the work of His hands" (Ephesians 2:10), His deliberate creation, designed for a purpose. This understanding shapes our identity and worth.
• Living for God's Glory: This verse reminds us that the ultimate purpose of our salvation, transformation, and inheritance is to bring glory to God. Our lives should reflect His goodness and power, shining His light to the world.