1 Arise, shine, your light has dawned;the glory of Jehovah has risen upon you!
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
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2 Although darkness covers the earth,and a thick mist the peoples,upon you Jehovah will shine;over you his glory shall be visible.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
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3 Nations will come to your light,their kings to the brightness of your dawn.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
4 Lift up your eyes and look about you!They have all assembled to come to you:your sons shall arrive from afar;your daughters shall return to your side.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
5 Then, when you see it, your face will light up,your heart swell with awe:the multitude of the Sea shall resort to you;a host of nations shall enter you.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
6 A myriad of camels shall cover your land,athe dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;all from Sheba will come,bearing gold and frankincenseand heralding the praises of Jehovah.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
7 All Kedar’s flocks will gather to you,the rams of Nebaioth will serve you;they shall be accepted as offerings on my altar,and thus I will make glorious my house of glory.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
8 Who are these, aloft like clouds,flying as doves to their portals?
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
9 From the isles they are gathering to me,the ships of Tarshish in the lead,to bring back your children from afar,and with them their silver and gold,to Jehovah Omnipotent,b your God,to the Holy One of Israel,who has made you illustrious.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
10 Foreigners will rebuild your walls,and their kings will minister to you.Though I struck you in anger,I will gladly show you mercy.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
11 Your gates shall always remain open;they shall not be shut day or night,that a host of nations may be brought to youand their kings escorted in.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
12 And the nation or kingdomthat will not serve you shall perish;such nations shall be utterly ruined.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
13 The splendor of Lebanon shall become yours—cypresses, pines, and firs together—to beautify the site of my sanctuary,to make glorious the place of my feet.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
14 The sons of those who tormented youwill come bowing before you;all who reviled you will prostrate themselves at your feet.They will call you the City of Jehovah,Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
15 Although you had been forsaken and abhorred,with none passing through your land,yet I will make you an everlasting pride,the joy of generation after generation.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
16 You will suck the milk of the nations,suckling at the breasts of kings.Then shall you know that I, Jehovah,am your Savior,that your Redeemer is the Valiant One of Jacob.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
17 In place of copper I will bring gold,in place of iron, silver;in place of wood I will bring copper,in place of stones, iron.I will make peace your rulersand righteousness your oppressors:
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
18 tyranny shall no more be heard of in your land,nor dispossession or disaster within your borders;you will regard salvation as your wallsand homage as your gates.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies everlasting salvation to his elect when he comes to reign and whose presence protects them during the earth's millennial age of peace.
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19 No longer shall the sun be your light by day,nor the brightness of the moonyour illuminationc at night:Jehovah will be your everlasting lightand your God your radiant glory.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies everlasting salvation to his elect when he comes to reign and whose presence protects them during the earth's millennial age of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
20 Your sun shall set no more,nor your moon wane:to you Jehovah shall be an endless lightwhen your days of mourning are fulfilled.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies everlasting salvation to his elect when he comes to reign and whose presence protects them during the earth's millennial age of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
21 Your entire people shall be righteous;they shall inherit the earth forever—they are the branch I have planted,the work of my hands, in which I am glorified.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies everlasting salvation to his elect when he comes to reign and whose presence protects them during the earth's millennial age of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
A pseudonym of (1) Jehovah's end-time servant, who releases the captives of Israel's Ten Tribes from (2) the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who attempts to hold them captive.
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22 The least of them shall become a clan,the youngest a mighty nation.I Jehovah will hasten it in its time.
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness in the world but from whose oppression Jehovah's servant releases those who repent.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's repentant people at the time Jehovah delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon and his alliance, a power of chaos from which Jehovah's servant releases Jehovah's people who repent in a new exodus to Zion.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who exemplifies Jehovah's righteousness and who rules with Jehovah in the earth's millennial age of peace.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies everlasting salvation to his elect when he comes to reign and whose presence protects them during the earth's millennial age of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah God of Israel, who personifies the greater light that lights up the earth at his coming and that diffuses through the earth in his millennial reign of peace.
green
A pseudonym of (1) Jehovah's end-time servant, who releases the captives of Israel's Ten Tribes from (2) the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, who attempts to hold them captive.
purple
Apocalyptic Commentary
Isaiah 60
An a1-b-a2 mini-chiasm in these verses contrasts the destinies of the righteous and the wicked: for those who repent and follow Jehovah’s paradigm of righteousness (cf. Isaiah 58:6-7), the light dawns as promised (cf. Isaiah 58:8, 10)—a1; those who choose not to repent, on the other hand, remain in darkness spiritually (cf. Isaiah 5:20; 26:10-11) and physically (cf. Isaiah 8:22; 59:9), subject to the power of the king of Assyria/Babylon—b; and Jehovah’s glory—the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night that signifies his presence (cf. Exodus 40:34-38; Isaiah 4:5)—rests on those drawn to his light—a2.
The term “light,” moreover, is a word link to Jehovah’s servant (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6), to Jehovah’s law and word (Isaiah 50:10; 51:4), and to those drawn to his light (Isaiah 2:5; 9:2-3) who return in the new exodus to Zion (Isaiah 42:16; 58:8). Contrasting fates of the righteous and wicked in Part VII of Isaiah’s Seven-Part Structure (Isaiah 34-35; 60-66) reveal the polarization of peoples that occurs when the servant fulfills his mission. The term “arise”—a word link to those who “rise” from the dead (Isaiah 26:19)—alludes to the righteous dead participating with the living at the earth’s millennial dawn.
As noted, those who return from exile in the new exodus are two categories of people: (1) spiritual kings and queens of the Gentiles—seraphs/saviors who minister to Jehovah’s people; and (2) persons who ascend to the son/servant level: “I will lift up my hand to the nations, raise my ensign to the peoples; and they will bring your sons in their bosoms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. Kings shall be your foster fathers, queens your nursing mothers” (Isaiah 49:22-23; cf. 11:10-12, 15-16); “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth” (Isaiah 43:6; cf. 41:8-9; 49:12).
While the kings and queens of the Gentiles serve as saviors to Jehovah’s people under the terms of the Davidic Covenant, Jehovah acknowledges those whom they escort home as his “sons” and “daughters.” Other scriptures, moreover, identify those in the first category as “saviors,” “servants,” and “angels” and those in the second as Jehovah’s “elect” (Obadiah 1:21; Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1; Matthew 24:31). Although many in both categories may have lost their Israelite identity, all are Jehovah’s people, fulfilling his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that nations and kings would descend from them:
“I will make you into nations; kings shall come out of you” (Genesis 17:6); “A nation and a company of nations shall stem from you; kings shall come out of your loins” (Genesis 35:11); “Thus says Jehovah, ‘Perform justice and righteousness. Release those who are exploited from the power of their oppressors. Do no wrong; do no violence to the alien, fatherless, or widow. Shed no innocent blood in this place. If you do this indeed, then shall enter through the gates of this house kings who sit on David’s throne riding in chariots and on horses, he and his servants and his people’” (Jeremiah 22:3-4).
Those at home welcome those who return from abroad in a great homecoming of Jehovah’s dispersed peoples including Israel’s lost Ten Tribes (Isaiah 11:11-12; 26:2; 41:8-9; 43:5-7; 49:21-22). The expression “multitude of the Sea” suggests that they have escaped the power of the king of Assyria/Babylon who held them captive (Isaiah 10:24-26; 11:15-16; 43:16-17; 49:8-12, 24-25; 51:9-11). Its parallel—“host of nations/Gentiles”—infers that remnants of many nations in the end comprise Jehovah’s elect people who return to Zion (Isaiah 2:2, 4; 11:10-12; 24:13-15; 42:1, 6; 49:6, 22).
Codenames of nations and animal imagery depict the return and gathering of Jehovah’s elect to his millennial temple. The verb “serve” or “minister” (srt) forms a word link: (1) to the kings of the Gentiles who serve or “minister” to Jehovah’s people (v 10); (2) to the foreigners who desire to “serve” him (Isaiah 56:6); and (3) to those whom Jehovah’s servant ordains to the holy priesthood (Isaiah 61:3, 6-7)—inferring that all belong to the same spiritual category. Their self-sacrifice under the terms of the Davidic Covenant brings about the deliverance of those whom they serve (Isaiah 63:17; 65:8-9).
They shall be accepted as offerings on my altar. In the similitude of the Israelites who brought animal sacrifices to Jehovah’s temple anciently, these proxy saviors on Isaiah’s seraph level bring Jehovah’s elect safely in the new exodus to Zion. Having sacrificed themselves under the terms of the Davidic Covenant in answering to Jehovah for the disloyalties of those to whom they minister, they win their deliverance from destruction in Jehovah’s Day of Judgment. Word links identify these seraphs-saviors as Jehovah’s “servants”: “Their offerings and sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar” (Isaiah 56:7).
Continuing the imagery of animals to depict those who return from exile, doves again represent the “children” or “sons” (banim) of Jehovah’s people of Isaiah’s son/servant category. By land, air, and sea they gather to Jehovah, now present in his temple (vv 3-9; Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:5, 8; 66:18-20). Similarly, although his people’s “silver and gold” are intended literally, precious metals (vv 6, 9, 17), too, symbolize persons in the son/servant category (Isaiah 1:25-26; 13:12; 48:10)—those whom Jehovah “makes illustrious” or gloriously endows after the pattern of his servant (Isaiah 4:2; 52:1; 55:5; 61:1-4).
Parallelism of the “kings” who minister to Jehovah’s people with the “foreigners” who rebuild the walls and the “host of nations/Gentiles” who are brought confirms that many of Jehovah’s people who return in the new exodus lost their identity as Israelites during 2700 years of exile and dispersion. For them to attain Isaiah’s seraph and son/servant categories of Jehovah’s people nevertheless implies that they prove loyal to Jehovah through successive descent phases of trials before they ascend spiritually and reconstitute his millennial covenant people (Isaiah 30:18-20; 35:3-4; 48:10; 54:6-8).
When death is done away and “the veil that veils all peoples” is removed from humanity (Isaiah 25:7-8), all spiritual categories of people will appear as they are, some more glorious than others. Under those circumstances, the lesser pay tribute to the greater so that thereby the lesser too may ascend to higher states of being. Upon the kingdom of God on the earth being organized into a hierarchy of spirits according to the heavenly pattern, peoples in lower categories serve those in upper ones who minister to them (Isaiah 23:18; 61:6-7). To deviate from that pattern is to invite covenant curses.
As Jehovah reverses his people’s circumstances and implements his reign of peace on the earth, their lands assume a paradisiacal glory: “The desert shall rejoice when it blossoms like crocus. Joyously it shall break out in flower, singing with delight; it shall be endowed with the glory of Lebanon, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. The glory of Jehovah and the splendor of our God they shall see [there]” (Isaiah 35:1-2). Jehovah’s “sanctuary” is not only the place to which his people return in the new exodus (v 7) but also where they continue to come on pilgrimages (Isaiah 2:2-3; 56:7-8; 66:18-23).
Persons who “come bowing” before Jehovah’s holy ones and “prostrate themselves” to them are among those who survive Jehovah’s Day of Judgment who didn’t return in the new exodus but who repented of wickedness on account of the curses they endured (Isaiah 59:12-13; 64:5-12). In the end, they or their offspring acknowledge their error and honor those whom they reviled. A dichotomy thus occurs among the assimilated Israelites—between the spiritual kings and queens of the Gentiles who attain seraph status and those who persecuted them (Isaiah 45:14; 49:23; 61:5-7; 65:13-15; 66:5).
Only persons who acquire Jehovah’s divine attributes may live in his city: “Awake, arise; clothe yourself with power, O Zion! Put on your robes of glory, O Jerusalem, holy city. No more shall the uncircumcised and defiled enter you” (Isaiah 52:1); “The nations shall behold your righteousness and all their rulers your glory; you shall be called by a new name conferred by the mouth of Jehovah. Then shall you be a crown of glory in the hand of Jehovah. . . . They shall be called the holy people, the redeemed of Jehovah; and you shall be known as in demand, a city never deserted” (Isaiah 62:2-3, Isaiah 62:2-3, 12).
A millennial ascent phase “of generation after generation” follows a centuries-long descent phase for many of Jehovah’s people. The antithetical themes of Isaiah’s Seven-Part Structure now find resolution as ruin gives way to rebirth, punishment to deliverance, humiliation to exaltation, suffering to salvation, and disinheritance to inheritance—all contingent on rebellion yielding to compliance and disloyalty to loyalty. In the end, those who ascend “know” their Savior and Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel (v 14) and Valiant One of Jacob. Having become like him, they live in his glorious presence.
Word links show that the kings who reign with Jehovah in the millennial age of peace are those same spiritual kings and their queens on the seraph level who serve as proxy saviors to Jehovah’s people under the terms of the Davidic Covenant (vv 3, 10-11, 16-17; Isaiah 32:1; 49:7, 23; 52:15). Such come to “know” Jehovah through their sacrifice of all things in his cause (Isaiah 19:21-22). They fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy that “the house of David will be as God, as the angel of Jehovah before them” to defend his people (Zechariah 12:8; cf. Isaiah 51:9; 55:3; 58:8; Matthew 24:31; Revelation 20:6).
Reflecting the ascent of many people to higher spiritual categories, and the disappearance from the earth of the lowest, is the upgrade of construction supplies and beautifying materials: “I will lay antimony for your building stones and sapphires for your foundations; I will make your skylights of jacinth, your gates of carbuncle, and your entire boundary of precious stones” (Isaiah 54:11-12). As Jehovah’s people “renew the desolate cities demolished generations ago” (Isaiah 61:4; cf. 44:26; 58:12), the rebuilding of ruins proceeds on an entirely new footing that parallels the earth’s paradisiacal glory.
Where world rulers had been people’s oppressors, peace and righteousness take their place: “The effect of justice shall be peace and the result of righteousness an assured calm forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Where there had been tyranny and dispossession, salvation reigns: “Let the skies overflow with righteousness. Let the earth receive it and salvation blossom; let righteousness spring up forthwith” (Isaiah 45:8); “Our city is strong; salvation he has set up as walls and barricades” (Isaiah 26:1). The reign of salvation and righteousness—Jehovah and his servant—characterizes the entire millennial age:
“When oppressors are no more and violence has ceased, when tyrants are destroyed from the earth, then, in loving kindness, shall a throne be set up in the abode of David, and in faithfulness a judge sit on it who will maintain justice and expedite righteousness” (Isaiah 16:4-5); “That sovereignty may be extended and peace have no end; that, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, [his rule] may be established and upheld by justice and righteousness from this time forth and forever” (Isaiah 9:7); “My salvation shall be everlasting; my righteousness shall never fail” (Isaiah 51:6; emphasis added).
Upon the earth’s attaining its paradisiacal splendor (Isaiah 35:1-2; 51:3)—reflecting its inhabitants’ ascent to higher spiritual levels (Isaiah 4:2-3; 40:31)—and upon its assuming a new orbit after being displaced (Isaiah 13:13; 51:16), the light illuminating the earth intensifies accordingly. As Jehovah’s establishes his millennial kingdom on the earth, his presence graces its inhabitants night and day, the brightness that radiates from him reflecting heaven itself. His people’s seemingly endless “days of mourning”—their erstwhile descent phase—give way to an ascent phase basked in his endless Light.
The lesser light—Jehovah’s servant (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6) who prepared the way before Jehovah (vv 1-3; Isaiah 2:5; 9:2; 40:1-5; 42:16; 51:4-5; 58:8-10; 62:1)—thus yields to the greater Light when Israel’s God comes in his glory. Like the dawning of the morning before the sun rises above the horizon, the servant’s mission ushered in the earth’s millennial age. Among the world’s pure in heart a consciousness of a new epoch dawned within their souls as the servant revealed the “new things” that portended Jehovah’s imminent coming (Isaiah 41:27; 42:9; 43:19-20; 48:6-7, 16; 52:7; 61:1-2; 65:17-18).
Those of Jehovah’s people who attain his standard of righteousness fulfill God’s plan for his children by inheriting the earth forever (Isaiah 57:13b; 58:14). Based on the principle of “the one and the many,” the “branch” (neser) that grows from the graft in Isaiah’s mini olive tree allegory (Isaiah 11:1)—Jehovah’s servant and those whom he represents—blossoms into the fruit-bearing “branch (neser) of Jehovah’s redeemed people (Isaiah 4:2-3; 27:6; 37:31). Released from Jehovah’s hand of punishment by his hand of deliverance, they grow into fathers of nations as was Abraham (cf. Genesis 17:4-5).