Isaiah – Chapter 60

Old Testament22 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 60 of Isaiah begins: "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Jacob stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 22 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

2For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising.

4Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side.

5Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee.

6The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

7All the flocks of Cedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nabaioth shall minister to thee: they shall be offered upon my acceptable altar, and I will glorify the house of my majesty.

8Who are these, that fly as clouds, and as doves to their windows?

9For, the islands wait for me, and the ships of the sea in the beginning: that I may bring thy sons from afar: their silver, and their gold with them, to the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

10And the children of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister to thee: for in my wrath have I struck thee, and in my reconciliation have I had mercy upon thee.

11And thy gates shall be open continually: they shall not be shut day nor night, that the strength of the Gentiles may be brought to thee, and their kings may be brought.

12For the nation and the kingdom that will not serve thee, shall perish: and the Gentiles shall be wasted with desolation.

13The glory of Libanus shall come to thee, the fir tree, and the box tree, and the pine tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary: and I will glorify the place of my feet.

14And the children of them that afflict thee, shall come bowing down to thee, and all that slandered thee shall worship the steps of thy feet, and shall call thee the city of the Lord, the Sion of the Holy One of Israel.

15Because thou wast forsaken, and hated, and there was none that passed through thee, I will make thee to be an everlasting glory, a joy unto generation and generation:

16And thou shalt suck the milk of the Gentiles, and thou shalt be nursed with the breasts of kings: and thou shalt know that I am the Lord thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

17For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver: and for wood brass, and for stones iron: and I will make thy visitation peace, and thy overseers justice.

18Iniquity shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction in thy borders, and salvation shall possess thy walls, and praise thy gates.

19Thou shalt no more have the sun for thy light by day, neither shall the brightness of the moon enlighten thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee for an everlasting light, and thy God for thy glory.

20Thy sun shall go down no more, and thy moon shall not decrease: for the Lord shall be unto thee for an everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

21And thy people shall be all just, they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hand to glorify me.

22The least shall become a thousand, and a little one a most strong nation: I the Lord will suddenly do this thing in its time.

Important Verses in Isaiah 60

Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

Isaiah 60:1

For, the islands wait for me, and the ships of the sea in the beginning: that I may bring thy sons from afar: their silver, and their gold with them, to the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 60:9

And the children of them that afflict thee, shall come bowing down to thee, and all that slandered thee shall worship the steps of thy feet, and shall call thee the city of the Lord, the Sion of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 60:14

Thou shalt no more have the sun for thy light by day, neither shall the brightness of the moon enlighten thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee for an everlasting light, and thy God for thy glory.

Isaiah 60:19

Historical Context

Isaiah belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for judah in crisis, the exiles in Babylon, and all who await the Messiah. Chapter 60 of 66 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Jacob, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." The final verse reads: "The least shall become a thousand, and a little one a most strong nation: I the Lord will suddenly do this thing in its…" Read against its original backdrop, Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem during the Assyrian crisis, calling kings to trust God rather than alliances. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

Who Wrote It

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples

When It Was Written

Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC)

Catholic Commentary

This chapter presents divine statutes and cultic norms that shaped Israel's worship and moral life. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, comfort, and messianic hope. Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled in Christ, especially the Suffering Servant (CIC 601). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 791).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God's salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Isaiah 60 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Jacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Isaiah Chapter 60, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the sanctity of marriage and family remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the sanctity of marriage and family bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah Chapter 60 about?

Isaiah 60 contains 22 verses. It opens with "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." and closes with "The least shall become a thousand, and a little one a most strong nation: I the Lord will suddenly do this thing in its…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles and poetry.

What is a key verse in Isaiah 60?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Isaiah Chapter 60?

This chapter mentions Jacob.

Who wrote Isaiah and when?

The prophet Isaiah of Jerusalem; chapters 40-66 continue his message through inspired disciples. Isaiah's ministry about 740-700 BC; the book's later chapters address the exile and return (6th century BC).

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