Isaiah 60:1 - Exposition

Arise, shine. The subject of the address does not distinctly appear until Isaiah 60:14 , where it is found to be "the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel." Zion has long been prostrate in the dust from the prophet's standpoint, and covered with thick darkness. Now she is bidden to "arise" and "shine forth as the day." For thy light is come. Zion cannot shine with her own light, for she has no light of her own, having preferred to "walk in darkness" ( Isaiah 59:9 ). But she may reflect the radiance which streams from the Person of Jehovah, whose glory is risen upon her. "In thy light shall we see light" ( Psalms 36:9 ).