Chapter 60 begins with a plea--from the Word of God to Zion/Jacob/the people of God--to let their light shine in the world. Despite the darkness of the world, the glory of God will be seen on them (i.e. not originating from them but from God to them) to the end that nations are drawn to their "rising" light (1-3). This is no different from the promise given to Abraham, that he would be blessed so that all nations of the world could also be blessed by coming to the one true God. Praises of the Lord are the ties that bind this family of faith together and bring prosperity (4-9, 11-14). God is the One who makes this happen, glorifying the ones who come to Him. Not only this, but Israel suffered because they turned from God but foreigners will restore Jerusalem/Zion (as we see in the book of Nehemiah). God both punishes and shows favor (10), allows His people to be overthrown but restores them (14), so that Israel will know the Lord is their Savior and Redeemer (16). Verses 18-22 give us a picture of the everlasting glory and light that comes from God alone, the same imagery that John uses in Revelation.
Chapter 61 begins with the passage Jesus read in the synagogue (so my mind automatically goes there. But if I can take a step back and remind myself to stay in the "context" of previous chapters, I hope to learn here, instead of simply importing previous understanding for my current reading), so if we can rightly interpret this passage, we also get a deeper understanding of Jesus in the process. Given the "voice" of Isaiah 60 is most likely God the Word, either speaking of God in third person or as Himself, I assume that it continues on in Ch. 61. Without any observable break, God the Word, then, says the Spirit of the Lord "is upon me," anointing him to bring good news (1)... and so on. 1-7 speaks of restoration and blessing. Verse 6, saying "our God," seems to indicate that Isaiah is actually the speaking voice here, and is therefore dealing with his ministry to the people of Israel. In 8-9 (or possibly just 8) the voice is back to the Lord and speaks of the Lord's faithful justice. Closing out the chapter is Isaiah or personified Israel, rejoicing in the the Lord's bringing of salvation, righteousness, and praise (10-11).
There are several things I want to address from today's reading. First, the Word shares with us not a picture-perfect view of the world but the presence of His light and the darkness of the world. In spite of the darkness of "the peoples," which I take to include the people of God also (as evidenced by earlier chapters), the Lord will rise, His light will be seen. The inherent question in the text is whether we will be a part of the light or a continuation of the existing darkness.
Second, these two chapters deal with the extravagant blessings of God on His people. This blessing is, again, not for their sake alone but for the sake of the world, those nations that will come to God as a result of what they see in Israel.
Third, the book of Isaiah can be difficult to understand because of the changing of voices within the text. I've read through the Bible numerous times and yet going through the text methodically like this is not light, toilet bowl reading, if you know what I mean. I'm wrestling with the text, trying to decipher what it means, what is being said and what I'm supposed to get out of it. I wish I had something deeper or more profound to say at this point, but right now I think the beauty of today's deep study is in the assurance that God knows what He's conveying. If I don't "get it" in a cursory reading of the text, or even in deep study the first time around, I think it's safer to assume that I'm missing what is right there instead of assuming God messed up somewhere. The former admits that all knowledge is not yet mine, and I've got some learning to do. It's a position of humility and, more importantly, learning, and the teachable spirit will eventually find what it seeks. The latter asserts with finality what is yet unclear. Using limited knowledge, this stance does not admit to the limits of understanding but overreaches its ability, seeking with bias what it hopes to prove true (see evolution). And the unteachable spirit is ultimately not concerned with truth but with supporting its current perspective. I don't want to be like that. I want to learn what is truth and shape my life accordingly.
Second, these two chapters deal with the extravagant blessings of God on His people. This blessing is, again, not for their sake alone but for the sake of the world, those nations that will come to God as a result of what they see in Israel.
Third, the book of Isaiah can be difficult to understand because of the changing of voices within the text. I've read through the Bible numerous times and yet going through the text methodically like this is not light, toilet bowl reading, if you know what I mean. I'm wrestling with the text, trying to decipher what it means, what is being said and what I'm supposed to get out of it. I wish I had something deeper or more profound to say at this point, but right now I think the beauty of today's deep study is in the assurance that God knows what He's conveying. If I don't "get it" in a cursory reading of the text, or even in deep study the first time around, I think it's safer to assume that I'm missing what is right there instead of assuming God messed up somewhere. The former admits that all knowledge is not yet mine, and I've got some learning to do. It's a position of humility and, more importantly, learning, and the teachable spirit will eventually find what it seeks. The latter asserts with finality what is yet unclear. Using limited knowledge, this stance does not admit to the limits of understanding but overreaches its ability, seeking with bias what it hopes to prove true (see evolution). And the unteachable spirit is ultimately not concerned with truth but with supporting its current perspective. I don't want to be like that. I want to learn what is truth and shape my life accordingly.