Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 60

Arise, shine ... —The description of the redeemed Zion—that is, the new Jerusalem—seen in the prophet’s vision as under the forms of the old. She has been prostrate, as in the darkness of Sheol (Isaiah 57:9). The word comes that calls her to rise to a new life, radiant with the glory of the Lord. In Ephesians 5:14 we have, perhaps, an echo, though not a quotation, of the prophet’s words.

The darkness shall cover the earth ... —The darkness which had shrouded Zion still spreads its veil over the heathen nations of the world, but they also are to share in the light which is to stream forth from the new Jerusalem. (Psalms 84:11).

Lift up your eyes ... —Repeated from Isaiah 49:18.

Your daughters shall be nursed at your side ... —As in Isaiah 66:12, the words point to the Eastern custom of carrying young children on the hip of their mother, with their arms clasped round her waist.

Then you will see. — A variant reading adopted by many commentators gives you will fear.

Your heart will fear ... — Literally, it will throb with an awe-stricken joy at the marvelous prosperity, but that throb of awe is followed by the expansion of ecstatic joy.

The abundance of the sea — that is, the riches of the Western isles, with which the new Jerusalem was to be filled, as Tyre and Sidon had been in ancient times (Ezekiel 27:1–25).

The multitude of camels ... —The verse paints the commerce of the East, as Isaiah 60:5 had described that of the West. For the camels and riches of Midian, see Judges 6:5; Judges 8:26. “Ephah” appears in Genesis 25:4 among the sons of Midian. “Sheba” keeps up its traditional fame for gold and incense (Psalms 72:10; Strabo xvi. 4, 19).