Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 60:2

"For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Jehovah will arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee." — Isaiah 60:2 (ASV)

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).