Isaiah here proceeds to describe a glorious work to be accomplished by Israel, on the assumption that a reformation, in harmony with ch. 58:6-14, has taken place. Chapters 60-62 describe this great work.
Such was the divine plan for ancient Israel. But as a nation they failed in the work of reformation within, and God was unable, therefore, to deliver them from their enemies without or to make them His agents in bringing salvation to the Gentiles (see pp. 26-30). Accordingly, the covenant privileges and responsibilities were transferred to spiritual Israel. Hence, the bright picture of the glorious triumph of the gospel outlined in chs. 60-62 clearly belongs to God’s people today (see pp. 35, 36).
Thy light.
Light was ever a symbol of the divine presence (DA 464; see on Gen. 3:24). Christ came to earth as the light of life (John 1:4, 5; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35, 36, 46; see on Isa. 9:2). Those who received Him and believed on His name (John 1:9, 12) were, in turn, to let their light shine forth in glory to God (see on Matt. 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:9). Before the return of Christ the gospel message is to be proclaimed with such power that the whole earth will be ablaze with the light of truth (Rev. 18:1).