Daily Devotional | Joy of All Generations

Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the beautiful Baroque choral piece titled Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, celebrating the joy that comes from knowing Christ. In Isaiah 60, the prophet seems to express a similar statement: “I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations” (v. 15).

However, the joy Isaiah describes is referring to Israel. These two joys, Jesus and Israel, are closely intertwined. Isaiah 60 is describing the rule of the Messiah. In verse17, the Lord promises: “I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.” This is more than a description that the quality of life in Israel will be restored. Verse 13 points to Jerusalem’s singular privilege of serving as the place where the Lord had established His sanctuary. Although some aspects are reminiscent of Solomon’s Temple, the promise of verse 19 that Jerusalem will no longer need the light of the Sun or Moon is echoed by John in his description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 22:5.

Is this language literal or figurative? Perhaps it is both. The use of “light” speaks of the nature of Christ’s Messianic reign and also of the reversal of Israel’s fortunes that will take place as a result. Jesus, who is “the light of the world” will serve as Israel’s everlasting light (John 8:12; 9:5). With Him, Israel’s fortunes will also rise so that their sun never sets, their moon never wanes, and “your days of sorrow will end.” The Lord promised that at this time, “all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever” (v. 21). Based on promises like these, the apostle Paul saw a bright future for Israel and the hope of a great turning to Christ. At that time, “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26).