Isra’el in the Messianic Kingdom
60: 1-22
It is not unusual for Isaiah to alternate between different time periods. Normally he alternates between near historical and far eschatological prophecies. But here, Isaiah begins to alternate between far eschatological prophecies and prophecies about the Suffering Servant. The context determines which one is in view. Chapters 58 and 59 dealt with Israel’s sin, confession, and regeneration. That will bring about the Second Coming. And we noted in 59:20-21 that Paul used that text to prove that all Isra’el will be saved (see the commentary on Romans, to see link click Da – The Redemption of Isra’el). Following the regeneration of Isra’el and the Second Coming there will be the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom. Here and in subsequent chapters Isaiah will have a number of things to say about the Sh’khinah glory.
A far eschatological prophecy of the end of the Great Tribulation, the Second Coming and the Messianic Kingdom. In the section: Rebuke for the Wicked and Promises for the Faithful (58:1 to 60:1-22).
A summary of the Suffering Servant’s First Coming, Second Coming and the restoration of Isra’el (61:1-11).
Far Eschatological Prophecy (62:1 to 66:24).
Today Islam teaches that Muhammad is pictured in the Bible. And more specifically, they claim that Chapter 60:1-11 describes Muhammad and not Isra’el in the Messianic Kingdom. The following is taken from a pamphlet entitled Christian and Muslim Dialogue, by Muhammad Nubee. It is commonly used to aid Muslims when they witness to Christians and try to convert them. The current teachings of Islam distort the teaching of the Sh’khinah glory in these passages from Isaiah.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you (60:1). Compare with Surah 74:1-3: “O, you [Muhammad], wrapped up in garments! Arise and warn! And your Lord magnify!”
See, darkness cover the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you (60:2). The advent of the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] was at a time of darkness when the world forgot the Oneness of God as taught by Abraham and all other Prophets including Jesus.
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (60:3).
Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm (60:4). Within less than twenty-three years the whole of Arabia was united.
Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come (60:5). Within less than a century Islam spread out of Arabia to other countries.
Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD (60:6).
All Kedar’s flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted as offerings on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory (60:7). The tribes of Kedar (Arabia) who were divided were then united. The house of my glory referred to the house of Allah in Mecca and not the Church of Christ as thought by Christian commentators. It is a fact that the villages of Kedar (now all of Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that remains impenetrable to any influence of the Church).
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations – their kings lead in triumphal procession (60:11). It is a fact that the mosque surrounding the Holy Ka’bah in Mecca has remained open day and night since it was cleared by the Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] from the idols of fourteen hundred years ago. Rulers as well as subjects came for Pilgrimage.
Therefore, in light of this false teaching it is important for us to remember the words of John: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book (Revelation 22:18-19).
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