Is the darkness that covers the earth in Isaiah 60 physical or spiritual?
The darkness covering the earth in Isaiah 60 is spiritual, not physical. The context identifies it as spiritual darkness and gross darkness over the people, while the Lord arises upon Israel, His glory is seen upon Israel, and Gentiles come to Israel's light, with kings to the brightness of her rising.
Les explains that the darkness covering the earth in Isaiah 60 is spiritual darkness, not a physical darkness. The passage states, 'behold the darkness shall cover the earth, that is spiritual darkness, and gross darkness the people.' This is contrasted with the Lord arising upon Israel: 'but the Lord shall arise upon thee, Israel, and his glory shall be seen upon thee, Israel.' As a result, 'the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.' The surrounding context also notes Les's commitment to repetition of such covenant themes because repetition aids learning.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.
More Questions
Who is the 'thee' in Isaiah 60 that the Lord's glory arises upon?
The 'thee' in Isaiah 60 upon whom the Lord arises and His glory is seen is Israel.
What kind of darkness does Isaiah 60:2 describe?
The darkness that covers the earth in Isaiah 60:2 is spiritual darkness, not physical darkness.
What does Isaiah 60:2-3 say about the darkness and the Gentiles coming to Israel's light?
In this prophetic passage, the darkness that covers the earth is spiritual darkness, gross darkness is upon the people Israel, and then the LORD will arise upon the nation of Israel with His glory, after which the Gentiles come to Israel's light.