Isaiah 60:1-22 VOICE

[1] Arise, shine, for your light has broken through! The Eternal One's brilliance has dawned upon you. [2] See truly; look carefully-darkness blankets the earth; people all over are cloaked in darkness. But God will rise and shine on you; the Eternal's bright glory will shine on you, a light for all to see. [3] Nations north and south, peoples east and west, will be drawn to your light, will find purpose and direction by your light. In the radiance of your rising, you will enlighten the leaders of nations. [4] Don't be shy; don't be doubtful; lift up your eyes and look around. They have gathered all around you, eager to come and be close to you. And your children will come back to this land: your sons from the farthest places of wandering, and your daughters gently carried home. [5] And when you see it, your face will glow; your heart will race and be filled with joy; For great ships will arrive with gifts from across the sea, and the wealth of nations will make their way to you. [6] Herd after herd of camels will cover the land, caravans arriving daily from south and southwest: Midian, Ephah, Even Sheba with gifts of gold and frankincense. They will announce for all the world to hear, "The Eternal be praised!" [7] Kedar's flocks will be gathered for you; Nebaioth's rams will be available for sacrifices. Eternal One: When they are offered on My altar, I will accept them. I will make My glorious house even more glorious. [8] Who are these sailing to our ports like clouds through the sky, like doves winging their way home to their window sills? [9] Breezy coastlands will wait expectantly for Me; the ships of Tarshish arrive first to bring your children back from distant lands Carrying in their holds the silver and gold- to honor the name of the Eternal your God, The Holy One of Israel who has made you beautiful. [10] People will come from different countries and different cultures to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and make her strong again. Their kings will help you however you need. Eternal One: I punished you because I was furious with you, reduced you to little on account of your persistent wrongdoing; But I will restore you, reclaim you, and rebuild you because I cannot help but love you. [11] Now your gates will stay open to a constant stream of gifts; all day and night they will not be shut As the wealth of nations is brought to you with their kings leading the processions. [12] Any nations that abstain, any peoples who decline from serving you will simply disappear; they will be destroyed. [13] Eternal One: Meanwhile, the most beautiful materials will arrive from Lebanon- cypress, box, and pine-to rebuild and decorate the place where I promised to be, My house where I will rest in glory among you. [14] And all the children of those who had bullied you, attacked and abused you, all those who hated you will come crawling on their knees and bowing at your feet. And they will address you as "city of God, place of the Eternal, the Holy One of Israel's Zion, sweet heaven on earth." [15] Eternal One: Although you have suffered abandonment, hatred, and hopeless despair, and no one dared to pass through, I will make you a place of lofty beauty for all time, filled and overflowing with joy from generation to generation. [16] You will be enriched by the world and its kings, and you will know for certain that I am the Eternal, Your Liberator, your Redeemer, the Strong One of Jacob. [17] I will bring you gold instead of bronze, silver instead of iron, bronze instead of wood, iron instead of stone. Your government will be founded and grounded; I will make peace your governor, and righteousness your ruler. [18] You'll never hear again, "Help! Call the guards!" Violence, destruction, and ruin will be things of the past in Jerusalem. You will name the city walls Salvation, and the city gates Praise. [19] You won't need the sun to brighten the day or the moon and lamps to give you light. The Eternal One will be all the light you ever need. Your God will provide your glory, brilliance for all time. [20] Your sun will never set; your moon will never be eclipsed in shadow, For you'll bask in the Eternal's light and silver splendor forever. Never again will you suffer the dark night of despair and gloom of mourning. [21] All the people will be right with God, and they'll stay in the land they possess forever. Eternal One: I will plant them there like a sturdy sapling with My own hands. I will tend them and take pride in their growing. [22] Just watch, they will develop robustly; from so small a beginning, they will multiply and become a mighty nation. I, the Eternal One, will make it happen soon.