Light to the Nations (Feast of the Epiphany)

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This passage of Isaiah is addressed to the Jews exiled in Babylon. Here, the prophet predicts a future where the Jewish people would be gathered from all of the nations they were scattered in and brought to Zion. Then, the light of Israel would arise and give light to the nations, who would walk in that light, and give homage to Israel.

A partial fulfillment of this passage came when King Cyrus of Persia decreed that the Jews would be allowed to return to their land and rebuild their temple. The glory of Israel would not be seen then, however. After the second temple was built, it lacked the glory even of the first temple, where God Himself had dwelt, in conjunction with the Ark of the Covenant (which Jeremiah had hidden in a secret place, according to 2 Maccabees 2). Thus, the passage would await a fuller fulfillment at the coming of Christ.

Traditionally, the passage has been interpreted as being fulfilled when the Magi came to worship the child Jesus, hence its association with the Epiphany. We can see this from many details in the text. For example, the constant references to light, radiance and rising all point towards the star that shone over Bethlehem. Also, the nations are said to bring gold and frankincense to Israel, which is what we see the Magi bringing to the child Jesus.

The reference to Midian, Ephah and Sheba (which are located in the Arabian peninsula) can also be an indication that some of the Magi originated there. Also, the reference to kings in v. 3 has led to the interpretation that the Magi were kings. It is probable that the Magi had some sort of royal authority in the nations they originated. Whatever the case, it is not hard to see how the coming of the Magi would fulfill this prophecy.

This Old Testament scripture shows us how the events of the Nativity were foretold hundreds of years in advance. Today, we walk in the light of God’s glory in Christ, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Just as the Magi were guided by the star during Epiphany, may we also continue to be guided by His light.

J. Luis Dizon