Yes, I’m sure there are dual allusions here to Christ’s earthly ministry and First Coming, but it’s very clear from the context that the ultimate, final fulfillment is directed specficially at Israel and speaks of the literal appearance of the Messiah to Whom all nations will be drawn. There are several times in Isaiah alone where God mentions that all the nations of the earth will be physically drawn to the Messiah reigning from Jerusalem, bringing the Jews back to their land. :”(Isaiah 2:3)”: :”(Isaiah 11:10)”: :”(Isaiah 43:6)”: :”(Isaiah 49:22)”: :”(Isaiah 66:12)”: There can be no doubt that there is also a literal fulfillment to come of not just the physical return of Israel, but their spiritual return centered around their recognition of Jesus as Messiah.

As it was in the very beginning, so it is with each of us in coming to faith and knowledge of Christ, and so it will conclude in a literal fulfillment for the world through Israel.

At one time this whole earth dwealt in literal darkness. At one time we ourselves dwelt in spiritual darkness. And one of the most significant events of the Last Days is the complete removal of darkness so that Christ is plainly and visibly revealed to everyone. Not just throughout Isaiah, but through all of God’s prophets the message communicated about the End Times is never exclusive to signs and wonders of judgment alone, but of accompanying spiritual revival. It is a teaching of what is supposed to take place within us personally and even through the church in the mean time.

For God’s people, the adage that the future is getting “brighter and brighter” is not something exclusively figurative; it’s the drawing power of Christ within us to the rest of the world that we may all walk in the Light._††_†

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