Once again, we need to ignore chapter divisions. Most of chapter 59 has been a damning description of the state of Israel, and indeed the state of the world, outlining the effects of a world that turns its back on God. It still knows it needs righteousness and justice, yet finds itself unable to obtain them. This is very true of atheism and secularism. The problem is not that they do not want good things, that they do not seek a fair and just society, but that having turned their back on God all attempts to achieve it prove futile. Rebellion against God is the root of the problem.
Then the final verse of chapter 59 refers to the servant, both in terms of Christ, the church and Israel. Chapter 60 is a continuation of this. Thick darkness does indeed cover the earth, but our response must not be one of despair, instead we are to arise and shine, and to let the light of the Lord shine through us.
The promise is that nations will come to the brightness of our dawn. As Paul says in Philippians 2:15 tells is that we are to shine like stars. This is our purpose, this is our destiny.
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