Context

If you page through the Book of Isaiah, you'll see a whole bunch of grim, doom-and-gloom-type predictions. Yeah, this prophet might have had a direct line to God, but he could be a real downer sometimes. Bummer.

This verse actually comes after a whole bunch of carnage and destruction. Isaiah has gone total Barack Obama on us—it's time for some hope and change. Things may have been tough in the past, but God is ready to turn everything around now. This new era will be like a great big spotlight shining on Israel. The rest of the world might be groping around in the darkness, but God's chosen people will be an amazing beacon of awesomeness to the world. Yay!

But let's not forget that this is all God's doing. The people are glowing with his glory. He's the sun—they're just the reflection. These guys would be nothing but little sticks of wax without God to light their candlewicks. Gee, thanks, Big Guy!

Where you've heard it

This is a pretty cheery verse, so you'll see it trotted out in feel-good type moments. Arise and shine! God is pretty darn good.

Additional Notable References

• The hymn Arise, Shine is one upbeat little number.
• It also makes a pretty great name for a Christian jewelry company or a ministry. Way to keep it positive, guys.
• Our modern phrase, "rise and shine," probably got its start with this verse, too. It's the best part of waking up.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Who could be annoyed when they're feeling so good? Arise and shine on, you crazy, non-pretentious diamond!