Introduction to Isaiah 60:1-11
Isaiah 60 is a powerful and hopeful chapter that envisions the future glory of Zion (Jerusalem). It begins with a call to “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” which signifies the dawning of God’s light and glory upon the city and the people of God. The chapter describes a time when nations and kings will come to Zion, bringing wealth and treasures, and acknowledging the Lord God of Israel and His greatness. The people of Israel, scattered and oppressed, will return and experience restoration and honor. The imagery of transformation from darkness to light and from desolation to prosperity underscores the chapter’s message of redemption and divine favor. Isaiah 60 fits into the broader narrative of the Book of Isaiah by providing a stark contrast to the preceding chapters, which deal with themes of judgment and lamentation over the sins of the people. This chapter offers a vision of hope and renewal, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises to His people. It serves as a transition from the themes of judgment to those of restoration and salvation in the remainder of the book of Isaiah, reinforcing the overarching message of God’s redemptive plan for His people.
There are eight key themes that occur throughout the book of Isaiah. The Major themes are that God will save his people; he will give light to them; he will share his glory with them; the nations will be drawn to what they see of the God in Israel; they will restore Zion’s children to her; they will bring their wealth to give as gifts to the God of Israel; those who had oppressed Israel will be brought low and she will be exalted over them; she will both experience and exemplify the righteousness of God. As will be shown, all of these have threads that reach back through the entire book and come to their climax here in Isaiah 60. This chapter (Isaiah 60) speaks about both the salvation and blessings related to this world and hints at the world to come. The chapter envisions a future where God’s light and glory transforms Zion (Jerusalem), bringing prosperity, honor, and recognition from all nations. This transformation includes the return of the exiles, the influx of wealth from different lands, and the establishment of peace and righteousness. These descriptions suggest tangible, present-world blessings where the people of Israel experience a renewed relationship with God and an elevation of their status among nations.
In addition to these things, Isaiah 60 also carries eschatological overtones, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the world to come. Isaiah 60 contains several eschatological overtones, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the eternal state of peace, righteousness, and divine presence.
Key Eschatological Themes in Isaiah 60
Everlasting Light and Glory
- Verses 1-2: The imagery of God’s light shining upon Zion, contrasted with the surrounding darkness, symbolizes the divine presence and guidance that will be everlasting.
- Verse 19: “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” This indicates a future where God’s glory and presence replace natural sources of light, pointing to an eternal, unending state. There are parallels to the book of Revelation in regards to the sun and moon in the world to come.
Eternal Peace and Righteousness
- Verse 17: “I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.” This verse envisions a time of perfect peace and righteousness, governed by God’s justice, which extends beyond the temporal world into eternity.
- Verses 21-22: The promise that “then all your people will be righteous” and “the least of you will become a thousand” suggests a transformation of the community into one that is entirely righteous and abundant, reflecting the eternal kingdom of God.
Universal Recognition and Worship
- Verse 3: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” This points to a future where all nations acknowledge and worship the God of Israel, a theme that is often associated with the messianic age and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
- Verses 4-6: The gathering of exiles and the wealth of nations being brought to Zion reflects a global recognition of God’s sovereignty and the central role of Jerusalem in the eschatological future.
Permanent Joy and Prosperity
- Verses 15-16: The transformation from a state of abandonment to a source of joy and pride among generations signifies the eternal prosperity and honor bestowed upon God’s people.
- Verse 18: “No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.” This describes an enduring state of security and worship, free from violence and destruction, characteristic of the eternal peace in God’s kingdom.
God’s Everlasting Covenant
- Verse 21: “They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.” This highlights God’s everlasting covenant with His people, ensuring their perpetual growth and display of His glory, aligning with the eternal nature of the world to come.
These eschatological overtones in Isaiah 60 point to a future where God’s presence, peace, and righteousness are fully realized, both in the immediate restoration of Zion and in the eternal fulfillment of His promises in the world to come. We note the imagery of everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19), where “the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory,” suggests a reality beyond the temporal world. It hints at an eternal state of peace, righteousness, and divine presence that transcends the current earthly existence.
As mentioned previously, Isaiah 60 is strategically placed in the text as a pivotal chapter that transitions from themes of judgment and lamentation to themes of hope and restoration. In the preceding chapters of Isaiah, particularly chapters 56-59, Isaiah addresses the sins and failures of Israel, emphasizing the need for repentance and the consequences of their disobedience. These chapters are characterized by a tone of rebuke and warning, underscoring the distance between the people and God due to their iniquities. This chapter (Isaiah 60) serves to reassure God’s people that despite the judgments and challenges they face; God’s ultimate plan is one of restoration and blessing. This placement also aligns with the overarching narrative of Isaiah, which balances messages of judgment with promises of redemption. Isaiah 60 not only provides hope for immediate restoration but also foreshadows the eschatological fulfillment of God’s promises, where His glory and presence will be fully realized. This dual focus reinforces the message that God’s justice is always paired with His mercy, illustrating His redemptive work both in the present and in the future.
The Messianic theme of Isaiah 60 (restoration, victory, God’s presence) connects to the promised Messiah through its vivid portrayal of a future restoration and glorification of Zion. Note how Isaiah 60 speaks of the light and glory of God (Isaiah 60:1-2) which parallels the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” The Messiah is often depicted as bringing divine light and revelation to the world. The next is how Isaiah 60 speaks of gathering the nations (Isaiah 60:3-6) where this imagery resonates with the messianic role of uniting nations, returning the people, and bringing them to worship the true God, as seen in passages like Isaiah 11:10, where the nations seek the root of Jesse (a messianic figure). Isaiah 11:1-9 also speaks of the return of the exiles and wealth of the nation’s being brought to Zion and note that restoration and renewal are central to messianic prophecies, where the Messiah is expected to restore Israel and bring lasting peace and prosperity. The everlasting light and absence of violence in Isaiah 60:19-20 hint at an eternal kingdom, a core aspect of messianic prophecy. The Messiah is believed to establish an everlasting dominion characterized by justice and peace, as described in Isaiah 9:6-7. The promise of God’s eternal presence and glory in Isaiah 60:19-21 aligns with the messianic expectation of God’s dwelling among His people, as seen in prophecies like Ezekiel 37:27-28 and Revelation 21:3. Overall, Isaiah 60’s depiction of the glorious and transformed Zion is seen as a foreshadowing of the messianic age, where the Messiah fulfills God’s promises of salvation, restoration, and eternal peace for His people.
Masoretic Text (MSS) on Isaiah 60:1-11
Isaiah begins saying the following according to Isaiah 60:1-6.
ספר ישעיה פרק ס
א קוּמִי אוֹרִי כִּי-בָא אוֹרֵךְ וּכְבוֹד יְהֹוָה עָלַיִךְ זָרָח: ב כִּי-הִנֵּה הַחֹשֶׁךְ יְכַסֶּה-אֶרֶץ וַעֲרָפֶל לְאֻמִּים וְעָלַיִךְ יִזְרַח יְהֹוָה וּכְבוֹדוֹ עָלַיִךְ יֵרָאֶה: ג וְהָלְכוּ גוֹיִם לְאוֹרֵךְ וּמְלָכִים לְנֹגַהּ זַרְחֵךְ: ד שְֹאִי-סָבִיב עֵינַיִךְ וּרְאִי כֻּלָּם נִקְבְּצוּ בָאוּ-לָךְ בָּנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק יָבֹאוּ וּבְנֹתַיִךְ עַל-צַד תֵּאָמַנָה: ה אָז תִּרְאִי וְנָהַרְתְּ וּפָחַד וְרָחַב לְבָבֵךְ כִּי-יֵהָפֵךְ עָלַיִךְ הֲמוֹן יָם חֵיל גּוֹיִם יָבֹאוּ לָךְ: ו שִׁפְעַת גְּמַלִּים תְּכַסֵּךְ בִּכְרֵי מִדְיָן וְעֵיפָה כֻּלָּם מִשְּׁבָא יָבֹאוּ זָהָב וּלְבוֹנָה יִשָּׂאוּ וּתְהִלּוֹת יְהֹוָה יְבַשֵּׂרוּ:
Isaiah 60:1 states, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (קוּמִי אוֹרִי כִּי-בָא אוֹרֵךְ וּכְבוֹד יְהֹוָה עָלַיִךְ זָרָח)” Isaiah 60:2 “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. (כִּי-הִנֵּה הַחֹשֶׁךְ יְכַסֶּה-אֶרֶץ וַעֲרָפֶל לְאֻמִּים וְעָלַיִךְ יִזְרַח יְהֹוָה וּכְבוֹדוֹ עָלַיִךְ יֵרָאֶה)” Isaiah 60:3 “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. (וְהָלְכוּ גוֹיִם לְאוֹרֵךְ וּמְלָכִים לְנֹגַהּ זַרְחֵךְ)” Isaiah 60:4 “Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. (שְֹאִי-סָבִיב עֵינַיִךְ וּרְאִי כֻּלָּם נִקְבְּצוּ בָאוּ-לָךְ בָּנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק יָבֹאוּ וּבְנֹתַיִךְ עַל-צַד תֵּאָמַנָה)” Isaiah 60:5 “Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. (אָז תִּרְאִי וְנָהַרְתְּ וּפָחַד וְרָחַב לְבָבֵךְ כִּי-יֵהָפֵךְ עָלַיִךְ הֲמוֹן יָם חֵיל גּוֹיִם יָבֹאוּ לָךְ)” Isaiah 60:6 “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. (שִׁפְעַת גְּמַלִּים תְּכַסֵּךְ בִּכְרֵי מִדְיָן וְעֵיפָה כֻּלָּם מִשְּׁבָא יָבֹאוּ זָהָב וּלְבוֹנָה יִשָּׂאוּ וּתְהִלּוֹת יְהֹוָה יְבַשֵּׂרוּ)”
Cross References on Isaiah 60:1-6: Ge 10:7, 28; 15:1–5; 25:2–4; Ex 16:7; 34:29; Dt 33:19; Jdg 3:15; 6:1, 5; 1 Sa 2:9; 1 Ki 5:7; 10:1; 1 Ch 1:33; Job 37:19; Ps 34:5; 36:9; 72:1–20; 82:5; 102:16; 107:14; 118:27; 119:32; Is 2:2–5; 4:5; 8:20; 9:2; 11:12; 14:1; 17:12; 19:21–25; 23:18; 24:14, 23; 26:19; 30:26; 35:2; 40:5, 9; 42:6, 10; 43:6, 23; 44:5; 45:14, 22–25; 49:6, 8–26; 51:17–23; 52:2, 55:5; 58:8, 10; 60:2, 5, 7, 9–11, 16, 19–20; 61:6; 62:2; 65:13; 66:12, 14, 20; Je 2:23; 6:20; 13:16; 30:10; Hag 2:7, 9; Zec 10:7; Mal 4:2; Bar 4:36–37; 5:5; Mt 2:1–12; Mk 8:1–9; Jn 8:12; Ac 26:14–18; Ro 11:25–27; Eph 5:7–21; Col 1:13; Re 21:11, 23–24, 26
Isaiah 60:1-6 are powerful verses that envision the great mercy of God on His people. The passage begins with קֻומִי אוֹרִי (Arise, shine) signaling a call to action and awakening, as God’s אוֹרֵךְ (light) and the כְבוֹד יְהוָה (glory of the Lord) have come upon Zion the great city of Jerusalem. In Isaiah 60:2, he speaks of the state of the earth that without the God of Israel is in a state of deep spiritual and moral darkness. This darkness can be understood as a condition of sin, wickedness, and evil that pervades the world and the hearts of people. It signifies a time of great moral and spiritual decay, where truth and righteousness are obscured. This is what we are seeing today in our modern world. The imagery of darkness here is often associated with confusion, ignorance, and the absence of God’s light and guidance. In contrast, the latter part of the verse, “but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee” (וְעָלַיִךְ יִזְרַח יְהוָה וּכְבוֹדוֹ עָלַיִךְ יֵרָאֶה), emphasizes the transformative power of God’s presence and glory. This signifies that despite the prevailing darkness, God’s light and glory will shine upon His people, bringing hope, guidance, and restoration. So, Isaiah contrasts the divine light with the חֹשֶׁךְ (darkness) and עֲרָפֶל (thick darkness) that covers the earth and nations, indicating how there is the need of divine intervention and transformation. Again, the darkness describes a world enveloped in sin and evil, and the light of God describes divine illumination and glory that will dispel this darkness and bring about a newness of life and spiritual renewal.
Because of the way in which God works in the lives of His people, powerful to transform the life of a sinner, we are told that nations and kings are drawn to the light of God’s truth (גוֹיִם goyim – nations and מְלָכִים melakhim – kings) seeking the God of Israel and His mercy and grace, and the brightness symbolizes how all will see, there will be a global recognition and worship. We also note in Isaiah 60:4 the return of exiles as בָּנַיִךְ (your sons) and בְּנוֹתַיִךְ (your daughters) coming from afar, speaks to a messianic expectation. This imagery is often interpreted as a symbol of the ultimate gathering and restoration of the people of Israel, a key theme in messianic prophecies. In the context of Isaiah 60, this return signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises to bring His scattered people back to their homeland, a sign of divine intervention and the establishment of a new era of peace and prosperity. This expectation is deeply tied to the coming of the Messiah, who is believed to be the agent of this restoration. The gathering of the exiles is seen as a precursor to the messianic age, where God’s reign is fully realized in the lives of His people, and how He brings healing to the land, and a rightful relationship with God. Notice these concepts are all fulfilled in the Messiah Yeshua according to the NT text! In addition, these things are also consistent with other messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Bible, such as Isaiah 11:11-12, which speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from all over the world, and Jeremiah 23:3-6, which also promises the return and restoration of Israel under a righteous king from the line of David.
In verses 5 and 6, the passage describes the awe and fear that the Israelites will experience as they witness the vast numbers of people coming to them. The Hebrew word פָחַד means “fear,” and רָחַב לְבָבֵךְ indicates that this fear will cause their hearts to expand with wonder. The imagery of the sea, camels, and Midianite saddlebags suggests that the coming of these people will be like a great flood, filling the land with riches, gold, and precious stones. The mention of wealth חֵיל (wealth) of nations, and the זָהָב (gold) and לְבוֹנָה (frankincense) being brought to Zion, highlights the transformation from poverty to abundance, reflecting God’s blessings.
We also note in Isaiah 60:4, Isaiah mentions that God’s people will see all the nations gathered before them, like children coming from afar and daughters of Zion being seen on the side. The Hebrew word נִקְבְּצוּ means “gathered,” and בָאוּ-לָךְ suggests that these people will come to the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the idea that God’s light will draw people together, creating a unified community of believers. These Hebrew words נִקְבְּצוּ and בָאוּ-לָךְ highlight the gathering of nations and peoples to Zion. This imagery of unity and return signifies not only the physical return of the exiles but also the spiritual gathering of all people drawn by God’s light and glory. Note the NT connection where this theme is consistent with the concept of the body of believers united through faith in the Messiah Yeshua. Verses such as Galatians 3:28, which states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” reflect the idea that faith in the Messiah brings people from all nations together into a unified community of believers. Similarly, Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14-16 speaking of Yeshua breaking down the dividing wall of hostility, creating one new humanity and reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God. This connection between Isaiah 60 and the NT illustrates the broader fulfillment of God’s promise to gather His people and establish a unified community through the light of His glory and the redemptive work of the Messiah.
In addition to these things, what we read in Revelation 21:24-26 describes the nations walking by the light of the New Jerusalem, a city filled with the glory of God and the Lamb, which shines like a bright light for all nations to see, and the kings of the earth bringing their splendor into it, echoing Isaiah 60:3. Additionally, Matthew 2:11 recounts the Magi presenting gifts of gold and frankincense to Yeshua which also parallels the imagery in Isaiah 60:6. In Matthew 4:15-16, Yeshua quotes Isaiah 60:1-3, applying the prophecy to His own ministry and the spiritual renewal it would bring. The Hebrew text of Isaiah 60:1-6 contains several significant features that contribute to many different places throughout the entire bible. Notice how by understanding these elements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the prophetic significance of this passage and its relevance to our lives today. Again, these passages from Isaiah and their NT parallels emphasize the transformative power of God’s light and glory, the global acknowledgment of His sovereignty, and the restoration and blessings bestowed upon His people. This encourages all of us to live in anticipation of God’s promised redemption and to reflect His light in a world that is often shrouded in darkness.
Isaiah goes on saying the following according to Isaiah 60:7-11.
ספר ישעיה פרק ס
ז כָּל-צֹאן קֵדָר יִקָּבְצוּ לָךְ אֵילֵי נְבָיוֹת יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ יַעֲלוּ עַל-רָצוֹן מִזְבְּחִי וּבֵית תִּפְאַרְתִּי אֲפָאֵר: ח מִי-אֵלֶּה כָּעָב תְּעוּפֶינָה וְכַיּוֹנִים אֶל-אֲרֻבֹּתֵיהֶם: ט כִּי-לִי | אִיִּים יְקַוּוּ וָאֳנִיּוֹת תַּרְשִׁישׁ בָּרִאשֹׁנָה לְהָבִיא בָנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק כַּסְפָּם וּזְהָבָם אִתָּם לְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהַיִךְ וְלִקְדוֹשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל כִּי פֵאֲרָךְ: י וּבָנוּ בְנֵי-נֵכָר חֹמֹתַיִךְ וּמַלְכֵיהֶם יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ כִּי בְקִצְפִּי הִכִּיתִיךְ וּבִרְצוֹנִי רִחַמְתִּיךְ: יא וּפִתְּחוּ שְׁעָרַיִךְ תָּמִיד יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה לֹא יִסָּגֵרוּ לְהָבִיא אֵלַיִךְ חֵיל גּוֹיִם וּמַלְכֵיהֶם נְהוּגִים:
Isaiah 60:7 states, “All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. (כָּל-צֹאן קֵדָר יִקָּבְצוּ לָךְ אֵילֵי נְבָיוֹת יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ יַעֲלוּ עַל-רָצוֹן מִזְבְּחִי וּבֵית תִּפְאַרְתִּי אֲפָאֵר)” Isaiah 60:8 “Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? (מִי-אֵלֶּה כָּעָב תְּעוּפֶינָה וְכַיּוֹנִים אֶל-אֲרֻבֹּתֵיהֶם)” Isaiah 60:9 “Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. (כִּי-לִי | אִיִּים יְקַוּוּ וָאֳנִיּוֹת תַּרְשִׁישׁ בָּרִאשֹׁנָה לְהָבִיא בָנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק כַּסְפָּם וּזְהָבָם אִתָּם לְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהַיִךְ וְלִקְדוֹשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל כִּי פֵאֲרָךְ)” Isaiah 60:10 “And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. (וּבָנוּ בְנֵי-נֵכָר חֹמֹתַיִךְ וּמַלְכֵיהֶם יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ כִּי בְקִצְפִּי הִכִּיתִיךְ וּבִרְצוֹנִי רִחַמְתִּיךְ)” Isaiah 60:11 “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. (וּפִתְּחוּ שְׁעָרַיִךְ תָּמִיד יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה לֹא יִסָּגֵרוּ לְהָבִיא אֵלַיִךְ חֵיל גּוֹיִם וּמַלְכֵיהֶם נְהוּגִים)”
Cross References on Isaiah 60:7-11: Ge 8:9; 10:4; 25:13; 28:9; 36:3; Ex 1:11; 1 Ki 10:22; 1 Ch 1:29; Ezr 1:2; Ps 22:23; 24:7; 48:7; 68:30; 72:10; 102:13; 105:37; 120:5; 149:8; So 1:5; 3:6; 6:10; 8:5; Is 1:4; 2:12, 16; 11:11; 14:1–2; 18:7–19:1, 19, 21; 21:16–17; 23:1, 14; 24:15, 21; 26:2; 40:5; 42:4, 10–12; 43:6; 44:23; 45:1, 13; 49:1, 7–8, 21–23; 51:5; 54:5, 7–8, 11–12, 55:5; 56:3, 6–7; 57:17; 58:8; 60:2–5, 7, 13–14, 18–19; 61:5–6; 62:8, 10; 64:11; 66:19–20; Je 2:10; 3:17; 30:19; 49:28; Eze 20:40; 27:21; 43:27; Ho 11:11; Mic 2:13; Hab 3:2; Zep 3:10; Hag 2:3, 7, 9; Zec 1:15; 6:15; 14:14; Mal 4:2; 1 Mac 5:25; Ga 4:26; Heb 13:8–14; Re 21:24–26
The verses in Isaiah 60:7 there are several interesting features of the text, for example, the word צֹאן (tzon, meaning flock) and אֵילֵי (rams) symbolize abundance and prosperity, indicating a future where even the wealth of nations would serve God’s purpose. The mention of קֵדָר (Kedar) and נְבָיוֹת (Nebaioth) highlights the inclusion of distant tribes or people, suggesting again gentile inclusion in worshiping the God of Israel. This is further emphasized by the words כָּל-צֹאן (all flocks) in verse 7 which refers to the gathering of nations and their peoples. This suggests that the Lord God has a plan to bring together people and nations into the family of God. The phrase “the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee” (אֵילֵי נְבָיוֹת יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ) refers to the sacrificial service. The Hebrew word יִשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ (“minister unto thee” or “serve you”) in the context of the temple, implies the rams being used in sacrificial offerings. This act of sacrifice is further emphasized by the phrase יַעֲלוּ עַל-רָצוֹן מִזְבְּחִי (they shall come up with acceptance on My altar). Here, the rams being offered on the altar signifies a pleasing and accepted sacrifice to God. Rams were used in several types of offerings in the tabernacle as described in the Torah.
Burnt Offerings (Olah): Rams were used as burnt offerings, which were completely consumed by fire on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. This type of offering symbolized atonement and total dedication to God.
- Leviticus 1:10-13 – “If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or the goats, you are to offer a male without defect.”
Peace Offerings (Shelem): Rams could also be offered as peace offerings, symbolizing thanksgiving, fellowship, and the acknowledgment of God’s provisions.
- Leviticus 3:6-11 – “If he offers an animal from the flock as a fellowship offering to the LORD, he is to offer a male or female without defect.”
Guilt Offerings (Asham): The guilt offering was required for specific transgressions and sins that caused harm, emphasizing restitution and forgiveness.
- Leviticus 5:15-16 – “When anyone is unfaithful to the LORD by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the LORD’s holy things, they are to bring to the LORD as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel.”
Consecration Offerings: During the consecration of priests, rams were used as part of the ordination ceremony, symbolizing purification and dedication to God’s service.
- Exodus 29:15-18 – “Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar.”
These offerings illustrate the varied and significant roles that rams played in the sacrificial system of the tabernacle, reflecting themes of atonement, dedication, fellowship, restitution, and consecration in the tabernacle services of ancient Israel. teshuvah (תשובה) – repentance or return, is an integral aspect of the offerings mentioned in the Torah. Each type of offering involves a component of teshuvah in its ritual practice and underlying purpose. This means that one must recognize his or her sins, and believe in the authority of God’s word, and humble oneself to bring an offering that is described according to the Torah. This implies that we completely surrender ourselves and commit ourselves to the Lord God. In all of these offerings, teshuvah is present either implicitly or explicitly, reflecting a deep recognition of sin, a sincere desire for forgiveness, and a commitment to returning to a right relationship with God. This alignment with the principles of repentance emphasizes the transformative power of these sacrificial practices in the spiritual life of the ancient Israelites.
The NT Text also echoes these themes, for example, in Revelation 21:24-26, we see a vision of the New Jerusalem where “nations will walk by its light,” and “kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.” This is consistent with the idea of people from different nations and languages coming together under God’s sovereignty. Additionally, in Matthew 25:32, Yeshua describes a scene where “all the nations will be gathered before Him,” suggesting that God will bring together the nations and peoples, which aligns with the theme of gathering nations in Isaiah 60:7-11. The Hebrew text of Isaiah 60:7-11 contains several unique features that contribute to the interpretation and application of these verses to our lives. The themes of gathering diverse nations, submission to God’s chosen people, and God’s dual nature of judgment and mercy are all present in the text. Moreover, there are parallels in the NT that further reinforce these themes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the significance and relevance of these verses in our lives today.
Rabbinic Commentary on Isaiah 60:1-11
The Targum Jonathan is an Aramaic and Rabbinic translation of the book of Isaiah and therefore is a valuable resource for continuing to study the book of Isaiah!
תרגום יונתן בן עוזיאל אל ישעיה פרק ס:א-יא
א קוּמִי אַנהַרִי יְרוּשלַם אְרֵי מְטָא זְמָן פֻרקָנִיך וִיקָרָא דַיוי עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ב אְרֵי הָא חְשֹוכָא יִחפֵי אַרעָא וְקַבלָא לְמַלכְוָתָא וּבִיך יַשרֵי שְכִינְתֵיה יוי וִיקָרֵיה עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ג וִיהָכוּן עַמְמַיָא לְנֵיהֹורִיך וּמַלכַיָא לָקֳבֵיל זֵיהֹורִיך׃ ד זְקוּפִי יְרוּשלַם סְחֹור סְחֹור עֵינַך וּחזַא כָל בְנֵי עַם גָלְווָתִיך מִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לְגַוִיך בְנַך מֵירַחִיק יֵיתֹון וּבנָתַך עַל גִססִין יִתנַסבָן׃ ה בְכֵין תִחזַן וְתִנהְרִין וְתִדחְלִין וְיַפתֵי לִבִיך בְדַחלַת חִטאִין אְרֵי אִתחַלַף לִיך עֹותַר מַערְבַא נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא יִתָעְלוּן לְגַוִיך׃ ו שְיָרַת עַרבָאֵי תִחפֵי סַחרָנַך הוּגנֵי מִדיָן וַחְוָלַד כֻלְהֹון מִשְבָא יֵיתֹון דְהַב וּלבֹונָה יְהֹון טְעִינִין וּדאָתַן עִמְהֹון בְתֻשבְחָתָא דַיוי יְהֹון מִשתָעַן׃ ז כָל עָן עַרבָאֵי יִתכַנשָן לְגַוִיך דִכרֵי נְבָט יְשַמְשוּנִיך יִתַסקוּן לְרַעְוָא עַל מַדבְחִי וּבֵית תוּשבַחתִי אְשַבַח׃ ח מַן אִלֵין דְאָתַן בִגלַי כַעְנָנִין קַלִילִין וְלָא לְאִתעַכָבָא גָלְוָתָא דְיִשרָאֵל דְמִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לַאְרַעהֹון הָא כְיֹונִין דְתָיְבָן לְגֹו שֹובַכֵיהֹון׃ ט אְרֵי לְמֵימְרִי נְגָוָון יְסַבְרוּן וְנָחְתֵי סְפִינֵי יַמָא אֵידַא פָרְסָא קִלעַהָא בְקַדמֵיתָא לְאֵיתָאָה בְנַך מֵרַחִיק כַספְהֹון וְדַהבְהֹון עִמְהֹון לִשמָא דַיוי אְלָהִיך וּלקַדִישָא דְיִשרָאֵל אְרֵי שַבְחַך׃ י וְיִבנֹון בְנֵי עַמְמַיָא שוּרַך וּמַלכֵיהֹון יְשַמְשוּנִיך אְרֵי בְרוּגזִי אַלקִיתִיך וּבִרעוּתִי אְרַחֵים עְלַך׃ יא וְיִתפַתְחוּן תַרעַך תְדִירָא יִימַם וְלֵילֵי לָא יִתאַחְדוּן לְאַעָלָא לְגַוִיך נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא וּמַלכֵיהֹון זְקִיקִין׃
Targum Jonathan son of Uziel Isaiah 60:1-11
60:1 Arise, shine, O Jerusalem, for the time of thy redemption is come, and the glory of the Lord is revealed upon thee. 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the kingdoms: but in thee the Shekinah of the Lord shall dwell, and His glory shall be revealed upon thee. 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to thy brightness. 60:4 Lift up thine eyes, O Jerusalem, roundabout, and see all the children of the people of thy captivity, who are gathered together: thy sons shall come from far into thy midst, and thy daughters shall be carried upon the arms. 60:5 Then thou shalt see and be enlightened, and thou shalt be struck with awe, and thine heart shall be enlarged on account of the terror of sinners, for the riches of the west shall be transferred unto thee; the treasures of the nations shall be brought unto thee. 60:6 A multitude of Arabians shall cover thee roundabout, the dromedaries of Midian and Holad, all of them from Sheba shall come: they shall be laden with gold and frankincense, and those that are coming with them, shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. 60:7 All the sheep of the Arabians shall be gathered unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall be offered up with acceptance upon mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. 60:8 Who are these that are coming openly like swift clouds, and tarry not? the captives of Israel, who are gathered together, come to their land, lo, as doves which return to their dove-houses. 60:9 Surely, the isles shall wait for my WORD, and those that embark in the ships of the sea, the hand that stretcheth out their sails shall be first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because He hath glorified thee. 60:10 And the sons of the nations shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. 60:11 Thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the treasures of the nations, and their kings in chains. (TgJ)
| ספר ישעיה פרק ס | לוגוס | ספריה |
|---|---|---|
| א קוּמִי אוֹרִי כִּי-בָא אוֹרֵךְ וּכְבוֹד יְהֹוָה עָלַיִךְ זָרָח: ב כִּי-הִנֵּה הַחֹשֶׁךְ יְכַסֶּה-אֶרֶץ וַעֲרָפֶל לְאֻמִּים וְעָלַיִךְ יִזְרַח יְהֹוָה וּכְבוֹדוֹ עָלַיִךְ יֵרָאֶה: ג וְהָלְכוּ גוֹיִם לְאוֹרֵךְ וּמְלָכִים לְנֹגַהּ זַרְחֵךְ: ד שְֹאִי-סָבִיב עֵינַיִךְ וּרְאִי כֻּלָּם נִקְבְּצוּ בָאוּ-לָךְ בָּנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק יָבֹאוּ וּבְנֹתַיִךְ עַל-צַד תֵּאָמַנָה: ה אָז תִּרְאִי וְנָהַרְתְּ וּפָחַד וְרָחַב לְבָבֵךְ כִּי-יֵהָפֵךְ עָלַיִךְ הֲמוֹן יָם חֵיל גּוֹיִם יָבֹאוּ לָךְ: ו שִׁפְעַת גְּמַלִּים תְּכַסֵּךְ בִּכְרֵי מִדְיָן וְעֵיפָה כֻּלָּם מִשְּׁבָא יָבֹאוּ זָהָב וּלְבוֹנָה יִשָּׂאוּ וּתְהִלּוֹת יְהֹוָה יְבַשֵּׂרוּ: | א קוּמִי אַנהַרִי יְרוּשלַם אְרֵי מְטָא זְמָן פֻרקָנִיך וִיקָרָא דַיוי עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ב אְרֵי הָא חְשֹוכָא יִחפֵי אַרעָא וְקַבלָא לְמַלכְוָתָא וּבִיך יַשרֵי שְכִינְתֵיה יוי וִיקָרֵיה עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ג וִיהָכוּן עַמְמַיָא לְנֵיהֹורִיך וּמַלכַיָא לָקֳבֵיל זֵיהֹורִיך׃ ד זְקוּפִי יְרוּשלַם סְחֹור סְחֹור עֵינַך וּחזַא כָל בְנֵי עַם גָלְווָתִיך מִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לְגַוִיך בְנַך מֵירַחִיק יֵיתֹון וּבנָתַך עַל גִססִין יִתנַסבָן׃ ה בְכֵין תִחזַן וְתִנהְרִין וְתִדחְלִין וְיַפתֵי לִבִיך בְדַחלַת חִטאִין אְרֵי אִתחַלַף לִיך עֹותַר מַערְבַא נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא יִתָעְלוּן לְגַוִיך׃ ו שְיָרַת עַרבָאֵי תִחפֵי סַחרָנַך הוּגנֵי מִדיָן וַחְוָלַד כֻלְהֹון מִשְבָא יֵיתֹון דְהַב וּלבֹונָה יְהֹון טְעִינִין וּדאָתַן עִמְהֹון בְתֻשבְחָתָא דַיוי יְהֹון מִשתָעַן׃ | א קוּמִי אַנהַרִי יְרוּשלַם אְרֵי מְטָא זְמָן פֻרקָנִיך וִיקָרָא דַיוי עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ב אְרֵי הָא חְשֹוכָא יִחפֵי אַרעָא וְקַבלָא לְמַלכְוָתָא וּבִיך יַשרֵי שְכִינְתֵיה יוי וִיקָרֵיה עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ ג וִיהָכוּן עַמְמַיָא לְנֵיהֹורִיך וּמַלכַיָא לָקֳבֵיל זֵיהֹורִיך׃ ד זְקוּפִי יְרוּשלַם סְחֹור סְחֹור עֵינַך וּחזַא כָל בְנֵי עַם גָלְווָתִיך מִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לְגַוִיך בְנַך מֵירַחִיק יֵיתֹון וּבנָתַך עַל גִססִין יִתנַסבָן׃ ה בְכֵין תִחזַן וְתִנהְרִין וְתִדחְלִין וְיַפתֵי לִבִיך בְדַחלַת חִטאִין אְרֵי אִתחַלַף לִיך עֹותַר מַערְבַא נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא יִתָעְלוּן לְגַוִיך׃ ו שְיָרַת עַרבָאֵי תִחפֵי סַחרָנַך הוּגנֵי מִדיָן וַחְוָלַד כֻלְהֹון מִשְבָא יֵיתֹון דְהַב וּלבֹונָה יְהֹון טְעִינִין וּדאָתַן עִמְהֹון בְתֻשבְחָתָא דַיוי יְהֹון מִשתָעַן׃ |
Isaiah opens saying the following according to the TgJ on Isaiah 60:1-6, א קוּמִי אַנהַרִי יְרוּשלַם אְרֵי מְטָא זְמָן פֻרקָנִיך וִיקָרָא דַיוי עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ 60:1 Arise, shine, O Jerusalem, for the time of thy redemption is come, and the glory of the Lord is revealed upon thee. ב אְרֵי הָא חְשֹוכָא יִחפֵי אַרעָא וְקַבלָא לְמַלכְוָתָא וּבִיך יַשרֵי שְכִינְתֵיה יוי וִיקָרֵיה עְלַך יִתגְלֵי׃ 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the kingdoms: but in thee the Shekinah of the Lord shall dwell, and His glory shall be revealed upon thee. ג וִיהָכוּן עַמְמַיָא לְנֵיהֹורִיך וּמַלכַיָא לָקֳבֵיל זֵיהֹורִיך׃ 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to thy brightness. ד זְקוּפִי יְרוּשלַם סְחֹור סְחֹור עֵינַך וּחזַא כָל בְנֵי עַם גָלְווָתִיך מִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לְגַוִיך בְנַך מֵירַחִיק יֵיתֹון וּבנָתַך עַל גִססִין יִתנַסבָן׃ 60:4 Lift up thine eyes, O Jerusalem, roundabout, and see all the children of the people of thy captivity, who are gathered together: thy sons shall come from far into thy midst, and thy daughters shall be carried upon the arms. ה בְכֵין תִחזַן וְתִנהְרִין וְתִדחְלִין וְיַפתֵי לִבִיך בְדַחלַת חִטאִין אְרֵי אִתחַלַף לִיך עֹותַר מַערְבַא נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא יִתָעְלוּן לְגַוִיך׃ 60:5 Then thou shalt see and be enlightened, and thou shalt be struck with awe, and thine heart shall be enlarged on account of the terror of sinners, for the riches of the west shall be transferred unto thee; the treasures of the nations shall be brought unto thee. ו שְיָרַת עַרבָאֵי תִחפֵי סַחרָנַך הוּגנֵי מִדיָן וַחְוָלַד כֻלְהֹון מִשְבָא יֵיתֹון דְהַב וּלבֹונָה יְהֹון טְעִינִין וּדאָתַן עִמְהֹון בְתֻשבְחָתָא דַיוי יְהֹון מִשתָעַן׃ 60:6 A multitude of Arabians shall cover thee roundabout, the dromedaries of Midian and Holad, all of them from Sheba shall come: they shall be laden with gold and frankincense, and those that are coming with them, shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. (TgJ) The Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 60:1-6 offers a unique perspective that offers some interesting insights and differences compared to the original Hebrew translation. For instance, the Aramaic translation emphasizes the Shekhinah’s presence (שְכִינְתֵיה), which is a distinct concept highlighting God’s divine presence dwelling among the people. This concept from Isaiah speaks to the indwelling of the presence of God in our hearts and lives. This deepens our understanding of spiritual closeness of God to those who love Him, and how God provides his divine guidance in our lives. We also notice in the Aramaic translation the phrase כָל בְנֵי עַם גָלְווָתִיך (all the sons of your exile), which is not explicitly stated in the Hebrew text. This emphasizes the return of the diaspora, invoking a sense of unity and restoration, this is something that the Lord God wants for us, to have a family, fellowship, and a place in the kingdom of God. This is consistent with what we read in verse 5, the Targum uses the phrase אִתחַלַף לִיך עֹותַר מַערְבַא (your heart will be filled with joy), which emphasizes the emotional impact of the nations bringing their wealth and resources to Jerusalem, which will bring great joy and satisfaction to the people of God. These things highlight the concept of how the nations will come to receive the light and truth of God concerning the salvation of our God. Notice how this resonates with the passages in the NT text that describe the light of the Messiah (Christ) and the gathering of people to this divine light. For example, John 1:4-5 speaks of Yeshua as the “light of men” and how “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Similarly, in Revelation 21:24 we read how the nations walk by the light of the New Jerusalem, reflecting the imagery of nations coming to the light of Jerusalem in Isaiah 60:3. The New Jerusalem is described as having no need for the sun or moon because the glory of God illuminates it, and the nations walk by the light of God’s glory. This passage parallels the idea of the light of God’s revelation shining upon Jerusalem and the nations coming to receive it, similar to what we are reading here in Isaiah 60.
Another parallel may be found in Matthew 2:1-12, where the wise men from the East come to find Yeshua, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This story reflects the prophecy in Isaiah 60:6, which speaks of the nations bringing their wealth and resources to Jerusalem. Note how the NT text demonstrates the ongoing relevance and fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in the life and ministry of Yeshua the Messiah. It is clear that God has provided prophetic words that speak to the future and ultimately to the overarching plan of God for His people, how we dwell with Him through His indwelling presence, and He dwells with us by the power of the Holy Spirit of God!
| ספר ישעיה פרק ס | לוגוס | ספריה |
|---|---|---|
| ז כָּל-צֹאן קֵדָר יִקָּבְצוּ לָךְ אֵילֵי נְבָיוֹת יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ יַעֲלוּ עַל-רָצוֹן מִזְבְּחִי וּבֵית תִּפְאַרְתִּי אֲפָאֵר: ח מִי-אֵלֶּה כָּעָב תְּעוּפֶינָה וְכַיּוֹנִים אֶל-אֲרֻבֹּתֵיהֶם: ט כִּי-לִי | אִיִּים יְקַוּוּ וָאֳנִיּוֹת תַּרְשִׁישׁ בָּרִאשֹׁנָה לְהָבִיא בָנַיִךְ מֵרָחוֹק כַּסְפָּם וּזְהָבָם אִתָּם לְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהַיִךְ וְלִקְדוֹשׁ יִשְֹרָאֵל כִּי פֵאֲרָךְ: י וּבָנוּ בְנֵי-נֵכָר חֹמֹתַיִךְ וּמַלְכֵיהֶם יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ כִּי בְקִצְפִּי הִכִּיתִיךְ וּבִרְצוֹנִי רִחַמְתִּיךְ: יא וּפִתְּחוּ שְׁעָרַיִךְ תָּמִיד יוֹמָם וָלַיְלָה לֹא יִסָּגֵרוּ לְהָבִיא אֵלַיִךְ חֵיל גּוֹיִם וּמַלְכֵיהֶם נְהוּגִים: | ז כָל עָן עַרבָאֵי יִתכַנשָן לְגַוִיך דִכרֵי נְבָט יְשַמְשוּנִיך יִתַסקוּן לְרַעְוָא עַל מַדבְחִי וּבֵית תוּשבַחתִי אְשַבַח׃ ח מַן אִלֵין דְאָתַן בִגלַי כַעְנָנִין קַלִילִין וְלָא לְאִתעַכָבָא גָלְוָתָא דְיִשרָאֵל דְמִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לַאְרַעהֹון הָא כְיֹונִין דְתָיְבָן לְגֹו שֹובַכֵיהֹון׃ ט אְרֵי לְמֵימְרִי נְגָוָון יְסַבְרוּן וְנָחְתֵי סְפִינֵי יַמָא אֵידַא פָרְסָא קִלעַהָא בְקַדמֵיתָא לְאֵיתָאָה בְנַך מֵרַחִיק כַספְהֹון וְדַהבְהֹון עִמְהֹון לִשמָא דַיוי אְלָהִיך וּלקַדִישָא דְיִשרָאֵל אְרֵי שַבְחַך׃ י וְיִבנֹון בְנֵי עַמְמַיָא שוּרַך וּמַלכֵיהֹון יְשַמְשוּנִיך אְרֵי בְרוּגזִי אַלקִיתִיך וּבִרעוּתִי אְרַחֵים עְלַך׃ יא וְיִתפַתְחוּן תַרעַך תְדִירָא יִימַם וְלֵילֵי לָא יִתאַחְדוּן לְאַעָלָא לְגַוִיך נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא וּמַלכֵיהֹון זְקִיקִין׃ | ז כָל עָן עַרבָאֵי יִתכַנשָן לְגַוִיך דִכרֵי נְבָט יְשַמְשוּנִיך יִתַסקוּן לְרַעְוָא עַל מַדבְחִי וּבֵית תוּשבַחתִי אְשַבַח׃ ח מַן אִלֵין דְאָתַן בִגלַי כַעְנָנִין קַלִילִין וְלָא לְאִתעַכָבָא גָלְוָתָא דְיִשרָאֵל דְמִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לַאְרַעהֹון הָא כְיֹונִין דְתָיְבָן לְגֹו שֹובַכֵיהֹון׃ ט אְרֵי לְמֵימְרִי נְגָוָון יְסַבְרוּן וְנָחְתֵי סְפִינֵי יַמָא אֵידַא פָרְסָא קִלעַהָא בְקַדמֵיתָא לְאֵיתָאָה בְנַך מֵרַחִיק כַספְהֹון וְדַהבְהֹון עִמְהֹון לִשמָא דַיוי אְלָהִיך וּלקַדִישָא דְיִשרָאֵל אְרֵי שַבְחַך׃ י וְיִבנֹון בְנֵי עַמְמַיָא שוּרַך וּמַלכֵיהֹון יְשַמְשוּנִיך אְרֵי בְרוּגזִי אַלקִיתִיך וּבִרעוּתִי אְרַחֵים עְלַך׃ יא וְיִתפַתְחוּן תַרעַך תְדִירָא יִימַם וְלֵילֵי לָא יִתאַחְדוּן לְאַעָלָא לְגַוִיך נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא וּמַלכֵיהֹון זְקִיקִין׃ |
Isaiah goes on saying the following according to the TgJ on Isaiah 60:7-11, ז כָל עָן עַרבָאֵי יִתכַנשָן לְגַוִיך דִכרֵי נְבָט יְשַמְשוּנִיך יִתַסקוּן לְרַעְוָא עַל מַדבְחִי וּבֵית תוּשבַחתִי אְשַבַח׃ 60:7 All the sheep of the Arabians shall be gathered unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall be offered up with acceptance upon mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. ח מַן אִלֵין דְאָתַן בִגלַי כַעְנָנִין קַלִילִין וְלָא לְאִתעַכָבָא גָלְוָתָא דְיִשרָאֵל דְמִתכַנשִין וְאָתַן לַאְרַעהֹון הָא כְיֹונִין דְתָיְבָן לְגֹו שֹובַכֵיהֹון׃ 60:8 Who are these that are coming openly like swift clouds, and tarry not? the captives of Israel, who are gathered together, come to their land, lo, as doves which return to their dove-houses. ט אְרֵי לְמֵימְרִי נְגָוָון יְסַבְרוּן וְנָחְתֵי סְפִינֵי יַמָא אֵידַא פָרְסָא קִלעַהָא בְקַדמֵיתָא לְאֵיתָאָה בְנַך מֵרַחִיק כַספְהֹון וְדַהבְהֹון עִמְהֹון לִשמָא דַיוי אְלָהִיך וּלקַדִישָא דְיִשרָאֵל אְרֵי שַבְחַך׃ 60:9 Surely, the isles shall wait for my WORD, and those that embark in the ships of the sea, the hand that stretcheth out their sails shall be first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because He hath glorified thee. י וְיִבנֹון בְנֵי עַמְמַיָא שוּרַך וּמַלכֵיהֹון יְשַמְשוּנִיך אְרֵי בְרוּגזִי אַלקִיתִיך וּבִרעוּתִי אְרַחֵים עְלַך׃ 60:10 And the sons of the nations shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. יא וְיִתפַתְחוּן תַרעַך תְדִירָא יִימַם וְלֵילֵי לָא יִתאַחְדוּן לְאַעָלָא לְגַוִיך נִכסֵי עַמְמַיָא וּמַלכֵיהֹון זְקִיקִין׃60:11 Thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the treasures of the nations, and their kings in chains. (TgJ) Here the TgJ on Isaiah 60:7 highlights the role of עַן עַרבָאֵי (Arabian flocks) and דִכרֵי נְבָט (rams of Nebaioth) in temple service, underscoring the inclusive nature of worship and the contributions of diverse groups. This phrase “Sheep of the Arabians” signifies the inclusion of the Gentiles (non-Israelites) into the worship of God. The Arabians and the rams of Nebaioth (descendants of Ishmael) symbolize those outside the traditional boundaries of Israel coming to offer their gifts and worship. The concept of “Minister unto thee” speaks to the rams of Nebaioth serving or ministering where these offerings from the Gentiles will not only be accepted but will also serve a purpose in God’s plan. Isaiah says these will be “offered up with acceptance upon mine altar” which signifies that God will accept these offerings from the Gentiles, indicating a broader acceptance of worship from all nations. The verse continues saying “I will glorify the house of my glory” which indicates that through these offerings and the inclusion of diverse peoples, God’s house (the Temple or the place of God’s dwelling) will be glorified and honored. Isaiah 60:7 symbolizes a future time when all nations will be united in the worship of God, and their offerings will be accepted, leading to the glorification of God’s house. This reflects the prophetic vision of what we have in Yeshua the Messiah of God who breaks down the boundaries through the power of God changing the hearts and lives of all peoples!
The imagery of כַעְנָנִין קַלִילִין (swift clouds) in verse 8 emphasizes the swift return of the exiles, symbolizing hope and the rapid fulfillment of divine promises. This can inspire us to trust in God’s timing and faithfulness. In verse 9, the reference to סְפִינֵי יַמָא (ships of the sea) carrying כַספְהֹון וְדַהבְהֹון (silver and gold) to honor God’s name, reinforces the idea of the global recognition and reverence for the God of Israel.
There are parallels to the NT text on the content of these verses (Isaiah 60:7-11), take for example the following verse references:
Revelation 21:24–26
21:24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 21:25 In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; 21:26 and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; (NASB)
1 Peter 2:12
2:12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. (NASB)
Philippians 2:10–11
2:10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 2:11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (NASB)
We note how Isaiah 60:7-11 speaks of a future time of glory for Jerusalem, where nations and kings will bring their wealth and honor to the city. It highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan, with their offerings being accepted and bringing glory to God’s house. In Revelation 21:24-26 we are told how the nations will bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem, resonating with the imagery of nations bringing wealth to Jerusalem in Isaiah 60:11. The Greek word for “nations” (ἔθνη, ethnē) and “kings” (βασιλεῖς, basileis) corresponds with the inclusion of the Gentiles and their leaders, similar to Isaiah’s prophecy. Additionally, 1 Peter 2:12 speaks of living honorably among the Gentiles, which aligns with the themes of Isaiah. 1 Peter 2:12 also emphasizes maintaining good behavior among the Gentiles (ἔθνος, ethnos) so that they may glorify God. This aligns with Isaiah’s theme of the Gentiles’ involvement in God’s glory. The Greek word for “glorify” (δοξάζω, doxazō) connects with the glorification of God mentioned in both texts. Another parallel may be found in Philippians 2:10-11, where it is stated that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This passage reflects the prophecy in Isaiah 60:7, which speaks of the nations and their kings serving and bowing down to Jerusalem. The Greek word for “glory” (δόξα, doxa) is central to this passage and connects to the idea of glorifying God found in Isaiah 60. This universal acknowledgment and worship reflect Isaiah’s vision of all nations bringing glory to God. These NT passages that parallel the themes found in Isaiah 60, such as Revelation 21:24-26 and Philippians 2:10-11, demonstrate the ongoing relevance and fulfillment of these ancient prophecies in the life and ministry of the Messiah Yeshua. These passages collectively emphasize a future vision of glorification of God, with nations and their leaders playing a significant role in this divine plan.
