Nations Bring Zions Children and Wealth Home
The nations come, and Zion’s children return.
Isaiah 60:4-9 (BSB)
4 Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm.
5 Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you.
6 Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.
7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.
8 Who are these who fly like clouds, like doves to their shelters?
9 Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.
What is the big idea of Isaiah 60:4-9?
The nations come, and Zion’s children return.
How does Isaiah 60:4-9 point to Christ?
Isaiah 60:4-9 portrays the return of God’s people and the nations bringing tribute in worship. The gospel reveals that through Christ people from every nation are gathered into joyful praise of the LORD.
Authorial Intent
To depict the ingathering of exiles and the wealth of nations flowing to Zion in response to the LORD’s glory.
Historical Context
Spoken in a context of exile and dispersion, the promise envisions a future regathering and international recognition of the LORD.
Chapter: Isaiah 60
Zion Arises as the LORD’s Glory Draws the Nations
Because the LORD’s glory rises upon Zion, darkness gives way to light, scattered children return, nations bring tribute, former shame is reversed, peace and righteousness govern, and the LORD himself becomes everlasting light.