Isaiah

Isaiah 60:4-9

The nations come, and Zion’s children return.

Isaiah 60:4-9 (WEB)

4 “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: they all gather themselves together. They come to you. Your sons will come from far away, and your daughters will be carried in arms.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you. The wealth of the nations will come to you.

6 A multitude of camels will cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah. All from Sheba will come. They will bring gold and frankincense, and will proclaim the praises of Yahweh.

7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth will serve you. They will be accepted as offerings on my altar; and I will beautify my glorious house.

8 “Who are these who fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

9 Surely the islands will wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.

Central Idea

The nations come, and Zion’s children return.

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.