Isaiah 60 6

Isaiah 60:6 kjv

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.

Isaiah 60:6 nkjv

The multitude of camels shall cover your land, The dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; All those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the LORD.

Isaiah 60:6 niv

Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.

Isaiah 60:6 esv

A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.

Isaiah 60:6 nlt

Vast caravans of camels will converge on you,
the camels of Midian and Ephah.
The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense
and will come worshiping the LORD.

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 6 Meaning

Isaiah 60:6 paints a prophetic picture of immense wealth and diverse peoples streaming into Jerusalem, bringing valuable gifts and, most significantly, their worship to the Lord. It signifies the ingathering of the Gentiles into God's glorious kingdom, transforming nations previously associated with commerce or even antagonism into worshippers and contributors to Zion's splendor. The verse emphasizes that these material offerings are ultimately presented in praise of God, highlighting a global acknowledgment of His sovereignty and the spiritual purpose behind the influx of physical blessings.

Isaiah 60 6 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 is a pivotal prophetic poem proclaiming the future glory and restoration of Zion/Jerusalem after a period of affliction and exile. It opens with a dramatic call, "Arise, shine, for your light has come!" (Isa 60:1), depicting Zion bathed in the glory of the Lord, while darkness covers the rest of the earth. This divine radiance then acts as a beacon, drawing Gentile nations and their rulers to Jerusalem. The chapter details a miraculous ingathering of God's people and immense material blessings from afar, transforming Zion into a place of unparalleled splendor.

Verse 6 specifically focuses on the influx of wealth and homage from Arabian peoples. Historically, these tribes (Midian, Ephah, Sheba) were powerful traders and often involved in military conflicts or commercial rivalries. By portraying them as bringing their most prized possessions (camels, gold, frankincense) and submitting to the Lord's praise in Jerusalem, the prophecy reverses their historical roles. It emphasizes the absolute supremacy of Yahweh and His chosen city over all earthly powers and resources. This polemical aspect implicitly declares the triumph of monotheism over pagan idolatry and material self-interest. The entire chapter provides an eschatological vision, foreshadowing a time of ultimate peace, justice, and worldwide worship centered on God's kingdom.

Isaiah 60 6 Word analysis

• A multitude (Hebrew: הֲמוֹן, hă·mōn): This term denotes a large crowd, a great number, or even a commotion. Its use here emphasizes the sheer volume and abundance of what is coming, painting a picture of overwhelming influx rather than just a few. It suggests wealth on an unprecedented scale.
• of camels (גְּמַלִּים, gə·mal·lîm): Camels were the primary means of transportation for trade across the ancient Near East, especially over desert routes. They represent commerce, distant travel, and substantial wealth. Their mention indicates valuable goods are being transported over long distances.
• shall cover you (יְכַסּוּךְ, yə·ḵas·sūḵ): This verb means "to cover, conceal." The image suggests that Jerusalem will be inundated, carpeted, or overwhelmed by the sheer number of camels. It reinforces the idea of super-abundance and saturation, demonstrating the lavishness of the tribute. The suffix '-ookh' (-ך) indicates 'you' (feminine singular), referring to Zion.
• The dromedaries (בִּכְרֵי, biḵ·rê): Specifically refers to young or swift camels, often highly prized for their speed and stamina. This adds to the sense of quality and selectiveness of the animals bringing the goods, indicating valuable loads and perhaps the importance of those who send them.
• of Midian (מִדְיָן, miḏ·yān) and Ephah (עֵיפָה, ‘ê·fāh): These were historically prominent Arabian tribes, descendants from Abraham through Keturah (Gen 25:4). Midianites were known for trade and nomadic life. Ephah was a clan of Midian. Their inclusion highlights that nations once associated with other concerns are now directing their wealth and attention to Jerusalem.
• All those from Sheba (כֻּלָּם מִשְּׁבָא, kul·lām miš·šə·ḇā’): Sheba (שְׁבָא, šə·ḇā’) refers to a renowned ancient kingdom, likely located in modern-day Yemen/Ethiopia, famous for its incredible wealth, especially spices, gold, and precious stones. The Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (1 Ki 10) exemplifies its legendary riches. "All" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the tribute from this prestigious source.
• shall come (יָבֹאוּ, yā·ḇō·’ū): Simple verb meaning "they shall come" or "they will arrive." It indicates intentional movement and pilgrimage towards Jerusalem.
• They shall bring (יִשְׂאוּ, yiś·’ū): Means "they shall carry," "bear," or "lift." It emphasizes the active delivery and presentation of gifts by these nations.
• gold (זָהָב, zā·hāḇ) and frankincense (לְבוֹנָה, lə·ḇō·nāh):
  • Gold: The ultimate symbol of material wealth, royalty, and preciousness.
  • Frankincense: An aromatic gum resin, precious and used extensively in ancient temple worship as an incense (Lev 2:1), for anointing, and associated with prayer ascending to God. These specific gifts hold deep significance, notably echoed in the Magi's gifts to the infant Jesus (Matt 2:11), hinting at both royalty and divine worship.
• And shall proclaim the praises of the Lord (וּתְהִלֹּת יְהוָה יְבַשֵּׂרוּ, ūṯ·hil·lōṯ Yah·weh yə·ḇas·sê·rū): This is the culminating and most significant part of the verse.
  • Praises of the Lord (תְהִלֹּת יְהוָה, tĕhil·lōṯ Yĕhwāh): "Praises of Yahweh." It signifies spiritual adoration, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's character and mighty deeds.
  • proclaim (יְבַשֵּׂרוּ, yə·ḇas·sê·rū): Literally "they shall announce good tidings," "they shall preach," or "they shall declare." This means the nations are not just bringing silent tribute but actively confessing and celebrating God's glory. This transforms material offerings into spiritual worship and evangelism.

Isaiah 60 6 Bonus section

• The prophetic language used in Isaiah 60:6 finds partial fulfillment throughout history in acts of nations or individuals honoring God, but its complete realization points to the culmination of God's redemptive plan in the future Messianic kingdom, possibly foreshadowing aspects of the New Heavens and New Earth as described in Revelation.
• The inclusion of Midian and Ephah, tribal descendants often at odds with Israel's history (e.g., in the time of Gideon), underscores the comprehensive nature of this divine ingathering. It suggests that even traditional adversaries will be drawn to worship the Lord, illustrating God's power to transform and reconcile.
• The light metaphor of Isaiah 60:1-3, where Zion is illuminated by God's glory, is the active magnet drawing these nations. It implies that the source of the nations' pilgrimage and gifts is God's manifest presence in Jerusalem, not merely political or economic factors.
• The shift from material offerings to vocal praise highlights the superior value of spiritual worship. While gifts are brought, the ultimate offering is the acknowledgment and declaration of God's praise, signaling a transformation of hearts and priorities among the nations.

Isaiah 60 6 Commentary

Isaiah 60:6 presents a profound eschatological vision of God's redemptive plan encompassing all nations. The overwhelming influx of camels and dromedaries, representing vast material wealth from traditionally influential trading regions like Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, symbolizes the world's resources being consecrated to God. The gifts of gold and frankincense carry double significance: gold for its royal value, hinting at the recognition of God's supreme kingship, and frankincense for its sacred use in worship, pointing to a spiritual offering. This imagery is notably fulfilled in the wise men's presentation of gifts to Christ, acknowledging Him as King and God. The verse progresses from mere material transfer to spiritual adoration, emphasizing that the ultimate purpose of this Gentile ingathering and their physical tribute is not for earthly gain, but to "proclaim the praises of the Lord." It showcases the universal reign of God, where diverse peoples willingly direct their finest to Zion, transformed from participants in earthly commerce into joyous heralds of divine glory, finding their highest expression in true worship of the one living God. It signifies a complete reorientation of world powers towards God's purposes.