Isaiah 60 7

Isaiah 60:7 kjv

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.

Isaiah 60:7 nkjv

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; They shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, And I will glorify the house of My glory.

Isaiah 60:7 niv

All Kedar's flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted as offerings on my altar, and I will adorn my glorious temple.

Isaiah 60:7 esv

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.

Isaiah 60:7 nlt

The flocks of Kedar will be given to you,
and the rams of Nebaioth will be brought for my altars.
I will accept their offerings,
and I will make my Temple glorious.

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 7 Meaning

Isaiah 60:7 prophesies a future time when nations previously considered distant or outside the covenant, specifically the Arabian tribes of Kedar and Nebaioth, will be drawn to Zion. They will bring their most valued possessions, symbolized by their flocks and rams, as acceptable offerings for God on His altar. The ultimate purpose and result of this universal worship is the profound glorification of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem, amplifying His visible splendor to the world.

Isaiah 60 7 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 opens with a magnificent prophetic vision for Zion, commanding it to "Arise, shine, for your light has come." This is a promise of future restoration and glory following a period of darkness and devastation, likely alluding to the Babylonian exile. The chapter details how the splendor of God upon Jerusalem will draw distant nations and kings, who will bring their wealth, people, and resources to contribute to her flourishing and renewed prominence. Verse 7 specifically illustrates this ingathering by naming the wealthy nomadic Arabian tribes of Kedar and Nebaioth, descendants of Ishmael, signifying that even traditionally distinct or 'outsider' peoples will participate in this global pilgrimage to God's glorious presence. The historical context reflects a desire for the future Temple in Jerusalem to transcend its past limitations and become a universal center of true worship.

Isaiah 60 7 Word analysis

• All (כָּל־, kol): This emphasizes totality and comprehensiveness. It indicates that no part of the named groups or their possessions will be excluded from this ingathering.

• flocks (צֹאן, tzo'n): Literally "sheep" or "small cattle." Symbolizes a significant form of wealth and commodity in the ancient Near East, especially among nomadic peoples, and were primary animals for sacrifice.

• Kedar (קֵדָר, qedar): Descendants of Ishmael, known for their large flocks and wealth, living in the Arabian desert. They represent distant, often formidable, nomadic Gentile nations, their inclusion emphasizing the universal scope of God's future kingdom.

• shall be gathered (תִּקָּבְצוּ, tikkav'tsu): A passive verb, indicating that their coming is not solely by their own volition but divinely orchestrated or prompted. It signifies a convergence towards a central point – Zion.

• to you (לָךְ, lakh): Direct address to Zion/Jerusalem, the recipient of these incoming riches and worshippers.

• rams (אֵילִים, eilim): Mature male sheep, considered choice animals for sacrifice due to their size and value. In ancient cultures, rams could also metaphorically represent leaders or chiefs, implying their surrender and tribute.

• Nebaioth (נְבָיוֹת, nevayot): Another significant nomadic Arabian tribe, closely associated with Kedar and also descendants of Ishmael. Their specific mention reinforces the vastness of Gentile inclusion from diverse, powerful tribes.

• shall minister (יְשָׁרְתוּנֶךְ, yeshare'tunekh): Means to serve, attend, or perform a sacred service. This is an active, devotional role, implying not mere tribute but active participation in worship.

• they shall ascend (יַעֲלוּ, ya'alu): This verb is primarily used for the "going up" of sacrifices in the Old Testament, specifically referring to burnt offerings ascending in smoke. It points directly to a sacrificial act of worship.

• with acceptance (לְרָצוֹן, l'ratzon): Crucial term indicating divine approval, favor, or delight. It underscores that these Gentile offerings, unlike certain forbidden or flawed sacrifices, will be received favorably by God.

• on My altar (עַל־מִזְבְּחִי, 'al mizb'chi): Emphasizes the legitimate, designated place of worship – God's altar in Jerusalem. It points to unified, proper worship centered on God's divine institution.

• and I will glorify (וַאֲפָאֵר, va'af'a'er): A direct declaration from God, signifying His active involvement in bringing about this splendor. It means to beautify, make splendid, or show great honor to.

• the house of My glory (בֵּית תִּפְאַרְתִּי, beit tif'arti): Refers to God's dwelling place, Zion or the Temple. Tif'arti means glory, splendor, or beauty, deeply linked to God's visible presence.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "All the flocks of Kedar" and "the rams of Nebaioth": These phrases together paint a picture of abundant wealth and valuable resources from specific, well-known distant Gentile nations. The mention of "flocks" and "rams" points to their livelihood, their most valuable assets, and animals commonly used for worship. This imagery foreshadows the full participation of the nations with their material offerings in the worship of God.
  • "shall be gathered to you" and "shall minister to you": This shows a twofold action. First, a divine initiative bringing them together (gathered); second, their active, willing engagement in service and devotion (minister) to Zion and, by extension, to God. It indicates a willing submission and contribution.
  • "they shall ascend with acceptance on My altar": This is the culmination of the ingathering – acts of worship. "Ascend" directly links to the concept of burnt offerings. The pivotal phrase "with acceptance" signifies God's validation of these Gentile sacrifices, indicating a profound shift in accessibility to God for non-Israelites, where their sincere offerings would be honored. This prefigures the New Covenant understanding of acceptable worship.
  • "and I will glorify the house of My glory": This states God's ultimate purpose and reciprocal action. The ingathering of nations, their worship, and their offerings all contribute to and ultimately serve to magnify God's own glory, as manifested in His chosen dwelling place. God Himself takes an active role in enhancing the splendor of His sanctuary.

Isaiah 60 7 Bonus section

The specific naming of Kedar and Nebaioth in Isaiah 60:7 holds significant weight beyond general Gentile inclusion. These tribes were known not only for their wealth in livestock but also their military strength (Jer 49:28-29) and their often adversarial relationship with Israel. Their willing submission and devotion, therefore, underscore the magnitude of God's power to transform hearts and bring former adversaries into His worship. Furthermore, this prophecy implicitly expands the very concept of "sacred space" and "acceptable offering." While literal animal sacrifices would be made on a physical altar in a rebuilt Temple in the historical future (as understood by the original audience), the ultimate fulfillment transcends this. In the New Testament, Christ Himself becomes the ultimate "Altar" and "Sacrifice," and believers are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of praise, service, and transformed lives (Heb 13:15-16; Rom 12:1). Thus, the "house of My glory" becomes not just a physical structure but the spiritual community of God's people (the Church, 1 Pet 2:5) in whom His presence dwells and through whom His glory is increasingly revealed.

Isaiah 60 7 Commentary

Isaiah 60:7 is a profound declaration of God's universal redemptive plan, presenting a vibrant picture of the eschatological glory of Zion. Far from a restrictive nationalistic hope, this verse extends the invitation of worship and service to the outermost fringes of the known world, personified by Kedar and Nebaioth – wealthy, prominent Arabian tribes distinct from Israel. Their readiness to bring their prized flocks and rams not only symbolizes material tribute but more deeply, a spiritual turning of their hearts. The emphasis on these offerings ascending "with acceptance on My altar" is pivotal; it signifies God's unqualified welcome and validation of worship from non-Israelites. This prophecy anticipates a time, profoundly realized in the New Covenant through Christ, where the access to God is universal, no longer predicated on ethnic lineage or the strictures of the Old Testament law for salvation, but on a sincere offering of the heart. The entire process culminates in God's solemn promise: "I will glorify the house of My glory," affirming that all acts of true worship ultimately serve to enhance and manifest God's own majestic presence in His dwelling place, which expands beyond the physical temple to the global Church, His spiritual temple, and ultimately, the New Jerusalem. It is a testament to the fact that God's glory is revealed through the inclusion and devotion of all peoples.