Isaiah 60 8

Isaiah 60:8 kjv

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Isaiah 60:8 nkjv

"Who are these who fly like a cloud, And like doves to their roosts?

Isaiah 60:8 niv

"Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests?

Isaiah 60:8 esv

Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?

Isaiah 60:8 nlt

"And what do I see flying like clouds to Israel,
like doves to their nests?

Isaiah 60 verses

Isaiah 60 8 Meaning

Isaiah 60:8 portrays a vivid prophetic image of an unexpected, swift, and numerous ingathering of God's people. The verse is a rhetorical question that anticipates the magnificent sight of vast numbers of people flocking towards Zion (Jerusalem). They are likened to a "cloud" in their multitude and rapid, collective movement, and to "doves" instinctively and swiftly returning to their own familiar nesting places, or "windows" (often understood as pigeon-holes/cotes). This describes the eager, almost supernatural, return of exiles and the coming of new converts, especially Gentiles, drawn by the visible glory of the Lord shining upon His city, establishing it as the spiritual home for all who seek Him.

Isaiah 60 8 Context

Isaiah chapter 60 is a prophetic oracle concerning the future glory of Zion. It is part of the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), specifically within what scholars refer to as "Third Isaiah" (Isaiah 56-66), focusing on the post-exilic period and extending to the ultimate messianic age. The chapter begins with a call to Jerusalem to "Arise, shine, for your light has come" (Isa 60:1), prophesying a time when the glory of the Lord will appear upon her, even as darkness covers the earth. This divine light attracts the nations, who will come to Jerusalem, bringing their wealth and, more importantly, their people. Verse 4 details the return of sons and daughters from afar, carried and led home.

Isaiah 60:8 naturally flows from this initial prophecy of divine radiance and worldwide attention. The previous verses speak of seeing ships of Tarshish bringing their "sons from afar" with silver and gold (Isa 60:6-7). Verse 8 then immediately poses a question that highlights the speed, multitude, and undeniable spectacle of these arriving peoples, emphasizing the global scale and divine orchestration of this great ingathering. The verse is a testament to God's powerful work in drawing peoples from every corner of the earth to Himself, making Zion the focal point of their eager pilgrimage and the center of His glorious kingdom.

Isaiah 60 8 Word analysis

• Who are these (מִי אֵלֶּה mî ’ēlleh): This is a rhetorical question, expressive of wonder, surprise, and admiration. It emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the sight – the immense number and swift movement of people are so astounding that they provoke an exclamation of inquiry. It points to an event that is both magnificent and unexpected.

• that fly (תְּעוּפֶינָה tĕʿûfênāh): Derived from the root עוף (ʿûp̄), meaning "to fly," "to soar," or "to hover." It denotes rapid, direct, and unhindered movement, suggesting a sense of urgency and supernatural agency behind their arrival. It’s not a slow, tedious migration but a swift, directed rush.

• like a cloud (כָּעָב kāʿāb): The preposition kā means "like" or "as." The noun ʿāb refers to a cloud.

  • Significance: This metaphor suggests two main aspects: multitude (clouds often appear as a vast, dense mass) and speed/coverage (clouds can move swiftly and cover wide areas). In biblical context, clouds are also associated with God's presence, majesty, and divine action (Exod 13:21; Dan 7:13; Rev 1:7). The people's movement is seen as vast, imposing, and perhaps even supernaturally orchestrated, like a divine manifestation.

• and like doves (וְכַיּוֹנִים vĕkhayyônîm): The conjunction vĕ means "and." The noun יונה (yônāh) means "dove" or "pigeon."

  • Significance: Doves are known for their strong homing instinct and their swift, directed flight when returning to their cotes. This metaphor highlights:
    • Direction and purpose: They know where they are going; it is an instinctive and natural journey to a pre-ordained destination.
    • Peace and gentleness: Doves are symbols of peace, innocence, and purity (Gen 8:8-12; Matt 3:16). This indicates the peaceable, willing, and gentle spirit in which these people come, not as conquerors, but as seekers of refuge and rest.
    • Seeking sanctuary: Doves, when pursued, instinctively seek refuge in their designated homes. These coming peoples are seeking their spiritual home.

• to their windows (אֶל־אֲרֻבֹּתֵיהֶם ’el-ʾărubbōthêhem): The preposition ’el means "to" or "toward." The noun ארובה (’ărubbāh) refers to a "lattice," "window," or often, specifically "dove-cote openings" or "pigeonholes."

  • Significance: This phrase reinforces the idea of a specific, designated, and safe destination. It suggests not just a general flight but a precise homing. The "windows" are where the doves find their natural and accustomed dwelling place. Spiritually, it signifies that God's people find their true dwelling, refuge, and belonging in Zion (or in Christ and His Church), their divine spiritual home. It speaks to a deep sense of belonging and finding one's rightful place.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Who are these that fly like a cloud": This grouping conveys the sheer, awe-inspiring volume and speed of the incoming masses, emphasizing their collective impact, like a fast-moving, overwhelming tide of humanity. The rhetorical question frames it as a miraculous, God-orchestrated event.
  • "and like doves to their windows": This grouping complements the "cloud" imagery by adding a layer of personal, instinctual, and purposeful return. While "cloud" implies a collective, almost indistinguishable mass, "doves to their windows" highlights individual direction, yearning for a specific home, and finding a secure refuge, illustrating the personal nature of conversion and spiritual belonging within the larger multitude.

Isaiah 60 8 Bonus section

The "windows" (ʾărubbōth) in this verse are frequently interpreted not merely as generic house windows, but as the specialized openings in pigeon houses or cotes (sometimes built into the walls of homes, or separate structures) that doves naturally seek out and call home. This detail amplifies the image of natural, unerring, and highly specific instinct to return to a safe and familiar dwelling. This makes the return of the people less about an organized human effort and more about an irresistible, inborn draw toward a pre-appointed, safe haven provided by God. The visual would have been very clear to the original audience, who were familiar with such dove-cotes. This strong homing instinct is a powerful metaphor for spiritual seeking and finding rest in God's presence and community.

Isaiah 60 8 Commentary

Isaiah 60:8 paints a picture of glorious, unparalleled revival and ingathering. The imagery evokes a scene of profound wonder and activity as diverse peoples, both the scattered exiles of Israel and, prophetically, a vast multitude of Gentiles, converge upon Zion. The initial rhetorical question "Who are these...?" expresses astonishment at the scale and suddenness of this movement, implying divine agency beyond human expectation.

The dual metaphor of "cloud" and "doves" is highly significant. The "cloud" speaks to the vastness of the throng, their swift movement, and potentially a sense of their mysterious or miraculous appearance. This recalls the pillar of cloud that guided Israel, hinting at divine presence leading this new Exodus. The "doves" offer a complementary insight: while many, each individual is purpose-driven, swiftly and unerringly seeking its designated resting place. This emphasizes the innate spiritual hunger within people drawn to their true spiritual home, Jerusalem—or, more broadly, God's redemptive community (the Church in the New Testament understanding). The "windows" or "dove-cotes" highlight a divinely prepared, safe, and welcoming sanctuary awaiting them, not just a temporary stop, but a place of permanent belonging.

This prophecy found initial, partial fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile and subsequent additions to the Jewish community, but its scope points beyond to the coming of Christ. Through Christ, the light of God truly shone, and the spiritual "Zion" (the Church, the people of God) became the destination for all nations. Millions have since, by divine impulse, "flown" to Christ, finding rest and refuge in Him. The verse underscores God's sovereignty in drawing people to Himself with compelling swiftness and an instinctual yearning, a testament to the powerful, transformative work of His Spirit in every believer who comes home to Him.