Isaiah Chapter 60 · Verse 10

Authorized King James Version

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And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Original Language Analysis

וּבָנ֤וּ shall build up H1129
וּבָנ֤וּ shall build up
Strong's: H1129
Word #: 1 of 11
to build (literally and figuratively)
בְנֵֽי And the sons H1121
בְנֵֽי And the sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נֵכָר֙ of strangers H5236
נֵכָר֙ of strangers
Strong's: H5236
Word #: 3 of 11
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
חֹמֹתַ֔יִךְ thy walls H2346
חֹמֹתַ֔יִךְ thy walls
Strong's: H2346
Word #: 4 of 11
a wall of protection
וּמַלְכֵיהֶ֖ם and their kings H4428
וּמַלְכֵיהֶ֖ם and their kings
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 5 of 11
a king
יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ shall minister H8334
יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ shall minister
Strong's: H8334
Word #: 6 of 11
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְקִצְפִּי֙ unto thee for in my wrath H7110
בְקִצְפִּי֙ unto thee for in my wrath
Strong's: H7110
Word #: 8 of 11
a splinter (as chipped off)
הִכִּיתִ֔יךְ I smote H5221
הִכִּיתִ֔יךְ I smote
Strong's: H5221
Word #: 9 of 11
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וּבִרְצוֹנִ֖י thee but in my favour H7522
וּבִרְצוֹנִ֖י thee but in my favour
Strong's: H7522
Word #: 10 of 11
delight (especially as shown)
רִֽחַמְתִּֽיךְ׃ have I had mercy H7355
רִֽחַמְתִּֽיךְ׃ have I had mercy
Strong's: H7355
Word #: 11 of 11
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

Analysis & Commentary

The prophecy shifts to Zion's reconstruction: "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee." Former enemies become builders and servants—complete reversal. This was partially fulfilled when Persian kings funded temple rebuilding (Ezra 6:8-12), but ultimate fulfillment is spiritual. Gentiles become living stones building God's spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5, Ephesians 2:19-22). The reason for this reversal is stated: "for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee." God's wrath brought exile and destruction; His favor brings restoration. The Hebrew qetseph (wrath) and ratson (favour) stand in stark contrast. The final phrase richamtik (had mercy) comes from racham, meaning compassionate love. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the distinction between God's justice and mercy. Justice demanded judgment for covenant violation; mercy restores beyond what is deserved. This points to Christ's work—He bore God's wrath so we might receive God's favor (2 Corinthians 5:21). The transition from wrath to mercy demonstrates God's sovereign prerogative and gracious character.

Historical Context

The Babylonian exile demonstrated God's wrath against covenant unfaithfulness—Jerusalem's walls destroyed, temple burned, people exiled. The Persian period brought mercy—Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4), Artaxerxes's support (Ezra 7:11-26, Nehemiah 2:7-8), enabling rebuilding. However, Gentiles remained generally hostile or indifferent. True fulfillment came when Gentile believers joined in building the church, with former persecutors like Paul becoming master builders (1 Corinthians 3:10). This continues as converts from all nations build up Christ's body.

Questions for Reflection