Isaiah Chapter 60 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְהַגּוֹיִ֖ם For the nation H1471
וְהַגּוֹיִ֖ם For the nation
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 2 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וְהַמַּמְלָכָ֛ה and kingdom H4467
וְהַמַּמְלָכָ֛ה and kingdom
Strong's: H4467
Word #: 3 of 10
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 4 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעַבְד֖וּךְ that will not serve H5647
יַעַבְד֖וּךְ that will not serve
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 6 of 10
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
יֹאבֵ֑דוּ thee shall perish H6
יֹאבֵ֑דוּ thee shall perish
Strong's: H6
Word #: 7 of 10
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
וְהַגּוֹיִ֖ם For the nation H1471
וְהַגּוֹיִ֖ם For the nation
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 8 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
יֶחֱרָֽבוּ׃ shall be utterly H2717
יֶחֱרָֽבוּ׃ shall be utterly
Strong's: H2717
Word #: 9 of 10
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
יֶחֱרָֽבוּ׃ shall be utterly H2717
יֶחֱרָֽבוּ׃ shall be utterly
Strong's: H2717
Word #: 10 of 10
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

Analysis & Commentary

A sobering warning interrupts the glorious promises: "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." The Hebrew abad (perish) and charab (wasted/destroyed) emphasize complete destruction. This establishes the exclusivity of salvation—submission to God's kingdom is not optional but mandatory. Those who refuse to serve Zion (God's people/kingdom) face certain judgment. From a Reformed perspective, this doesn't teach salvation through submission to the institutional church, but acknowledges that Christ is the only way of salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). To reject Christ and His people is to reject the only means of redemption, resulting in destruction. This parallels Psalm 2:10-12 where kings are commanded to serve the Lord's Anointed or perish. It anticipates Christ's return when those who refuse His lordship will face judgment (Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, Revelation 19:11-21). God's mercy to some necessitates justice toward those who persist in rebellion.

Historical Context

Throughout biblical history, nations that opposed God's people faced judgment—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Edom. Even within Israel, tribes and individuals who rejected God's covenant faced destruction. The prophecy warned Gentile nations: align with God's purposes or face consequences. New Testament fulfillment came in Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70) for rejecting Messiah (Luke 19:41-44), and continues in temporal judgments on persecuting nations. Ultimate fulfillment is the final judgment when all opposition to Christ is destroyed (Revelation 20:11-15).

Questions for Reflection