Isaiah 60:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
צֹ֤אן
All the flocks
H6629
צֹ֤אן
All the flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
2 of 15
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
קֵדָר֙
of Kedar
H6938
קֵדָר֙
of Kedar
Strong's:
H6938
Word #:
3 of 15
kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)
אֵילֵ֥י
unto thee the rams
H352
אֵילֵ֥י
unto thee the rams
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
נְבָי֖וֹת
of Nebaioth
H5032
נְבָי֖וֹת
of Nebaioth
Strong's:
H5032
Word #:
7 of 15
nebajoth, a son of ismael, and the country settled by him
יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ
shall minister
H8334
יְשָׁרְת֑וּנֶךְ
shall minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
8 of 15
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
יַעֲל֤וּ
unto thee they shall come up
H5927
יַעֲל֤וּ
unto thee they shall come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
9 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּבֵ֥ית
the house
H1004
וּבֵ֥ית
the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 56:7Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.Genesis 25:13And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,Job 42:8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.Isaiah 42:11Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Historical Context
Kedar and Nebaioth were nomadic Arabian tribes, descendants of Ishmael, often hostile to Israel. Their inclusion represents the most unlikely conversions—those naturally opposed to God's people being incorporated into worship. The post-exilic temple did receive some Gentile participation, but full fulfillment came through Christ who broke down dividing walls, creating one new humanity where Jew and Gentile worship together (Acts 10-11, 15, Ephesians 2:11-22, Revelation 7:9).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of Ishmaelite offerings demonstrate that no one is beyond God's saving reach?
- What does acceptable worship look like in the New Covenant era?
- How does diverse, multinational worship glorify God's house more than ethnic uniformity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The vision continues: "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee." Kedar and Nebaioth were Ishmaelite tribes (Genesis 25:13), traditionally enemies of Israel. "Flocks" and "rams" indicate both wealth (livestock) and sacrifices. "Minister unto thee" means serving Zion's worship. "They shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory." The altar acceptance indicates these Gentile offerings are welcomed in authentic worship. God promises to glorify His temple through such worship. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the inclusion of Gentiles in acceptable worship through Christ's mediation. The ceremonial law's barrier is removed (Ephesians 2:14-15), allowing Gentiles to approach God through the perfect sacrifice of Christ. The "house of my glory" ultimately refers to the church, God's spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:21-22, 1 Peter 2:5). God glorifies His house not through architectural splendor but through diverse worshipers from all nations united in Spirit-empowered praise.