Isaiah Chapter 60 · Verse 8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Original Language Analysis
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
כָּעָ֣ב
as a cloud
H5645
כָּעָ֣ב
as a cloud
Strong's:
H5645
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
תְּעוּפֶ֑ינָה
Who are these that fly
H5774
תְּעוּפֶ֑ינָה
Who are these that fly
Strong's:
H5774
Word #:
4 of 7
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)
Cross References
Revelation 7:9After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;Luke 13:29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,Isaiah 60:4Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side.Isaiah 49:21Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?
Historical Context
This addresses the post-exilic community experiencing a trickle of returning exiles when God had promised flood. The partial returns under Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah were disappointing compared to the prophetic vision. However, the prophecy looked beyond immediate return to the Messianic age when the Spirit would be poured out (Acts 2) and massive ingathering would occur. The book of Acts records the rapid growth of the church—3,000 at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), 5,000 shortly after (Acts 4:4), multitudes continually (Acts 5:14, 6:7). This continues throughout church history as the elect are gathered.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the imagery of doves returning to their windows teach about the believer's homing instinct for God?
- How does the cloud-like multitude reflect the comprehensiveness of God's redemptive work?
- In what ways does the Holy Spirit draw people irresistibly to Christ and His church?
Analysis & Commentary
The prophet asks: "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" The imagery is beautiful—multitudes arriving like clouds or doves returning to dovecotes. Clouds suggest vast numbers moving together; doves suggest homing instinct and peace. This pictures the returning dispersed and the incoming Gentiles—drawn irresistibly to Zion like doves to their roost. The question format emphasizes the wonder of this sight—so many coming, so quickly, so eagerly. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates effectual calling and irresistible grace. The elect don't merely consider coming; they are drawn powerfully by the Holy Spirit (John 6:37, 44, 65). Like doves returning home, believers find their true home in God's presence. The cloud imagery also suggests the Shekinah glory cloud that led Israel (Exodus 13:21-22) and filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10-11)—God's glorious presence attracting His people. The certainty and speed of the gathering demonstrates God's sovereign power to accomplish His purposes.