Isaiah 60:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 60:7
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 60 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, obedience, covenant. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 60:7
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.
Analysis
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.
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).
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?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Isaiah 56:7, Job 42:8, Romans 12:1, 15:16
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 42:11, Genesis 25:13