Isaiah 60:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 60:9
9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 60 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, wisdom, mercy. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 60:9
9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
Analysis
God explains: "Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first." The "isles" (iyyim) refers to distant coastlands—the furthest reaches of the known world. "Wait" (qawah) means eager expectation, the same word used for waiting on the Lord in prayer (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 40:31). Even distant Gentiles will eagerly anticipate God's salvation. "Ships of Tarshish" were large merchant vessels capable of long voyages (1 Kings 10:22). Their purpose: "to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee." The ships bring both people (scattered Jews, converted Gentiles) and wealth, all dedicated "unto the name of the LORD." Everything serves His glory, for "he hath glorified thee"—God has honored Zion. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates God's sovereignty in redemption. He glorifies His church, which in turn glorifies Him. The ingathering occurs "unto the name of the LORD"—for His fame and worship. Missions serves doxology; evangelism magnifies God's glory.
Historical Context
Tarshish likely refers to distant Mediterranean ports, possibly southern Spain—representing the far west of the known world. Ships of Tarshish symbolized extensive trade and wealth (1 Kings 10:22, Jonah 1:3). The prophecy looked beyond the Persian period to when maritime nations would serve God's purposes. The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, often following trade routes and using sea travel, fulfilled this. Paul's missionary journeys utilized sea transport (Acts 13:4, 14:26, 16:11, 18:18, 21:1-3, 27-28). The gospel's global spread continues this pattern.
Reflection
- How do distant peoples 'waiting for' God demonstrate the universal scope of redemption?
- What does the dedication of wealth and resources 'unto the name of the LORD' teach about stewardship?
- How should missions be oriented toward God's glory rather than merely human benefit?
Word Studies
- Holy: קָדוֹשׁ (Qadosh) H6918 - Holy, set apart
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 11:11, 42:10, 49:1
- Glory: Isaiah 55:5
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 2:16, 42:4, 51:5, Galatians 4:26