Isaiah 60:7 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even the herds of distant nomadic peoples are gathered to serve and are offered acceptably on God's altar, honoring his sanctuary.
The Context of Isaiah 60:7
Kedar and Nebaioth were Bedouin tribes whose wealth consisted primarily in flocks and herds. The verse envisions these nomadic peoples bringing their livestock to sacrifice on Zion's altar.
What Does Isaiah 60:7 Mean?
The verse moves from goods to animals. Kedar and Nebaioth were nomadic tribes known for their flocks. The image suggests that even the pastoral wealth of the desert becomes oriented toward Zion and God's altar. What is offered is offered willingly, 'with acceptance,' meaning it pleases the Lord. This is not robbery or plunder but genuine sacrifice. The final sentence reveals the goal: the Lord will glorify the house of his glory, meaning the Temple itself. All this abundance, all this gathering, all these offerings serve one purpose, to beautify and honor the place where God's presence dwells. Everything flows toward the sanctification of the holy.
Jesus is the temple, the place where God's glory dwells in fullness. All our resources, all our strength, all our time and talent are meant to glorify him. When we give to his kingdom, we participate in the beautification of God's house. Our offerings, which may seem small or imperfect in themselves, are made acceptable by his grace and become part of the eternal adornment of heaven.
Isaiah 60:7 in the Original Language
mincha (Hebrew), 'with acceptance' -- offering, gift, tribute; when something is offered 'with acceptance,' it is received with favor by God.
How to Apply Isaiah 60:7 Today
All that we have, including what seems most ordinary or common, can be offered to God and made holy. Our service is accepted, our gifts glorify his house, and our worship joins with the worship of all nations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 60:7
What does Isaiah 60:7 mean?
Even the herds of distant nomadic peoples are gathered to serve and are offered acceptably on God's altar, honoring his sanctuary.
What is the context of Isaiah 60:7?
Kedar and Nebaioth were Bedouin tribes whose wealth consisted primarily in flocks and herds. The verse envisions these nomadic peoples bringing their livestock to sacrifice on Zion's altar.
How can I apply Isaiah 60:7 today?
All that we have, including what seems most ordinary or common, can be offered to God and made holy. Our service is accepted, our gifts glorify his house, and our worship joins with the worship of all nations.