Isaiah 60:10

KJV

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of strangers {H5236} shall build up {H1129} thy walls {H2346}, and their kings {H4428} shall minister {H8334} unto thee: for in my wrath {H7110} I smote {H5221} thee, but in my favour {H7522} have I had mercy {H7355} on thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Foreigners will rebuild your walls, their kings will be at your service; for in my anger I struck you, but in my mercy I pity you.

Berean Standard Bible

Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy.

American Standard Version

And foreigners shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I had mercy on thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:10 is a profound prophetic declaration promising Jerusalem's glorious restoration after a period of divine discipline. It reveals God's sovereign hand in both the past judgment and the future showering of favor, remarkably foretelling that former adversaries—"sons of strangers" and their kings—will actively participate in rebuilding the city's defenses and serving its people, signifying a complete reversal of fortunes and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 stands as a magnificent crescendo within the latter part of the book, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66). This section follows prophecies of judgment and exile (e.g., [Isaiah 59](/isaiah/59 "Isaiah 59 - Confession of Sin and Promise of Redemption")), offering a breathtaking vision of future glory for Zion. Chapter 60 itself opens with a call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come" ([Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come")), depicting nations streaming to her, bringing their wealth and honor. Verse 10 specifically addresses the transition from a past of divine chastisement to a future of overflowing grace and international service, setting the stage for subsequent verses that detail the unparalleled prosperity and peace of the restored city. It emphasizes that this transformation is entirely God's doing, a testament to His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 60 are primarily directed towards the Jewish people who had endured, or were about to endure, the Babylonian exile. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BC by Nebuchadnezzar's forces ([2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "2 Kings 25:8-10 - Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple")) was a devastating fulfillment of God's "wrath" against their idolatry and disobedience. The imagery of "building up thy walls" would have resonated deeply with a people whose city lay in ruins, symbolizing not just physical reconstruction but also renewed security, sovereignty, and honor. In the ancient Near East, walls were paramount for a city's defense and identity. The concept of "strangers" and "kings" serving Jerusalem was revolutionary, as historically, foreign nations were often oppressors. This reversal underscores a future where God's people would be exalted, and even those who once afflicted them would now contribute to their well-being, reflecting a shift from a world dominated by imperial powers to one where God's chosen city is central.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that both the judgment (smoting in wrath) and the restoration (mercy in favor) originate from God's deliberate action. This underscores His ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His people despite their failures. Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Exaltation of Zion** is central. The rebuilding of walls symbolizes the renewal of Jerusalem's strength, beauty, and security, making it a beacon for the nations. This aligns with prophecies like [Isaiah 49:18-23](/isaiah/49-18 "Isaiah 49:18-23 - Zion's Restoration and Gentiles Serving Her") where kings and queens are depicted as nursing fathers and mothers. Thirdly, and perhaps most strikingly, is the theme of **Gentile Inclusion and Service**. The "sons of strangers" and their "kings" actively participating in Jerusalem's rebuilding and ministering to her signifies a radical reordering of international relations under God's rule. This foreshadows the broader eschatological vision found elsewhere in Isaiah, where all nations will come to worship the Lord in Jerusalem ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")) and contribute to His kingdom, expanding the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel to encompass all humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **build up (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to build" in both a literal and figurative sense. In Isaiah 60:10, it refers to the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizing the restoration of security, strength, and the city's very identity after its destruction. Beyond mere physical construction, it implies the re-establishment of a community and its foundational structures.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _qetseph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to chip off" or "splinter," this term figuratively denotes rage or indignation. In this context, it describes God's righteous anger and severe displeasure against Israel's disobedience, which led to their judgment and exile. It signifies a decisive, impactful divine action, not a fleeting emotion, but a just response to sin.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _râcham'_):** This primitive root signifies "to fondle" and, by implication, "to love," especially to compassionate. It conveys a deep, tender, and profound compassion, often likened to a mother's love for her child. In the verse, it highlights God's benevolent disposition and His profound pity and lovingkindness towards His people, moving Him to restore them even after He had disciplined them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls":** This clause presents a remarkable reversal of fortune. "Sons of strangers" (Gentiles, non-Israelites) refers to those who were formerly outsiders or even adversaries. Instead of destroying, they will now be instrumental in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This signifies not just physical reconstruction but also the restoration of security, honor, and prominence for God's people, achieved through unexpected means.
* **"and their kings shall minister unto thee":** This further amplifies the astonishing transformation. The kings of these foreign nations, who once wielded power over Israel, will now serve Jerusalem. "Minister" (Hebrew, _shârath_) implies providing service, attending as a servant, or contributing to. This illustrates the future subservience of Gentile powers to the divinely exalted Jerusalem, acknowledging God's supremacy and His people's central role.
* **"for in my wrath I smote thee":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the past suffering. God explicitly states that the judgment Israel experienced (e.g., exile, destruction of Jerusalem) was a direct consequence of His "wrath" or righteous indignation. It underscores divine sovereignty over historical events and confirms that Israel's hardship was a just, albeit painful, discipline for their disobedience.
* **"but in my favour have I had mercy on thee":** This final clause presents the powerful contrast and the ultimate divine disposition. Following the period of wrath, God's "favour" (goodwill, pleasure) leads to His "mercy" (tender compassion). This signifies a shift from judgment to grace, indicating that God's ultimate intention for His people is restoration and blessing, driven by His inherent lovingkindness and faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of transformation and hope. The most prominent is **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing God's "wrath" with His "favour" and "mercy," and the past destruction with the future rebuilding. This highlights the dramatic reversal of Jerusalem's fortunes, from being smitten to being shown compassion. **Personification** is subtly present as Jerusalem's "walls" are built, implying the restoration of the city's very being and identity. The phrase "sons of strangers" and "their kings" building and ministering uses **Hyperbole** or **Prophetic Idealism** to emphasize the extent of the future glory and the unexpected nature of the allies. It conveys a vision of complete submission and willing service from those who were once hostile. Finally, the verse functions as a **Prophecy**, declaring future events with divine certainty, serving to offer immense hope and assurance to a people facing or recovering from severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:10 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over history, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the expansive nature of His redemptive plan. It reveals that divine judgment is not God's final word, but rather a means to an end—a purification that ultimately leads to an outpouring of grace and restoration. The involvement of "strangers" and "kings" in rebuilding and ministering to Jerusalem is a powerful theological statement about the future inclusion of the Gentiles in God's kingdom and their role in the ultimate flourishing of God's people. This points to a universal vision where all nations will acknowledge God's supremacy and contribute to His redemptive purposes, moving beyond ethnic boundaries to a global worship of the one true God.

* [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Kings and Queens Serve Zion")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Come to Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk in the Light of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:10 offers profound spiritual encouragement, reminding us that even in seasons of divine discipline or personal hardship, God's ultimate disposition towards His people is one of favor and mercy. Just as Jerusalem experienced a period of "wrath" due to disobedience, believers may face consequences for their choices, yet God's faithfulness ensures that His long-term plan is always for restoration and blessing. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He orchestrates even the most unlikely circumstances—like former adversaries becoming helpers—to fulfill His purposes. It challenges us to embrace a broad vision of God's kingdom, recognizing that His work often involves unexpected people and resources, inviting us to see all individuals as potential contributors to His redemptive plan, regardless of their past. We are called to embody this same spirit of grace, extending mercy and welcoming those who might seem "strange" into the fellowship of faith, trusting that God can transform any situation into an opportunity for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "wrath" as a disciplinary act, rather than mere anger, change your perspective on personal or corporate hardship?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you need to trust God for a "rebuilding of walls" or a reversal of fortunes, even through unexpected means?**
* **How can the concept of "strangers" and "kings" ministering to God's people challenge our preconceived notions about who God uses in His kingdom work?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "sons of strangers" and "their kings" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "sons of strangers" (Hebrew, _bên nêkâr_) refers to non-Israelites or Gentiles. In the context of the Old Testament, these were often nations that had been hostile to Israel or were considered outside of God's covenant people. The mention of "their kings" emphasizes the involvement of foreign rulers and their authority. The prophecy here is remarkable because it foresees a time when these very nations, who once oppressed Israel, would instead contribute to Jerusalem's restoration, serving and honoring God's people. This signifies a profound reversal of roles and points to a future where Gentile nations would recognize and participate in the work of God's kingdom, as seen in other prophecies like [Isaiah 45:14](/isaiah/45-14 "Isaiah 45:14 - Nations Bringing Wealth to Israel").

**What does the contrast between "wrath" and "favour" signify about God's character?**

Answer: This contrast highlights the multifaceted nature of God's character: His perfect justice and His boundless mercy. "Wrath" (Hebrew, _qetseph_) indicates His righteous indignation and disciplinary action against sin, which led to Israel's suffering and exile. It demonstrates that God takes sin seriously and holds His people accountable. However, this wrath is not His final word. The shift to "favour" (Hebrew, _râtsôwn_) and "mercy" (Hebrew, _râcham_) reveals His ultimate disposition of grace, compassion, and desire for restoration. It shows that even in judgment, God's underlying purpose is redemptive, aiming to bring His people back to Himself and shower them with blessings, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, as affirmed in [Psalm 103:8-10](/psalm/103-8 "Psalm 103:8-10 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. The "wrath" God poured out on His people for their sin was fully borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the divine judgment that humanity deserved. Through His atoning sacrifice, the "favour" and "mercy" of God are now freely extended to all who believe, ushering in an era of unprecedented grace. The prophecy of "sons of strangers" and their "kings" building up Zion's walls and ministering to her is beautifully realized in the New Covenant. The church, as the spiritual Jerusalem, is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, who are now [fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). Gentile believers, once "strangers and foreigners," are now brought near by the blood of Christ ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Near by the Blood of Christ")), actively participating in building up the spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Kings and nations, through the spread of the Gospel, bring their honor and glory into the New Jerusalem, not through physical servitude, but through spiritual worship and allegiance to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ ([Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - Nations Walk in the Light of New Jerusalem")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate builder of this spiritual city, gathering all peoples into His glorious kingdom, transforming former adversaries into devoted servants and co-laborers for His praise.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 61:5

And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien [shall be] your plowmen and your vinedressers.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Revelation 21:26

And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

Isaiah 14:1

¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

Isaiah 14:2

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.