TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 60:9–14. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The promises made to the church in the foregoing verses are here repeated, ratified, and enlarged upon, designed still for the comfort and encouragement of the Jews after their return out of captivity, but certainly looking further, to the enlargement and advancement of the gospel church and the abundance of spiritual blessings with which it shall be enriched.
I.God will be very gracious and propitious to them.
We must begin with that promise, because thence all the rest take rise. The sanctuary that was desolate begins to be repaired when God causes his face to shine upon it, Dan 9:17. All the favour that the people of God find with men is owing to the light of God's countenance and his favour to them (Isa 60:10): "All shall now make court to thee, for in my wrath I smote thee, while thou wast in captivity" (and the sufferings of the church, especially by its corruptions, decays, and divisions, against which these promises will be its relief, are sad tokens of God's displeasure), "But now in my favour have I had mercy on thee, and therefore have all this mercy in store for thee."
II.Many shall be brought into the church, even from far countries (Isa 60:9):
Surely the isles shall wait for me, shall welcome the gospel, and shall attend God with their praises for it and their ready subjection to it. The ships of Tarshish, transport-ships, shall lie ready to carry members from far distant regions to the church, or (which is equivalent) to carry the ministers of the church to remote parts, to preach the gospel and to bring in souls to join themselves to the Lord. Observe,
1.Who are brought - thy sons, that is, such as are designed to be so, those children of God that are scattered abroad, Joh 11:52.
2.What they shall bring with them. They live at such a distance that they cannot bring their flocks and their rams; but, like those who lived remote from Jerusalem (who, when they came up to worship at the feast, because they could not bring their tithes in kind, turned them into money), they shall bring their silver and gold with them. Note, When we give up ourselves to God we must with ourselves give up all we have to him. If we honour him with our spirits, we shall honour him with our substance.
3.To whom they shall devote and dedicate themselves and all they are worth - to the name of the Lord thy God, to God as the Lord of all and the church's God and King, even to the Holy One of Israel (whom Israel worships as a Holy One, in the beauty of holiness), because he has glorified thee. Note, The honour God puts upon his church and people should not only engage us to honour them, but invite us to join ourselves to them. We will go with you, for God is with you, Zac 8:23.
III.Those that come into the church shall be welcome; for so spacious is the holy city that though, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, yet still there is room. "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually (Isa 60:11), not only because thou hast no reason to fear thy enemies, but because thou hast reason to expect thy friends." It is usual with us to leave our doors open, or leave some one ready to open them, all night, if we look for a child or a guest to come in late. Note, Christ is always ready to entertain those that come to him, is never out of the way, nor can they ever come unseasonably; the gate of mercy is always open, night and day, or shall soon be opened to those that knock. Ministers, the door-keepers, must be always ready to admit those that offer themselves to the Lord. God not only keeps a good house in his church, but he keeps open house, that at any time, by the preaching of the word, in season and out of season, the forces of the Gentiles, and the kings or commanders of those forces, may be brought into the church. Lift up your heads, O you gates! and let such welcome guests as these come in.
IV.All that are about the church shall be made in some way or other serviceable to it.
Though dominion is far from being founded in men's grace, it is founded in God's; and he that made the inferior creatures useful to man will make the nations of men useful to the church. The earth helped the woman. All things are for your sakes. So here (Isa 60:10), "Even the sons of strangers, that have neither knowledge of thee nor kindness for thee, that have always been aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, even they shall build up thy wall, and their kings shall in that and other things ministers unto thee and not think it any disparagement to them to do so." This was fulfilled when the king of Persia, and the governors of the provinces by his order, were aiding and assisting Nehemiah in building the wall about Jerusalem. Rather than Jerusalem's walls shall lie still in ruins, the sons of the stranger shall be raised up to build them. Even those that do not belong to the church may be a protection to it. And the greatest of men should not think it below them to minister to the church, but rejoice that they are in a capacity, and have a heart, to do it any service. Nay, it is the duty of all to do what they can in their places to advance the interests of God's kingdom among men; it is at their peril if they do not; for (Isa 60:12), The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; not that they must perish by the sword or by human anathemas, or as if this gave any countenance to the using of external force for the propagating of the gospel, or as if men might be compelled by penalties and punishments to come into the church; by no means. But those who will not by faith submit to Jesus Christ, the King of the church, and serve him, shall perish eternally, Psa 2:12. Those that will not be subject to Christ's golden sceptre, to the government of his word and Spirit, that will not be brought under, or kept in, by the discipline of his family, shall be broken in pieces by his iron rod. Bring them forth and slay them before me, Luk 19:27. Nations of such shall be utterly and eternally wasted, when Christ shall come to take vengeance on those that obey not his gospel, Th2 1:8.
V.There shall be abundance of beauty added to the ordinances of divine worship (Isa 60:13):
The glory of Lebanon, the strong and stately cedars that grow there, shall come unto thee, as of old to Solomon, when he built the temple (Ch2 2:16), and with them shall be brought other timber, proper for the carved work thereof, which the enemy had broken down, Psa 74:5, Psa 74:6. The temple, the place of God's sanctuary, shall be not only rebuilt, but beautified. It is the place of his feet, where he rests and resides, Eze 43:7. The ark is called his footstool, because it was under the mercy-seat, Psa 132:7. This he will make glorious in the eyes of his people and of all their neighbours. The glory of the latter house, to which this refers, though in many instances inferior, was yet really greater than the glory of the former, because Christ came to that temple, Mal 3:1. It was likewise adorned with goodly stones and gifts (Luk 21:5), to which this promise may have some reference; yet so slightly did Christ speak of them there that we must suppose it to have its full accomplishment in the beauties of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched.
VI.The church shall appear truly great and honourable, Isa 60:14.
The people of the Jews, after their return out of captivity, by degrees became more considerable, and made a better figure than one would have expected, after they had been so much reduced, and than any of the other nations recovered that had been in like manner humbled by the Chaldeans. It is probable that many of those who had oppressed them in Babylon, when they were themselves driven out by the Persians, made their court to the Jews for shelter and supply and were willing to scrape acquaintance with them. This prophecy is further fulfilled when those that have been enemies to the church are wrought upon by the grace of God to see their error, and come, and join themselves to it: "The sons of those that afflicted thee, if not they themselves, yet their children, shall crouch to thee, shall beg pardon for their folly and beg an interest in thy favour and admission into thy family," Sa1 2:36. A promise like this is made to the church of Philadelphia, Rev 3:9. And it is intended to be,
1.A mortification to the proud oppressors of the church, that have afflicted her, and despised her, and taken a pleasure in doing so; they shall be brought down; their spirits shall be broken, and their condition shall be so mean and miserable that they shall be glad to be obliged to those whom they have most studied to disoblige. Note, Sooner or later God will pour contempt upon those that put contempt upon his people.
2.An exaltation to the poor oppressed ones of the church; and this is the honour that shall be done to them, they shall have an opportunity of doing good to those who have done evil to them and saving those alive who have afflicted and despised them. It is a pleasure to a good man, and he accounts it an honour, to show mercy to those with whom he has found no mercy. Yet this is not all. "They shall not only become suppliants to thee for their own interest, but they shall give honour to thee: They shall call thee, The city of the Lord; they shall at length be convinced that thou art a favourite of heaven, and the particular care of the divine providence." That city is truly great and honourable, it is strong, it is rich, it is safe, it is beautiful, it is the most desirable place that can be to live in, which is the city of the Lord, which he owns, in which he dwells, in which religion is uppermost. Such a one is Zion; it is the place which God has chosen to put his name there; it is the Zion of the Holy One of Israel; therefore, we may be sure, it is a holy city, else the Holy One of Israel would never be called the patron of it.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(Verse 10 and following) And the sons of strangers will build your walls, and their kings will serve you. In my indignation I struck you, but in my mercy I have shown you compassion; and your gates will always be open, never closed day or night, so that the strength of the nations may come to you and their kings may be brought. Indeed, any nation or kingdom that does not serve you will perish, and the nations will be devastated. For because of my anger I struck you, and because of my mercy I have loved you. And your gates shall always be open; they shall not be shut day or night, so that the strength of the nations may come to you, and their kings who are to be brought. For the nations and kings who do not serve you shall perish; the nations shall be devastated in their desolation. Among the many things with which the Church is enriched, and the city of the Savior is built, foreigners and sons of foreigners also build its walls, so that the enemy cannot enter and find a place for treachery. But aliens and foreigners properly signify the people of nations who have truly built the Church of Christ, to such an extent that their kings and princes serve and assist her. This is either understood in a literal sense or in a spiritual sense. If understood literally, we see that the Roman Caesars submit their necks to the yoke of Christ and build churches at public expense, and rely on the laws against the persecutions of the nations and the snares of the heretics. If, spiritually, those who possess self-control, eloquence, holiness, are leaders, and through the power of their souls subjugate the servitude of the flesh, they themselves govern and assist, they come to the aid of him whom he often abandons due to negligence or strikes with the rod of persecutors, so that again, out of his own mercy, he may love him. Or certainly this must be said, that he may reconcile to himself the once afflicted and handed over to captivity among the people of the Jews, in the calling of the Gentiles, so that its gates may always be open, and neither day nor night be closed, and may continually be open to those who desire salvation, that is, that the entrance may not be denied to those who wish to believe in joy and in tribulation. And let strength be brought to her, whether it be the wealth of nations; and let her kings serve her or be led to her as captives. Then you will understand, when you see the most eloquent being brought to the faith of Christ; and the folly of the wisdom of the wise becoming foolish, and the prudence of the prudent being rejected (1 Corinthians 1): so that the wisdom of God may be wiser than men. But the nations and their kings who refuse to serve the Church in good and useful service, in order to be transferred into the Apostolic dignity, will perish in the destruction that is prepared for the wicked, and whatever is in them will be reduced to solitude, for they have refused to receive God as their guest.
Which power of the nations ran toward the former Jerusalem to worship? Which kings were led to worship the God of the universe? But the gates of the church of God are always open to receive the arrivals, and they receive also the godly kings drawn there by the teaching of the holy apostles.…The Babylonians hardly idolized Jerusalem, whereas the majority of the members of the Gentiles adore the church of God and that is particularly true of their offspring. When the parents have reached the end of their life, their children, having learned the truth from them, present worship to the Savior by carrying out their acts of worship in the houses of prayer.… For the earthly Jerusalem received another name, when the Roman kings called it Aelia. How then can the accuracy of the prophecy be shown unless one understand “Zion” more in a spiritual sense?… The church of God demonstrates the truth of this prediction. It continually receives royal gifts and welcomes that which is brought forth from the nations as it sings the praises of the One who is the cause of all these.
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Summary
Isaiah 60:11 is a majestic prophetic declaration envisioning the future glory and unparalleled prosperity of Jerusalem, understood both as a literal restored Zion and the spiritual community of God's people. It paints a vivid picture of unceasing welcome, absolute divine security, and an abundant, voluntary ingathering of the nations, who bring their wealth, resources, and leadership as willing tribute to God's dwelling place. This verse underscores the universal recognition of God's sovereignty and the resulting peace and flourishing that will characterize His eschatological kingdom.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the magnificent prophetic sweep of Isaiah chapter 60, which heralds the glorious restoration and future splendor of Zion after a period of affliction and darkness. The chapter commences with the resounding call for Zion to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1). The preceding verses describe the profound impact of this divine light, drawing the nations to Jerusalem with their wealth, their sons, and their daughters, indicating a global pilgrimage and a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Verse 11 specifically elaborates on the continuous accessibility of this renewed Zion and the nature of the global influx, detailing the willing tribute of the Gentiles and their kings, building upon the themes introduced in Isaiah 60:3 and Isaiah 60:5.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, city gates were far more than mere points of entry; they were vital centers of civic life, commerce, legal proceedings, and defense. Gates were typically closed at nightfall and during times of threat to protect the city from enemies, robbers, and wild animals. Their closure signified vulnerability and the imperative for security. Therefore, the declaration that Zion's gates "shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night" conveys a profound message of unprecedented peace, absolute security, and an unending welcome, indicating a divine protection that renders traditional defenses obsolete. This imagery contrasts sharply with the historical realities of Jerusalem, which had frequently suffered sieges and destruction, emphasizing a new, divinely established era of invulnerability and universal access. The "Gentiles" (non-Israelite nations) were often viewed with suspicion or as enemies, but here they are depicted as willingly bringing tribute, signifying a radical transformation in international relations under God's sovereign rule.
Key Themes
Isaiah 60:11 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Glory and Light, as Zion's radiance (Isaiah 60:1) is the magnet drawing the nations. Secondly, it powerfully portrays Unceasing Welcome and Absolute Security, symbolized by the perpetually open gates, which signifies a state of perfect peace and divine protection, where no threat necessitates closure. Thirdly, the verse is central to the theme of the Universal Ingathering of Nations, prophesying a global pilgrimage where non-Israelite peoples willingly bring their resources and leadership to Zion, recognizing God's sovereignty. This theme is echoed in prophecies like Isaiah 2:2-4 and Zechariah 8:20-23. Finally, it highlights Divine Blessing and Prosperity, as the influx of "forces" (wealth) and "kings" represents immense tribute and resources, demonstrating God's abundant provision and the resulting prosperity for His people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root "to open," this noun refers to an opening, specifically a door or gate, often signifying the entry point of a city. In ancient urban centers, gates were crucial for defense, commerce, and public gatherings. Their perpetual openness in Isaiah 60:11 symbolizes not only profound security but also an unrestricted welcome and access, indicating a new era where no threat exists to necessitate their closure, and all are invited to enter.
Derived from an unused root meaning "to stretch," this term denotes continuance, constancy, or perpetual duration. It emphasizes the unending nature of the gates' openness, reinforcing the idea of a permanent state of peace, security, and accessibility. This is not a temporary condition but an enduring, unceasing characteristic of the future Zion, signifying an unbroken flow of blessing and worship.
While chayil can indeed refer to military strength, an army, or valor, its primary sense in this context, as often in the Old Testament, refers to "wealth," "substance," "riches," or "resources." In Isaiah 60:11, it signifies the valuable possessions, tribute, and economic power that the Gentile nations will willingly bring to Zion, highlighting the abundant prosperity and tribute flowing into God's kingdom, rather than military conquest or aggressive might.
Verse Breakdown
"Therefore thy gates shall be open continually;"
This clause begins with "Therefore," linking it directly to the preceding promises of Zion's light and the nations being irresistibly drawn to it. The "gates" (referring to Jerusalem's entrances) being "open continually" signifies an unprecedented state of peace, security, and welcome. In ancient times, city gates were shut at night for protection; their perpetual openness implies a complete absence of threat and a divine assurance of safety, making Zion a perpetually accessible sanctuary.
"they shall not be shut day nor night;"
This phrase reiterates and emphasizes the previous point, employing a merism ("day nor night") to stress the continuous, uninterrupted nature of the gates' openness. It underscores the profound security and peace that will characterize Zion, eliminating any need for defensive measures. This perpetual access also facilitates the constant, unhindered flow of people and resources into the city, symbolizing a never-ending era of blessing and pilgrimage.
"that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought."
This final clause reveals the divine purpose of the open gates: to facilitate the ingathering of the nations. "Forces of the Gentiles" refers to their wealth, resources, and valuable possessions, while "their kings" represent their leadership, authority, and tribute. The passive voice "may be brought" suggests a divine orchestration of this willing pilgrimage, where nations and their rulers come to Zion not by compulsion or conquest, but by divine drawing, offering tribute and acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and hopeful message. Symbolism is central, with the "gates" representing access, security, and the boundary of the city. Their perpetual openness symbolizes an era of profound peace, divine protection, and an unending welcome, contrasting sharply with the typical defensive function of ancient city gates. The phrase "day nor night" is a classic example of a Merism, using two contrasting elements (day and night) to signify a totality—in this case, all the time, continually and without interruption. This Hyperbole emphasizes the absolute and uninterrupted nature of the security and accessibility of Zion. Furthermore, the passage uses Metonymy where "forces of the Gentiles" and "their kings" stand for the wealth, resources, and political authority of the nations themselves, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their tribute and submission. The overall imagery creates a vivid Visionary Prophecy, painting a picture of an ideal, divinely restored Jerusalem, radiant with God's glory.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 60:11 is a profound theological statement about God's eschatological kingdom and His universal redemptive plan. It portrays a future where God's glory so illuminates Zion that it becomes an irresistible magnet for all nations, drawing them into a willing relationship with Him. This vision transcends a purely nationalistic restoration, pointing to a global ingathering where the wealth, resources, and leadership of the world are willingly consecrated to the Lord. The open gates signify not only security but also the expansive, inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where access to His presence and blessings is no longer restricted by national or ethnic boundaries but freely available to all who come in faith. This powerfully foreshadows the ultimate realization of God's covenant promises to Abraham, that through his offspring, all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 60:11 offers a magnificent vision of God's ultimate triumph and the glorious future of His people. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's expansive heart for all humanity and His sovereign plan to draw every nation to Himself. It calls the church, as the spiritual Zion, to embody this spirit of "open gates" – to be a welcoming, inclusive community that actively reaches out to the world with the light of the Gospel, rather than being closed off or defensive. We are to be agents of God's kingdom, inviting others to experience the peace, security, and abundant life found in Him. This prophecy fuels our hope, reminding us that despite present challenges and global turmoil, God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, bringing an era of perfect peace, security, and universal worship, where all resources and authority are consecrated to Him. It encourages us to live with an eschatological hope, working towards the day when the glory of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "forces of the Gentiles" refer to military power or wealth?
While the Hebrew word chayil (H2428) can sometimes refer to military strength or an army, in the context of Isaiah chapter 60, and specifically Isaiah 60:11, it predominantly signifies wealth, substance, riches, or valuable resources. The imagery throughout the chapter is one of nations willingly bringing their treasures, gold, frankincense, and flocks as tribute to Zion, not engaging in hostile conquest. Therefore, "forces of the Gentiles" here refers to the abundant material and economic resources that the nations will bring as a willing offering to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and the glory of Zion.
Is the fulfillment of this prophecy literal or spiritual?
Biblical prophecies often have multiple layers of fulfillment, encompassing both literal and spiritual dimensions. Historically, there was a partial return from exile, but the full scope of Isaiah 60:11's vision of universal ingathering and perpetual peace has not yet been literally realized in Jerusalem. Spiritually, the church is often understood as the spiritual Zion, and the "open gates" can represent the welcoming nature of the Gospel, through which people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9) are brought into God's kingdom. Ultimately, the prophecy finds its fullest and most perfect fulfillment in the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21, where the gates are never shut and the glory and honor of the nations are brought into it. This suggests a grand, eschatological fulfillment that transcends a merely earthly, political reality, pointing to the eternal reign of God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 60:11 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His universal kingdom. The "light" that draws the nations in Isaiah 60:1 is perfectly embodied in Jesus, who declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection, Jesus broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14), thereby opening the "gates" of salvation to all peoples. The ingathering of the "forces of the Gentiles" and their "kings" is realized in the global mission of the church, which, empowered by Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), brings people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into the spiritual Zion. The perpetual openness of the gates signifies the unending access to God's presence and boundless grace made possible through Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The perfect peace and absolute security promised in Isaiah 60:11 are found in the reign of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:33). Ultimately, this prophecy culminates in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, where the gates are never shut and the kings of the earth bring their glory into it (Revelation 21:24-26), perfectly uniting the eschatological hope with the universal and eternal reign of Christ.