Isaiah 60:13

KJV

The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

KJV (with Strong's)

The glory {H3519} of Lebanon {H3844} shall come {H935} unto thee, the fir tree {H1265}, the pine tree {H8410}, and the box {H8391} together {H3162}, to beautify {H6286} the place {H4725} of my sanctuary {H4720}; and I will make the place {H4725} of my feet {H7272} glorious {H3513}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The glory of the L'vanon will come to you, cypresses together with elm trees and larches, to beautify the site of my sanctuary - I will glorify the place where I stand.

Berean Standard Bible

The glory of Lebanon will come to you— its cypress, elm, and boxwood together— to adorn the place of My sanctuary, and I will glorify the place of My feet.

American Standard Version

The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:13 offers a magnificent prophetic vision of Zion's future glory, depicting the nations bringing their most precious resources, specifically the renowned timber from Lebanon, to adorn and beautify the dwelling place of God. This verse encapsulates the divine promise of restoration and the establishment of God's majestic presence in Jerusalem, transforming it into a radiant center of worship and honor, where the very ground God treads is made glorious.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (Isaiah 40-66), which shifts from themes of judgment and exile to profound promises of restoration, light, and glory for Zion. Following the call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine" in [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Arise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come"), the chapter vividly portrays the ingathering of nations, their wealth, and their reverence flowing into the city. Verse 13 specifically builds upon the preceding verses that describe the return of exiles and the bringing of "the wealth of the Gentiles" ([Isaiah 60:5](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5 - The Wealth of the Gentiles Coming to Zion")) and the "flocks of Kedar" and "rams of Nebaioth" for sacrifice ([Isaiah 60:7](/isaiah/60-7 "Isaiah 60:7 - Sacrifices from Kedar and Nebaioth")), emphasizing that even the natural resources of the earth will contribute to the beautification of God's holy dwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Lebanon's trees holds significant historical and cultural weight. Lebanon was famed in the ancient Near East for its majestic and durable timber, particularly its cedars, firs, and pines, which were highly prized for construction, especially for grand structures like temples and palaces. The most notable historical precedent for this is King Solomon's use of Lebanese timber, supplied by Hiram of Tyre, for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Hiram Supplies Cedar for the Temple")). Thus, the mention of "the glory of Lebanon" coming to Zion evokes a sense of unparalleled beauty, strength, and sacred dedication, harkening back to a golden age of Israelite architectural and spiritual splendor, but now on an even grander, divinely orchestrated scale.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah 60 and the broader prophetic book. It underscores the theme of **Divine Restoration and Beautification**, where God actively intervenes to renew and adorn His dwelling place, transforming a desolate Zion into a place of unparalleled splendor. The imagery of the finest trees from Lebanon highlights the theme of **Abundance and Ingathering of Resources**, signifying that all the earth's choicest treasures will be consecrated to God's purposes, brought by nations drawn to His light, as prophesied earlier in the chapter (e.g., [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Open Day and Night for Nations")). Furthermore, the declaration "I will make the place of my feet glorious" profoundly emphasizes **God's Holy Presence and Ownership**, indicating an intimate, tangible divine presence that sanctifies and glorifies the very ground of His sanctuary, elevating Jerusalem to a center of universal worship and divine manifestation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this term properly signifies weight, but figuratively denotes splendor or copiousness. In the context of Isaiah 60:13, "the glory of Lebanon" refers to the magnificent and highly prized trees (fir, pine, box) that represent the very best and most honorable produce of that region. It implies the weighty significance and inherent splendor of these natural resources, now dedicated to God's sanctuary.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh'_):** From H4720, this word refers to a consecrated thing or place, specifically a holy place or temple, whether of Yahweh or idols. Here, it denotes the sacred dwelling place of God in Jerusalem. It signifies a space set apart for divine presence, worship, and encounter, which will be adorned with the finest materials, reflecting its elevated status as God's chosen abode.
* **glorious (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, this primitive root means "to be heavy," but in a good sense, it conveys being numerous, rich, or honorable. Causatively, it means "to make weighty." In this verse, "I will make... glorious" (H3513 with H8762, a Hiphil perfect verb) means God Himself will cause the place of His feet to be weighty with honor, splendor, and divine presence. It is an active declaration of God's intention to infuse the location with His own majesty and renown, making it resplendent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee,"**: This phrase initiates the prophetic promise, personifying the natural splendor and esteemed resources of Lebanon. "The glory" refers to its most magnificent and valuable assets—its trees—which are depicted as willingly coming to Zion. This signifies the voluntary offering and dedication of the best of creation to God's purposes.
* **"the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together,"**: These specific types of trees (H1265 bᵉrôwsh, H8410 tidhâr, H8391 tᵉʼashshûwr) highlight the variety, abundance, and quality of the timber. They represent the choicest and most durable materials, emphasizing the richness and comprehensive nature of the resources being consecrated. The word "together" (H3162 yachad) underscores a unified, collective offering.
* **"to beautify the place of my sanctuary;"**: This clause states the explicit purpose of this ingathering of resources: to adorn and enhance the beauty of God's holy dwelling place. The verb "beautify" (H6286 pâʼar) suggests not just decoration, but an act of glorifying and exalting, making the sanctuary a place of profound aesthetic and spiritual magnificence.
* **"and I will make the place of my feet glorious."**: This is a powerful divine declaration. "The place of my feet" (H4725 mâqôwm H7272 regel) is an anthropomorphic expression referring to God's dwelling place, often specifically the Temple or Jerusalem, where His presence rests. The declaration "I will make... glorious" (H3513 kâbad) signifies God's active role in infusing this place with His own divine weight, splendor, and honor, ensuring that its glory is not merely derived from the materials but from His direct, sanctifying presence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:13 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its prophetic message. **Personification** is evident in "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee," where the inanimate trees are depicted as actively approaching Zion, symbolizing the willing submission and dedication of natural resources to God. **Symbolism** is central, with "the glory of Lebanon" representing the pinnacle of natural beauty, strength, and value, which is then consecrated to God. The "fir tree, the pine tree, and the box" further symbolize the abundance and diversity of the earth's choicest offerings. The phrase "the place of my sanctuary" and "the place of my feet" employs **Metonymy** and **Anthropomorphism**, referring to God's dwelling (the Temple/Jerusalem) by alluding to His presence there. The "place of my feet" is a vivid anthropomorphic image suggesting God's intimate presence and ownership, making the very ground He treads sacred and radiant. The entire verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Imagery**, painting a vivid and aspirational picture of future eschatological glory, where the material world is transformed and dedicated to divine purposes, reflecting God's ultimate sovereignty and beautification of His kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:13 profoundly speaks to the eschatological hope of God's people, portraying a future where divine presence is not merely spiritual but also tangibly manifests in the physical beautification of His dwelling place. This vision emphasizes God's commitment to restoring and glorifying Zion, making it a beacon that draws all nations and their choicest offerings. It underscores the truth that true glory emanates from God's presence, and when He makes a place "glorious," it signifies an infusion of His own majesty, holiness, and splendor, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. This prophetic promise extends beyond a physical temple, pointing to a time when God's glory will permeate the earth through His people, reflecting His ultimate reign and the consummation of His redemptive plan.

* [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Hiram's Supply of Cedar for Solomon's Temple")
* [Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations Fills the Temple with Glory")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:13 offers a powerful vision that transcends its historical context, providing profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God delights in beauty and excellence, and that the dedication of our best resources, talents, and efforts to His service is a fitting response to His glory. Just as the finest trees were brought to beautify His sanctuary, we are called to offer our "firstfruits" in all areas of life, recognizing that everything we have is from Him and for His glory. Furthermore, this verse fuels our hope for the future, assuring us that God's plan for restoration and glory is unstoppable. In a world often marked by decay and brokenness, we are reminded that God is actively working to make all things new and glorious through His presence. This promise encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in that which truly lasts and participating in God's ongoing work of beautification, both in our own lives and in the world around us, anticipating the day when His glory will fully cover the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I offer "the glory of Lebanon"—my finest resources, talents, and time—to beautify God's "sanctuary" today, whether in my personal life or within the church community?**
* **How does the promise of God making "the place of my feet glorious" encourage me about His active presence and transformative power in seemingly ordinary places or circumstances in my life?**
* **What aspects of God's future glory, as depicted in this verse, inspire me to live with greater hope and purpose in the present?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Lebanon" in this verse?**

Answer: Lebanon was renowned in the ancient world for its majestic and durable timber, particularly its cedars, firs, and pines. These trees were highly prized building materials, used for grand structures, including King Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Hiram's Supply of Cedar for Solomon's Temple")). In Isaiah 60:13, "the glory of Lebanon" symbolizes the finest, most valuable, and most beautiful natural resources, representing the best of creation being consecrated and brought to adorn God's sanctuary in Zion. It signifies not just material wealth but also the honor and reverence from the nations.

**Does "the place of my sanctuary" refer to a literal temple building?**

Answer: While "sanctuary" (Hebrew, _miqdâsh_) often refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, in the broader prophetic context of Isaiah 60, its meaning expands. It certainly includes the idea of a rebuilt and glorified Temple, but it also encompasses the entirety of Jerusalem (Zion) as the spiritual and physical center of God's glorious presence on earth. The phrase "the place of my feet glorious" further emphasizes God's intimate, personal presence and ownership over this sacred space, making the very ground He treads radiant with His divine splendor. Ultimately, this vision points to a spiritual reality where God's dwelling is fully established among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:13, with its vibrant imagery of nations bringing their finest resources to beautify God's sanctuary, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical temple of stone, but in the person of Jesus Christ and His spiritual body, the Church. Christ Himself is the true "glory" of God, the radiance of the Father's glory and the exact representation of His being ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the ultimate "sanctuary," the place where God fully dwells among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His atoning work, believers are brought into this divine dwelling, becoming living stones in a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, built upon Christ the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets, Christ the Cornerstone")). The "glory of Lebanon" and the choicest trees coming to beautify the sanctuary are thus fulfilled in the diverse gifts, talents, and lives of believers from every nation, who are brought into Christ and consecrated to God, adorning His spiritual temple—the Church—with the beauty of holiness and the riches of His grace ([Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Diverse Gifts in One Body")). Ultimately, the promise that God "will make the place of my feet glorious" points to the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's dwelling is explicitly with humanity, and the Lamb is its lamp, radiating divine glory for all eternity ([Revelation 21:22-24](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-24 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem, for God and the Lamb are its Temple")).

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 35:2

It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.

1 Chronicles 28:2

Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: [As for me], I [had] in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:

Psalms 96:6

Honour and majesty [are] before him: strength and beauty [are] in his sanctuary.

Psalms 132:7

We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.

Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off.

Ezra 7:27

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem:

Hosea 14:6

His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.