Isaiah 60:4

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side.

Lift up {H5375} thine eyes {H5869} round about {H5439}, and see {H7200}: all they gather themselves together {H6908}, they come {H935} to thee: thy sons {H1121} shall come {H935} from far {H7350}, and thy daughters {H1323} shall be nursed {H539} at thy side {H6654}.

Raise your eyes and look around: they are all assembling and coming to you; your sons are coming from far off, your daughters being carried on their nurses' hips.

Lift up your eyes and look around: They all gather and come to you; your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the arm.

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: they all gather themselves together, they come to thee; thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be carried in the arms.

Isaiah 60:4 is a powerful prophetic declaration, part of a magnificent chapter envisioning the future glory and restoration of Zion (Jerusalem). It describes a dramatic ingathering of God's people, emphasizing His faithful promise of return and tender care.

Context

This verse is nestled within Isaiah chapter 60, a passage often referred to as the "Chapter of Light" or "Zion's Glory." Following chapters that speak of judgment and the coming of the Servant, Isaiah 60 shifts dramatically to a vision of hope and restoration for Jerusalem after a period of darkness and affliction. The chapter begins with a divine command to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1). Verse 4 continues this glorious theme, describing the vast multitude of people, specifically Zion's children, returning to her, drawn by the light of the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Divine Command to Observe: The imperative "Lift up thine eyes round about, and see" is a divine instruction to Zion to witness a miraculous event. It's a call to look beyond immediate circumstances and perceive God's unfolding plan of restoration and blessing. This visual command emphasizes the tangible and undeniable nature of the future glory.
  • Global Gathering and Return: The phrase "all they gather themselves together, they come to thee" signifies a vast, widespread assembly. While primarily referring to the physical return of the Jewish diaspora from exile, it also carries a broader prophetic meaning, pointing to the spiritual ingathering of all peoples to God's kingdom, as seen in the New Testament. This gathering highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His power to bring His scattered people home, fulfilling prophecies like those found in Isaiah 43:5-6 and Jeremiah 31:8.
  • Tender Restoration and Nurturing: The imagery of "thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side" is profoundly tender and intimate. It implies not just a physical return but a homecoming marked by care, protection, and spiritual nourishment. The vulnerable children are specifically mentioned as being nurtured, underscoring the completeness and compassion of God's restorative work, providing a safe and peaceful environment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "nursed" (אֹמְנֹתַיִךְ - 'omenotayich) in this context is significant. While it literally means "nursing women" or "foster mothers," here it is used metaphorically to convey deep care, fostering, and tender provision. It emphasizes the nurturing, maternal aspect of God's restoration, where His people, like vulnerable children, will be lovingly cared for and sustained upon their return.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 60:4 offers immense encouragement and hope. It reminds us that even in times of spiritual darkness, personal struggle, or societal turmoil, God's promise of light, restoration, and gathering remains steadfast. We are called to "lift up our eyes" in faith, trusting that God is continually drawing His people to Himself and providing tender care. This verse inspires hope for the ultimate glory of the Church and for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where all His children will find their true home and spiritual nourishment in His presence. It also challenges us to participate in this divine gathering, extending welcome and nurturing care to those who seek God, reflecting His own compassionate heart.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 42:6

    I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

  • Isaiah 49:20

    The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.

  • Isaiah 49:22

    Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

  • Isaiah 49:18

    ¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

  • Galatians 3:28

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:29

    And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Isaiah 43:6

    I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

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