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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 60:1–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
It is here promised that the gospel temple shall be very lightsome and very large.
I.It shall be very lightsome:
Thy light has come. When the Jews returned out of captivity they had light and gladness, and joy and honour; they then were made to know the Lord and to rejoice in his great goodness; and upon both accounts their light came. When the Redeemer came to Zion he brought light with him, he himself came to be a light. Now observe,
1.What this light is, and whence it springs: The Lord shall arise upon thee (Isa 60:2), the glory of the Lord (Isa 60:1) shall be seen upon thee. God is the father and fountain of lights, and it is in his light that we shall see light. As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the favour of God towards us, our light has come. When God appears to us, and we have the comfort of his favour, then the glory of the Lord rises upon us as the morning light; when he appears for us, and we have the credit of his favour, when he shows us some token for good and proclaims his favour to us, then his glory is seen upon us, as it was upon Israel in the pillar of cloud and fire. When Christ arose as the sun of righteousness, and in him the day-spring from on high visited us, then the glory of the Lord was seen upon us, the glory as of the first-begotten of the Father.
2.What a foil there shall be to this light: Darkness shall cover the earth; but, though it be gross darkness, darkness that might be felt, like that of Egypt, that shall overspread the people, yet the church, like Goshen, shall have light at the same time. When the case of the nations that have not the gospel shall be very melancholy, those dark corners of the earth being full of the habitations of cruelty to poor souls, the state of the church shall be very pleasant.
3.What is the duty which the rising of this light calls for: "Arise, shine; not only receive this light, and" (as the margin reads it) "be enlightened by it, but reflect this light; arise and shine with rays borrowed from it." The children of light ought to shine as lights in the world. If God's glory be seen upon us to our honour, we ought not only with our lips, but in our lives, to return the praise of it to his honour, Mat 5:16; Phi 2:15.
II.It shall be very large.
When the Jews were settled again in their own land, after their captivity, many of the people of the land joined themselves to them; but it does not appear that there ever was any such numerous accession to them as would answer the fulness of this prophecy; and therefore we must conclude that this looks further, to the bringing of the Gentiles into the gospel church, not their flocking to one particular place, though under that type it is here described. There is no place now that is the centre of the church's unity; but the promise respects their flocking to Christ, and coming by faith, and hope, and holy love, into that society which is incorporated by the charter of his gospel, and of the unity of which he only is the centre - that family which is named from him, Eph 3:15. The gospel church is expressly called Zion and Jerusalem, and under that notion all believers are said to come to it (Heb 12:22. You have come unto Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem), which serves for a key to this prophecy, Eph 2:19. Observe,
1.What shall invite such multitudes to the church: "They shall come to thy light and to the brightness of thy rising, Isa 60:3. They shall be allured to join themselves to thee," (1.) "By the light that shines upon thee," the light of the glorious gospel, which the churches hold forth, in consequence of which they are called golden candlesticks. This light which discovers so much of God and his good will to man, by which life and immortality are brought to light, this shall invite all the serious well-affected part of mankind to come and join themselves to the church, that they may have the benefit of this light to inform them concerning truth and duty. (2.) "By the light with which thou shinest." The purity and love of the primitive Christians, their heavenly-mindedness, contempt of the world, and patient sufferings, were the brightness of the church's rising, which drew many into it. The beauty of holiness was the powerful attractive by which Christ had a willing people brought to him in the day of his power, Psa 110:3.
2.What multitudes shall come to the church. Great numbers shall come, Gentiles (or nations) of those that are saved, as it is expressed with allusion to this, Rev 21:24. Nations shall be discipled (Mat 28:19), and even kings, men of figure, power, and influence, shall be added to the church. They come from all parts (Isa 60:4): Lift up thy eyes round about, and see them coming, devout men out of every nation under heaven, Act 2:5. See how white the fields are already to the harvest, Joh 4:35. See them coming in a body, as one man, and with one consent: They gather themselves together, that they may strengthen one another's hands, and encourage one another. Come, and let us go, Isa 2:3. "They come from the remotest parts: They come to thee from far, having heard the report of thee, as the queen of Sheba, or seen thy star in the east, as the wise men, and they will not be discouraged by the length of the journey from coming to thee. There shall come some of both sexes. Sons and daughters shall come in the most dutiful manner, as thy sons and thy daughters, resolved to be of thy family, to submit to the laws of thy family and put themselves under the tuition of it. They shall come to be nursed at thy side, to have their education with thee from their cradle." The church's children must be nursed at her side, not sent out to be nursed among strangers; there, where alone the unadulterated milk of the word is to be had, must the church's new-born babes be nursed, that they may grow thereby, Pe1 2:1, Pe1 2:2. Those that would enjoy the dignities and privileges of Christ's family must submit to the discipline of it.
3.What they shall bring with them and what advantage shall accrue to the church by their accession to it. Those that are brought into the church by the grace of God will be sure to bring all they are worth in with them, which with themselves they will devote to the honour and service of God and do good with in their places.
(1.)The merchants shall write holiness to the Lord upon their merchandise and their hire, as Isa 23:18. "The abundance of the sea, either the wealth that is fetched out of the sea (the fish, the pearls) or that which is imported by sea, shall all be converted to thee and to thy use." The wealth of the rich merchants shall be laid out in works of piety and charity.
(2.)The mighty men of the nations shall employ their might in the service of the church: "The forces, or troops, of the Gentiles shall come unto thee, to guard thy coasts, strengthen thy interests, and, if occasion be, to fight thy battles." The forces of the Gentiles had often been against the church, but now they shall be for it; for as God, when he pleases, can, and, when we please him, will, make even our enemies to be at peace with us (Pro 16:7), so, when Christ overcomes the strong man armed, he divides his spoils, and makes that to serve his interests which had been used against them, Luk 11:22.
(3.)The wealth imported by land-carriage, as well as that by sea, shall be made use of in the service of God and the church (Isa 60:6): The camels and dromedaries that bring gold and incense (gold to make the golden altar of and incense and sweet perfumes to burn upon it), those of Midian and Sheba, shall bring the richest commodities of their country, not to trade with, but to honour God with, and not in small quantities, but camel-loads of them. This was in part fulfilled when the wise men of the east (perhaps some of the countries here mentioned), drawn by the brightness of the star, came to Christ, and presented to him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, Mat 2:11.
(4.)Great numbers of sacrifices shall be brought to God's altar, acceptable sacrifices, and, though brought by Gentiles, they shall find acceptance, Isa 60:7. Kedar was famous for flocks, and probably the fattest rams were those of Nebaioth; these shall come up with acceptance on God's altar. God must be served and honoured with what we have, according as he has blessed us, and with the best we have. This was fulfilled when by the decree of Darius the governors beyond the rivers (perhaps of some of these countries) were ordered to furnish the temple at Jerusalem with bullocks, rams, and lambs, for the burnt-offering of the God of heaven, Ezr 6:9. It had a further accomplishment, and we trust will have, in the bringing in of the fulness of the Gentiles to the church, which is called the sacrificing or offering up of the Gentiles unto God, Rom 15:16. The flocks and rams are precious souls; for they are said to minister to the church, and to come up as living sacrifices, presenting themselves to God by a reasonable service on his altar, Rom 12:1.
4.How God shall be honoured by the increase of the church and the accession of such numbers to it.
(1.)They shall intend the honour of God's name in it. When they bring their gold and incense it shall not be to show the riches of their country, nor to gain applause to themselves for piety and devotion, but to show forth the praises of the Lord, Isa 60:6. Our greatest services and gifts to the church are not acceptable further than we have an eye to the glory of God in them. And this must be our business in our attendance on public ordinances, to give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; for therefore, as these here, we are called out of darkness into light, that we should show forth the praises of him that called us, Pe1 2:9.
(2.)God will advance the honour of his own name by it; so he has said (Isa 60:7): I will glorify the house of my glory. The church is the house of God's glory, where he manifests his glory to his people and receives that homage by which they do honour to him. And it is for the glory of this house, and of him that keeps house there, both that the Gentiles shall bring their offerings to it and that they shall be accepted therein.
5.How the church shall herself be affected with this increase of her numbers, Isa 60:5. (1.) She shall be in a transport of joy upon this account: "Thou shalt see and flow together" (or flow to and fro), "as in a pleasing agitation about it, surprised at it, but extremely glad of it." (2.) There shall be a mixture of fear with this joy: "Thy heart shall fear, doubting whether it be lawful to go in to the uncircumcised and eat with them." Peter was so impressed with this fear that he needed a vision and voice from heaven to help him over it, Act 10:28. But, (3.) "When this fear is conquered thy heart shall be enlarged in holy love, so enlarged that thou shalt have room in it for all the Gentile converts; thou shalt not have such a narrow soul as thou hast had nor affections so confined within the Jewish pale." When God intends the beauty and prosperity of his church he gives this largeness of heart and an extensive charity. (4.) These converts flocking to the church shall be greatly admired (Isa 60:8): Who are these that fly as a cloud? Observe, [1.] How the conversion of souls is here described. It is flying to Christ and to his church, for thither we are directed; it is flying like a cloud, though in great multitudes, so as to overspread the heavens, yet with great unanimity, all as one cloud. They shall come with speed, as a cloud flying on the wings of the wind, and come openly, and in the view of all, their very enemies beholding them (Rev 11:12), and yet not able to hinder them. They shall fly as doves to their windows, in great flights, many together; they fly on the wings of the harmless dove, which flies low, denoting their innocency and humility. They fly to Christ, to the church, to the word and ordinances, as doves, by instinct, to their own windows, to their own home; thither they fly for refuge and shelter when they are pursued by the birds of prey, and thither they fly for rest when they have been wandering and are weary, as Noah's dove to the ark. [2.] How the conversion of souls is here admired. It is spoken of with wonder and pleasure: Who are these? We have reason to wonder that so many flock to Christ: when we see them all together we shall wonder whence they all came. And we have reason to admire with pleasure and affection those that do flock to him: Who are these? How excellent, how amiable are they! What a pleasant sight is it to see poor souls hastening to Christ, with a full resolution to abide with him!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 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.
“Lift up your eyes round about, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be carried in the arms. Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice.” He says these words with regard to the righteous ones of the synagogue, who gather from every land and come to it; however, in a figurative sense, these words signify the children of the holy church, the dispersed peoples, I mean, who were quite far away and distant from God. The gospel of Christ, preached to them by the holy apostles, gathered them, so that the apostles carried them as if in their arms and introduced them into the sheepfold of the church, their mother.
(Verse 4.) Lift up your eyes all around and see: all these gathered together have come to you. Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried at your side. LXX: Lift up your eyes all around and see: all your sons have gathered together. Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on shoulders. It is said to the Church, which was first gathered in Zion by the Apostles, of whom we read in the Acts of the Apostles, that religious men from the whole world were in Jerusalem, who received the word of God in their own and foreign tongues, either hearing others speaking or speaking to others themselves (Acts II). And it is commanded that they lift up their eyes around: which the Lord also commanded the Apostles, saying: Lift up your eyes, and see, for the fields are already white for harvest (John 4:35). For out of Zion, and not out of Mount Sinai, shall the law come forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And it is commanded that with lifted eyes he see his gathered children, who come from afar. To whom it is also said in another place: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, proclaim, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold, I come, and I will dwell in your midst, says the Lord (Zephaniah 3:17); and, Many nations shall come to the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God (Zechariah 2:11). But we are the sons who have come from afar to the Lord, once pilgrims from the Testament of God and His promises, having no hope and without God in the world. But what does the Apostle say? You who were once far away, have now been made near (Ephesians 2:13). And what follows: 'And your daughters shall be nursed at your side,' signifies that souls nurturing in Christ, and in the baptism of infants, of whom also the Apostle Peter speaks, 'As newborn babes, desire the genuine milk of the word, that you may grow thereby' (1 Peter 2:2), shall suckle the milk of the Apostles. He spoke to them as little children and infants, saying: My little children, for whom I am in labor again until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19). And in another place: Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of Christ but also our own lives (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). It should be noted that the statement in the Septuagint, 'your daughters will be carried on their shoulders,' is especially important. For the sons, who are strong, they themselves come from afar and gather to the faith of the Lord. But the daughters, who are weaker, and because of the fragility of their sex, have not yet come to maturity as women, are carried on the shoulders of the Apostles, in order to be brought into the bosom of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
This does not easily apply to the Jews. For those who were captives did not all return.… But the church of God gathers its children from all the nations. And [they are] to be seen running toward Jerusalem from all the world, not in order to worship God in the temple of the Jews but that they might see the well-known places of the cross and the resurrection and the ascension.…This does not apply to the Jews. Of what sort of nations and peoples are riches brought forth for them? But the church of God receives the gifts once offered to the demons, and the sea that was once bitter is now sweetened by the wood of the cross of the Savior, and having thus received a wonderful change it brings forth the church of God—it is especially to the city of Jerusalem they bring these, running from all lands.
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Summary
Isaiah 60:4 is a magnificent prophetic declaration, envisioning the glorious future and spiritual restoration of Zion (Jerusalem). It portrays a dramatic, divinely orchestrated ingathering of God's scattered people, emphasizing His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His tender, nurturing care for those He calls home. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate plan for His chosen city and His beloved children, promising a comprehensive return and compassionate reception.
Context
Literary Context
Isaiah 60:4 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 40-66) in the latter half of Isaiah, a section brimming with messages of hope and restoration following pronouncements of judgment and exile. Chapter 60 itself is a pivotal passage, often titled "Zion's Glory" or the "Chapter of Light," marking a dramatic shift from themes of darkness and affliction to a resplendent vision of Jerusalem's future. The chapter opens with a divine imperative for Zion to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee" (Isaiah 60:1), setting the stage for a period of unparalleled divine favor. Verse 4 directly continues this theme, illustrating how Zion's light and glory will manifest tangibly—through the miraculous return and vast assembly of her children, drawn back by the very glory that has risen upon her. It transitions from the general promise of divine illumination to the specific, heartwarming evidence of God's restorative work in reuniting families and communities.
Historical & Cultural Context
This prophecy speaks to a people who have experienced, or are about to experience, the profound trauma of exile and dispersion, particularly the Babylonian captivity. During this period, the Jewish people were forcibly removed from their homeland and scattered across foreign lands, leading to a deep yearning for return to Jerusalem, which was central to their national, religious, and cultural identity. Culturally, the family unit, especially the continuation of lineage through sons and daughters, was paramount for identity, inheritance, and the perpetuation of the covenant. The imagery of children returning "from far" and being "nursed at thy side" would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for reunification, safety, and the re-establishment of their community and heritage. It evokes the tender, protective care of a mother for her vulnerable offspring, serving as a powerful metaphor for God's compassionate restoration of His people to their spiritual home, a theme echoed in passages promising return from exile like Jeremiah 29:10-14.
Key Themes
Isaiah 60:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores Divine Sovereignty and Initiative, as God is the one commanding Zion to "Lift up thine eyes" and orchestrating the gathering. It is not a human effort but a divinely initiated and sustained act of redemption. Secondly, the theme of Restoration and Homecoming is central; the scattered diaspora, represented by "sons" and "daughters," are brought back to their spiritual mother, Zion. This is a profound fulfillment of God's covenant promises to gather His people from all corners of the earth, as seen in prophetic declarations like Isaiah 43:5-6 and Jeremiah 31:8-9. Thirdly, the imagery of "nursed at thy side" highlights Tender Care and Nurturing, emphasizing God's compassionate provision and protection for His people, particularly the vulnerable. This speaks to a holistic restoration that includes not just physical return but spiritual and emotional healing, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment. Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of Zion's Future Glory, portraying Jerusalem as a radiant center to which all God's children are drawn, reflecting the light and glory of the Lord.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to lift" in a great variety of applications, both literal and figurative. It implies raising, bearing, exalting, or taking up. In this context, it is an imperative command for Zion to elevate her gaze, to perceive and acknowledge a profound divine work unfolding before her eyes, suggesting an active, intentional observation of God's redemptive plan. It is a call to shift focus from current desolation to future glory.
This root means "to grasp" or "collect." It denotes a purposeful assembly or bringing together. Here, it emphasizes the unified, collective movement of God's people, suggesting a divinely orchestrated convergence rather than a haphazard scattering. This gathering is comprehensive ("all they gather themselves together"), indicating the vast scope and miraculous nature of the promised return, an act initiated and sustained by God.
This primitive root means "to build up or support," "to foster as a parent or nurse," and figuratively "to render (or be) firm or faithful." While the KJV translates it as "nursed," the underlying Hebrew (specifically the Niphal participle of H539, 'omenotayich in the feminine plural, referring to nursing women/foster mothers) carries the profound sense of being supported, cared for, and faithfully sustained. It highlights the tender, protective, and enduring provision offered to the returning daughters, ensuring their well-being, security, and integration into the restored community.
Verse Breakdown
"Lift up thine eyes round about, and see:"
This is a direct, imperative command from God to Zion, personified as a mother. It is an urgent call to observe, to look beyond the immediate circumstances of desolation and perceive the grand, unfolding reality of God's restorative work. It implies a dramatic shift in perspective, from inward despair to outward, hopeful anticipation of divine action and the recognition of a new, glorious era.
"all they gather themselves together, they come to thee:"
This clause describes the miraculous event Zion is commanded to witness. "All they" signifies a comprehensive, vast multitude of people, representing the scattered exiles from every corner of the earth. Their action of "gathering themselves together" and "coming to thee" (Zion) underscores a unified, purposeful return, driven by divine impetus, to their spiritual homeland, signifying a complete and universal ingathering.
"thy sons shall come from far,"
This specifies a significant portion of the returning multitude: the male descendants. The phrase "from far" emphasizes the wide geographical dispersion of the exiles, highlighting the miraculous nature of their return from distant lands, overcoming great obstacles to reach Zion. It speaks to the global reach of God's redemptive plan.
"and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side."
This completes the description of the returning children, focusing on the female descendants. The imagery of "nursed at thy side" is profoundly tender and intimate. It conveys not just their physical return but also the promise of deep care, protection, and nurturing within Zion, symbolizing a secure, loving, and supportive environment for the vulnerable, ensuring their full restoration and well-being.
Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is Personification, where Zion (Jerusalem) is addressed directly as a mother figure, capable of lifting her eyes, receiving her children, and nurturing her daughters. This makes the prophecy intimately relatable and emotionally resonant, transforming an abstract city into a living entity. The verse also uses Imperative Mood ("Lift up," "see"), creating a sense of urgency and direct divine instruction, compelling Zion to actively witness and participate in God's unfolding work. Imagery is rich and vivid, particularly the visual imagery of "lifting eyes" and "seeing" the vast multitude, and the tender, familial imagery of "sons" and "daughters" returning and being "nursed at thy side." This evokes strong emotional responses of longing, reunion, comfort, and security. The phrase "all they gather themselves together" uses a form of Hyperbole to emphasize the vastness and comprehensiveness of the ingathering, suggesting an overwhelming multitude beyond typical human assembly. Finally, there is an implicit Parallelism between the sons returning "from far" and the daughters being "nursed at thy side," highlighting both the distant origins and the tender, intimate reception of all God's children, ensuring that both male and female descendants are included in this glorious restoration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Isaiah 60:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to restore and glorify His people. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over history, demonstrating His ability to gather His scattered flock and bring them to a place of security and flourishing. This prophecy moves beyond a mere physical return from exile to foreshadow the spiritual ingathering of all nations into God's kingdom, where Zion becomes the spiritual mother of a vast, diverse family. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a fully restored and glorified people of God, dwelling in His light and receiving His tender care, a vision that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant and the establishment of the Church as the spiritual Jerusalem.
Reflection and Application
Isaiah 60:4 offers profound encouragement and a call to spiritual vision for believers today. In a world often marked by fragmentation, despair, and a sense of being scattered or lost, this verse reminds us that God is actively at work, gathering His people and bringing them into a place of light, security, and tender care. We are called, like Zion, to "lift up our eyes" from our immediate struggles, anxieties, and the chaos of the world to perceive God's grand redemptive plan unfolding. This means cultivating a posture of faith, trusting that God is continually drawing individuals to Himself and nurturing His Church, even amidst challenges and opposition. The imagery of sons and daughters returning from "far" and being "nursed" speaks powerfully to God's compassionate heart for those who feel distant, vulnerable, or marginalized, promising a true homecoming and a place of belonging. It inspires us to participate in this divine gathering, extending hospitality, care, and spiritual nourishment to others, reflecting God's own welcoming and nurturing nature to all who seek Him and desire to find their place within His family.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "thee" in this verse, and what does it represent?
In Isaiah 60:4, "thee" refers to Zion, which is Jerusalem, but understood in a broader, prophetic sense. While it literally points to the physical city and its historical restoration, it also represents the people of God, the spiritual community, and ultimately, the New Jerusalem. It's personified as a mother figure, awaiting the return of her children. This dual meaning allows the prophecy to encompass both the historical restoration of Israel and the spiritual ingathering of all believers into God's kingdom, as seen in the Church, the spiritual Zion.
Is this prophecy primarily about a literal physical return, or does it have a deeper spiritual meaning?
This prophecy, like many in Isaiah, operates on multiple layers of fulfillment. It certainly had a literal dimension for the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon, promising their physical restoration to Jerusalem. However, its language and imagery transcend a purely historical event, pointing to a much grander, spiritual reality. The "light" and "glory" of Zion, and the ingathering of "all they" from "far," suggest an ultimate, universal fulfillment that includes the spiritual gathering of all nations to Christ and the establishment of His Church, the spiritual Zion. The New Testament often reinterprets Old Testament prophecies through a Christ-centered lens, indicating a spiritual fulfillment beyond the initial historical context, ultimately culminating in the heavenly Jerusalem.
What is the significance of "thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side"?
This phrase carries profound significance, emphasizing tender care, protection, and intimate provision. "Nursed" (from the Hebrew root ʼâman) suggests fostering, supporting, and providing faithful sustenance, much like a parent or nurse. "At thy side" implies closeness, security, and a place of honor and comfort. For the returning daughters, who might have been particularly vulnerable during exile, this imagery promises complete restoration, safety, and nurturing within the restored community of Zion. Theologically, it speaks to God's compassionate and meticulous care for His people, ensuring their well-being and spiritual nourishment as they are brought into His presence, echoing the pastoral care described in Psalm 23 and the comfort found in God's presence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Isaiah 60:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Church. While initially a promise of restoration for physical Israel, the "light" that dawns upon Zion in Isaiah 60:1 is supremely embodied in Christ, who declared, "I am the light of the world." It is through Him that the true glory of God is revealed, drawing all peoples to Himself. The "gathering" of "sons" and "daughters" from "far" is fulfilled in the Great Commission, where disciples are sent out to make disciples of "all nations," transcending ethnic and geographical boundaries to bring them into God's spiritual family. Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are no longer strangers but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God," built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. He is the ultimate Good Shepherd who gathers His sheep, provides for them, and gives them eternal life (John 10:11). The tender nurturing promised to the "daughters" is found in Christ's comforting presence and provision for His Church, where He invites all who are weary and burdened to "come to me, and I will give you rest." Thus, the Church, as the spiritual Zion, becomes the place where God's children are gathered, nurtured, and find their true home in the light of Christ, anticipating the heavenly Jerusalem where all God's redeemed will dwell in His glorious presence (Hebrews 12:22-24).