Isaiah 60:5

KJV

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then thou shalt see {H7200}{H3372}, and flow together {H5102}, and thine heart {H3824} shall fear {H6342}, and be enlarged {H7337}; because the abundance {H1995} of the sea {H3220} shall be converted {H2015} unto thee, the forces {H2428} of the Gentiles {H1471} shall come {H935} unto thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you will see and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with delight; for the riches of the seas will be brought to you, the wealth of nations will come to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then you will look and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and swell with joy, because the riches of the sea will be brought to you, and the wealth of the nations will come to you.

American Standard Version

Then thou shalt see and be radiant, and thy heart shall thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned unto thee, the wealth of the nations shall come unto thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:5 stands as a radiant prophetic declaration within the "Book of Comfort," depicting a future of unparalleled glory and prosperity for Zion (Jerusalem). It foretells a time when the nations of the world, with their vast resources and peoples, will turn towards God's chosen city, drawn by the divine light and favor resting upon it. This influx will evoke an overwhelming emotional response—a mixture of reverent awe and boundless joy—as the people witness the magnificent fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, leading to an expansion of heart and understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60:5 is nestled within the triumphant vision of Isaiah 60, a chapter that vividly describes the future restoration and exaltation of Jerusalem. This chapter opens with the command for Zion to "Arise, shine, for your light has come!" [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Zion's Light Has Come"), setting the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortune. Following prophecies of judgment and exile (e.g., [Isaiah 39](/isaiah/39 "Isaiah 39 - Hezekiah's Folly and Babylonian Captivity Foretold")), chapters 40-66, often called the "Book of Comfort," pivot to themes of hope, divine deliverance, and the establishment of God's everlasting kingdom. Verse 5 specifically builds upon the preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 60:3-4](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3-4 - Nations Drawn to Zion's Light")), which speak of kings and nations coming to Zion's light and her children returning from afar, expanding the scope of God's redemptive work to include a universal ingathering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Isaiah 60 are set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return of the Jewish people to Judah. While a physical return occurred, the full glory envisioned in Isaiah 60 far surpassed the post-exilic reality, pointing to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment. Culturally, the "abundance of the sea" and "forces of the Gentiles" would have evoked imagery of rich maritime trade routes (like those of Tyre and Sidon) and the powerful, often hostile, Gentile empires that had historically dominated Israel. The prophecy reimagines this dynamic, portraying these very sources of foreign power and wealth as willingly flowing *to* Zion, signifying a dramatic shift in global allegiance and a recognition of God's sovereignty centered in Jerusalem. This was a radical vision for a people who had experienced subjugation under foreign powers.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 60:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Glory**, portraying Zion as the epicenter of God's manifest presence, so glorious that it naturally attracts all nations. Secondly, the verse is foundational to the theme of the **Ingathering of the Gentiles**. It explicitly states that "the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee," envisioning a future where non-Israelite nations are not merely subjugated but willingly participate in God's kingdom, bringing their wealth and allegiance. This theme resonates deeply with other prophetic passages, such as [Zechariah 8:22](/zechariah/8-22 "Zechariah 8:22 - Many Nations Seek the Lord in Jerusalem"), which speaks of many peoples and strong nations coming to seek the Lord in Jerusalem, and finds its ultimate, spiritual fulfillment in the New Testament's vision of the global church and the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21:24](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24 - The Nations Walk in the Light of the New Jerusalem"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Overwhelming Joy and Awe**, as the heart's response of "fear" (reverential awe) and being "enlarged" signifies a profound, expansive joy and wonder at God's magnificent work. Finally, the mention of "abundance of the sea" and "forces" underscores a theme of **Abundance and Prosperity**, where God's blessing brings not only spiritual richness but also material provision, consecrated for His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) is a primitive root meaning "to fear," but morally, it signifies "to revere." While it can denote fright, in this context, especially when paired with "enlarged," it points to a profound sense of reverential awe, wonder, and even trembling in the presence of something overwhelmingly vast and divine. It is the appropriate response to witnessing an unprecedented display of God's power and faithfulness, not a cowering terror but a worshipful astonishment.
* **Enlarged (Hebrew, _râchab'_):** From a primitive root (H7337) meaning "to broaden" or "to make wide," this term beautifully conveys the idea of the heart expanding. This expansion is not merely physical but metaphorical, signifying an increase in capacity for joy, understanding, compassion, or even relief from constriction and distress. It suggests an overwhelming sense of liberation and boundless delight that cannot be contained within previous limits, a heart made spacious enough to embrace the vastness of God's blessing.
* **Gentiles (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) refers to a "foreign nation" or "heathen." In the Old Testament, it often denotes non-Israelite peoples, frequently those who were hostile or idolatrous. However, in prophetic contexts like Isaiah 60, its use signifies a radical reversal: these very nations, once estranged or adversarial, are now willingly coming to Zion, bringing their "forces" (wealth, resources, and people), indicating a universal scope to God's redemptive plan that extends beyond Israel to include all peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then thou shalt see, and flow together,"**: This opening clause indicates a future moment of profound revelation and gathering. "Thou shalt see" implies a clear understanding and perception of God's unfolding plan. "Flow together" (from H5102, _nâhar'_, meaning to sparkle or flow, hence to assemble) suggests a joyful, spontaneous convergence, like streams flowing into a river, indicating a natural and eager movement of people and resources towards Zion.
* **"and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged;"**: This describes the intense emotional response of Zion (personified as Jerusalem or its inhabitants) to the vision. The heart will experience a "fear" that is not terror but reverent awe, a trembling born of wonder at God's magnificent works. Simultaneously, the heart will "be enlarged," signifying an overwhelming, expansive joy and understanding, a capacity to fully embrace the immense blessings and the vastness of God's redemptive purposes.
* **"because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee,"**: This explains the reason for Zion's profound reaction. "The abundance of the sea" refers to the vast wealth and resources derived from maritime trade and the peoples dwelling across the seas. The phrase "shall be converted unto thee" (from H2015, _hâphak'_, meaning to turn about or over) denotes a dramatic redirection or turning of these resources and peoples. They are not merely passing by but are actively redirected and consecrated to Zion, symbolizing the world's wealth being brought to God's people.
* **"the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."**: This further clarifies the source of the incoming wealth and allegiance. "The forces" (from H2428, _chayil'_, meaning strength, wealth, army, or resources) of "the Gentiles" (H1471, _gôwy'_, foreign nations) explicitly states that the power, wealth, and people of non-Israelite nations will willingly approach and submit to Zion. This signifies a universal recognition of God's sovereignty and the magnetic draw of His glory upon His people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:5 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Hyperbole**, characteristic of prophetic literature. Zion, often personified as a woman or city, is here depicted as experiencing profound emotions, her "heart" fearing and being "enlarged," a form of **Personification**. The "abundance of the sea" and "forces of the Gentiles" serve as powerful symbols of global wealth, power, and population, which are hyperbolically described as being "converted" and "coming" to Zion, emphasizing the overwhelming and unprecedented nature of this divine favor. The entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, painting a vivid picture of a future, glorious reality that transcends immediate historical circumstances, pointing towards an ultimate eschatological fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for all nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:5 is a pivotal verse for understanding the breadth of God's redemptive purposes, extending far beyond the confines of a single nation. It underscores the theological truth that God's covenant promises, while initiated with Israel, ultimately encompass all humanity. The ingathering of the nations signifies that salvation is not exclusive but inclusive, drawing all peoples into the light and glory of God's presence. This vision challenges any narrow ethnocentric understanding of God's kingdom, revealing a divine heart that yearns for all creation to acknowledge His sovereignty and partake in His blessings. The "fear" and "enlarged" heart speak to the appropriate human response to such a magnificent display of divine grace and power—a mixture of reverent awe and boundless joy that expands one's capacity for faith and understanding.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") - Foretells that "all nations shall flow unto" the mountain of the Lord's house in the latter days.
* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalm/72-10 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings Bring Gifts to the Messiah") - Prophesies that kings of Tarshish and the isles, Sheba and Seba, will bring gifts and pay homage to the Messiah.
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - The Nations Walk in the Light of the New Jerusalem") - Describes the nations walking in the light of the New Jerusalem, bringing their glory and honor into it.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:5 offers a profound source of hope and a powerful call to expansive vision for believers today. It reminds us that God's plans are infinitely grander than our immediate circumstances or limited perspectives. Just as Zion was to "see" and respond with an "enlarged" heart to the unexpected influx of Gentile wealth and allegiance, so too are we called to cultivate a heart that is capacious enough to embrace God's global work. This includes actively participating in missions, welcoming people from every tribe and nation into the church, and recognizing the diverse ways God is drawing people to Himself. In a world often marked by division and scarcity, this verse paints a picture of divine abundance and unity, urging us to trust that God can turn even unexpected sources into instruments for His glory. It invites us to move beyond fear of the unknown to reverent awe at what God is doing, allowing our hearts to be enlarged with joy and expectation for the full realization of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of the nations' wealth and "forces" coming to Zion challenge my understanding of God's provision and the church's resources today?**
* **In what ways might my "heart" need to be "enlarged" to fully grasp and embrace God's global vision for His kingdom?**
* **How can I cultivate a sense of reverential "fear" and awe in response to God's work, rather than anxiety or complacency?**
* **What practical steps can I take to participate more fully in the "flowing together" of diverse peoples into God's light?**

### FAQ
**What does "the abundance of the sea" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: "The abundance of the sea" refers primarily to the wealth, resources, and peoples associated with maritime trade and distant lands. In ancient times, the sea was a conduit for commerce, bringing exotic goods and riches from far-off nations. Therefore, this phrase symbolizes the vast material prosperity and the diverse populations from overseas regions that would be consecrated and brought to Zion, signifying a global recognition of God's sovereignty and the prosperity of His people, as also suggested in [Psalm 72:10](/psalm/72-10 "Psalm 72:10 - Kings of Isles Bring Gifts").

**How is the "fear" mentioned in this verse different from being afraid or terrified?**

Answer: The "fear" (Hebrew: *yârêʼ*) in Isaiah 60:5 is not a cowering terror or fright, but rather a profound sense of reverential awe, wonder, and deep respect. It's the kind of holy fear one experiences in the presence of overwhelming majesty or a miraculous display of divine power. When coupled with the heart being "enlarged," it signifies an emotional response of astonishment and worship at the magnificent and unexpected fulfillment of God's promises, rather than a negative emotion. This type of fear leads to worship and deeper understanding, as seen in passages like [Psalm 33:8](/psalm/33-8 "Psalm 33:8 - Let All the Earth Fear the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His New Covenant kingdom. While the Old Testament prophecy envisioned a literal ingathering to a restored earthly Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals that the true Zion is spiritual—the Church, the body of Christ, which transcends physical location and ethnic boundaries. Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is the one who draws all people to Himself (as in [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity (as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")). The "abundance of the sea" and "forces of the Gentiles" are now spiritually converted, as people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are redeemed by the Lamb (echoing [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). The wealth and resources of the nations are brought not to a physical city but are consecrated for the expansion of Christ's kingdom through the global mission of the Church, where believers from all backgrounds bring their unique gifts and resources to serve the King of kings (as commanded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The "enlarged heart" of Zion is realized in the Church's capacity to embrace this diverse, global family, experiencing overwhelming joy and awe at the universal scope of God's salvation through Christ.

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 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

1 Samuel 2:1

¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

Acts 10:45

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 11:17

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did] unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

Acts 24:17

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.