Isaiah 60:6

KJV

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The multitude {H8229} of camels {H1581} shall cover {H3680} thee, the dromedaries {H1070} of Midian {H4080} and Ephah {H5891}; all they from Sheba {H7614} shall come {H935}: they shall bring {H5375} gold {H2091} and incense {H3828}; and they shall shew forth {H1319} the praises {H8416} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels from Midyan and 'Eifah, all of them coming from Sh'va, bringing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

American Standard Version

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:6 presents a magnificent prophetic vision of Zion's future glory, depicting a time when a vast and opulent procession of nations, specifically from the prosperous trading regions of Midian, Ephah, and Sheba, will converge upon Jerusalem. These peoples will bring their most valuable treasures—gold and incense—not merely as tribute, but as a profound act of worship, publicly declaring and demonstrating the praises of the LORD. This verse encapsulates themes of global recognition of God's sovereignty, the consecration of earthly riches for divine purposes, and the universal ingathering of Gentiles into the radiant light of God's kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 is a vibrant and pivotal chapter within the latter half of the book of Isaiah (often referred to as Second Isaiah, chapters 40-66), which primarily focuses on themes of comfort, restoration, and the glorious future of Israel after the Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with a majestic command for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee" ([Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1 - Zion's Call to Shine")). This sets the stage for a dramatic contrast: while darkness covers the earth, the LORD's glory will uniquely shine upon Zion, attracting nations and their kings to her radiant light. Prior to verse 6, the prophecy describes Zion's children returning and the abundance of the sea and the wealth of the Gentiles being brought to her ([Isaiah 60:4-5](/isaiah/60-4-5 "Isaiah 60:4-5 - Zion's Children Return and Nations Come")). Verse 6 then provides specific, vivid details of this international influx, focusing on the Arabian tribes and their valuable offerings, which further elaborates on the theme of global homage and material blessings that continues throughout the chapter, culminating in a vision of perpetual light and divine presence within Zion ([Isaiah 60:19-20](/isaiah/60-19-20 "Isaiah 60:19-20 - The Lord as Eternal Light")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed in Isaiah 60:6 is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural realities of the ancient Near East, particularly the established trade networks and the significance of specific regions. Midian and Ephah, descendants of Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:4](/genesis/25-4 "Genesis 25:4 - Descendants of Abraham and Keturah")), were nomadic tribes primarily located in the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for their involvement in caravan trade. Sheba, likely corresponding to modern-day Yemen, was a powerful and immensely wealthy kingdom famous for its lucrative trade in gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were transported across vast deserts via camel caravans. The historical visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, bringing immense wealth and engaging in profound discourse ([1 Kings 10](/1-kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit to Solomon")), serves as a powerful cultural antecedent for such a display of tribute and homage. Camels and dromedaries were not merely beasts of burden but indispensable vehicles for long-distance commerce, symbolizing prosperity, endurance, and the ability to traverse challenging terrains. The act of bringing gold and incense was a common practice for tribute to powerful monarchs or as sacred offerings to deities, signifying honor, wealth, and profound worship. This prophecy envisions these traditional acts of homage being divinely reoriented and directed towards the LORD in Jerusalem, transforming secular trade into sacred worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent in Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Ingathering of the Nations**, a cornerstone theme in Isaiah, where God's salvation and light extend far beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all peoples. The explicit mention of distant Arabian tribes underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, drawing Gentiles from every corner of the earth to Zion's spiritual light, a concept also articulated in passages such as [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consecration of Wealth and Resources**, portraying earthly prosperity and material riches as being willingly dedicated to God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The valuable gifts of gold and incense are not presented for personal gain or worldly power, but are brought as offerings to the LORD, signifying that all creation and its bounty ultimately belong to Him and are to be used for His purposes. Thirdly, and most significantly, the verse underscores the **Centrality of Worship and Praise**, revealing that the ultimate purpose of this grand procession and the bringing of gifts is the public, joyous declaration of God's greatness. The act of "shew[ing] forth the praises of the LORD" transforms material tribute into spiritual adoration, demonstrating that true worship involves both tangible offerings and heartfelt proclamation of God's character, deeds, and supreme sovereignty, as seen in the call to worship found in [Psalm 96:7-8](/psalm/96-7-8 "Psalm 96:7-8 - Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dromedaries (Hebrew, _beker'_):** From a root suggesting youth and often associated with speed, this term refers to young, swift camels, typically favored for their agility and quickness in travel. In this prophetic context, their inclusion alongside the "multitude of camels" emphasizes not only the sheer volume of the tribute but also its quality and the eagerness with which it is brought, suggesting that even the finest and fastest animals will be employed in bringing these valuable offerings to Zion.
* **shew forth (Hebrew, _bâsar'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to be fresh" or "full," but figuratively, it carries the profound sense of "to announce glad news" or "to publish." Here, it signifies a public, active, and joyous declaration of God's excellencies and mighty deeds. It implies more than a mere presentation of gifts; it is an active proclamation of praise, akin to sharing good tidings or a gospel message, making the act of giving a public testimony.
* **praises (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** Derived from the root _halal_, meaning "to laud" or "to shine," this word refers to adoration, specifically a hymn or a song of praise. Its use in this verse indicates that the ultimate purpose of the nations' pilgrimage and their material offerings is the vocal, communal worship and glorification of the LORD. It transforms the physical act of bringing gifts into a spiritual act of profound adoration and public acknowledgment of God's supreme worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;":** This clause paints a vivid and hyperbolic picture of overwhelming abundance and ceaseless movement. The phrase "multitude of camels shall cover thee" suggests an immense number, so vast that they will metaphorically "cover" Zion, implying a seemingly endless train of caravans. The specific mention of "Midian and Ephah" identifies the geographic and tribal origins of these caravans, highlighting the participation of wealthy Arabian tribes renowned for their trade, thus signifying a broad, diverse, and significant influx of nations.
* **"all they from Sheba shall come:":** This expands the scope of the ingathering even further, specifically naming Sheba, a kingdom legendary for its immense wealth and long-distance trade. The emphasis on "all they from Sheba" reinforces the idea of a comprehensive and willing pilgrimage from distant, prosperous lands to Jerusalem, demonstrating the magnetic draw of God's glory.
* **"they shall bring gold and incense;":** This details the nature of the valuable offerings. Gold, a universal symbol of wealth, royalty, and enduring value, and incense (specifically frankincense, a precious aromatic resin used in sacred worship and for its fragrance), represent the most prized commodities of the ancient world. Their presentation signifies a dedication of the world's finest and most valuable resources to the LORD, consecrating earthly treasures for divine purposes.
* **"and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.":** This climactic phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and profound spiritual significance of the entire procession. The bringing of gifts is not an end in itself, nor is it merely tribute; it is a means to a greater spiritual end: the public, joyous proclamation and demonstration of God's greatness, character, and deeds. It transforms material tribute into an act of profound worship and adoration, making the nations' journey a living testament to God's glory and an invitation for all to join in His praise.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:6 is rich in evocative **Imagery**, painting a vibrant mental picture of a vast, bustling caravan converging upon Zion. The phrase "multitude of camels shall cover thee" employs striking **Hyperbole** to emphasize the sheer overwhelming number of animals and the immense wealth they carry, suggesting an unprecedented and overflowing influx of resources. This imagery is also deeply **Symbolic**: the camels and dromedaries symbolize the wealth, commerce, and vast reach of the nations, while gold and incense represent their most valuable material possessions and, by extension, the best of human endeavor. The entire scene functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the spiritual pilgrimage of the Gentiles to God's light, where earthly riches are consecrated and transformed into vehicles for divine praise. Furthermore, the passage contains a strong element of **Personification**, as Zion is addressed directly ("cover thee"), implying a living entity that receives this grand procession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:6 powerfully articulates the prophetic vision of God's universal kingdom, where His radiant glory attracts all nations. It underscores the profound truth that God's redemptive plan is not limited to one people but extends to the entire world, drawing diverse peoples to Himself through the irresistible light of His presence. This ingathering is characterized by willing homage, where the material wealth of the nations is consecrated and transformed into an expression of worship. The ultimate goal is not merely the accumulation of resources, but the public declaration of God's praise, signifying that all of creation and all human endeavor should ultimately serve to glorify the LORD. This vision foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as a multi-ethnic body, united in Christ and bringing their unique gifts and resources to glorify God.

* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalm/72-10-11 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings Bring Gifts to the Messiah")
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk in Zion's Light")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worship in Jerusalem Annually")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:6 calls us to embrace a grand vision of God's future, where His light shines so brightly that it irresistibly draws all peoples to Himself, compelling them to bring their best as an offering of praise. This vision profoundly challenges us to consider our own active role in God's global mission. Are we merely observers, or are we actively participating in extending God's light to the nations, whether through fervent prayer, generous giving, or courageous going? Furthermore, the verse compels us to deeply examine our relationship with material possessions and earthly resources. The gold and incense are brought not for personal gain or accumulation, but specifically "to shew forth the praises of the LORD." This prompts us to reflect on how we consecrate our own resources—our precious time, unique talents, and financial blessings—to God's kingdom and His purposes. Do our lives, in their entirety, serve as a public declaration of His goodness, His majesty, and His redemptive power? Ultimately, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that the highest and most enduring purpose of all human endeavor, all material blessing, and all creation is the worship and glorification of our sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of nations bringing their wealth to God challenge my current understanding of material possessions and their ultimate purpose in my life?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can I "shew forth the praises of the LORD" in my daily life, extending beyond formal worship services?**
* **How does this magnificent prophecy of global worship inspire and inform my personal participation in or support of missions and evangelism efforts around the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific regions mentioned (Midian, Ephah, Sheba)?**

Answer: The mention of Midian, Ephah, and Sheba is highly significant because these were well-known and historically prominent regions in the ancient world, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula. They were renowned for their wealth and their pivotal role in long-distance trade routes, especially in luxury goods. Midian and Ephah were nomadic tribes, descendants of Abraham through Keturah ([Genesis 25:4](/genesis/25-4 "Genesis 25:4 - Descendants of Abraham and Keturah")), often associated with caravan trade. Sheba, likely corresponding to modern-day Yemen, was a powerful and immensely wealthy kingdom famous for its gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as exemplified by the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon ([1 Kings 10](/1-kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit")). By naming these specific, distant, and prosperous regions, the prophecy emphasizes the universal scope of God's future kingdom—that even those traditionally outside the covenant, and those associated with worldly wealth and commerce, will be drawn to Zion's light and willingly bring their most valuable possessions as an act of worship to the LORD. It highlights the global reach and magnetic power of God's glory, demonstrating that His redemptive plan extends to all peoples and transforms all aspects of life, including commerce, into avenues for His praise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), the radiant glory of God who has risen upon humanity, dispelling the spiritual darkness that covers the earth. Just as the prophecy speaks of nations being drawn to Zion's light, so too are all peoples drawn to Christ, the embodiment of God's light and salvation. The famous account of the Wise Men (Magi) from the East bringing precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem ([Matthew 2:11](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Wise Men Worship Jesus")) serves as a powerful initial fulfillment of this prophecy, demonstrating that even from distant Gentile lands, kings and wise men would come to worship the newborn King of Kings. Through Christ, the glorious ingathering of the nations is realized, as people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Redeems All Nations")) are brought into God's kingdom, not by compulsion, but by the drawing power of His love, grace, and the proclamation of His gospel. The wealth and resources of the world, symbolized by the camels, dromedaries, gold, and incense, are ultimately consecrated to Him, as all things are to be brought under His Lordship and used for His glory, culminating in a universal chorus of praise "to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb" ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Praise to God and the Lamb")) for all eternity.

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

Psalms 72:10

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Judges 6:5

For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; [for] both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.

Genesis 25:3

And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.

Genesis 25:4

And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these [were] the children of Keturah.

Psalms 72:15

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; [and] daily shall he be praised.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: