Isaiah 60:7

KJV

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the flocks {H6629} of Kedar {H6938} shall be gathered together {H6908} unto thee, the rams {H352} of Nebaioth {H5032} shall minister {H8334} unto thee: they shall come up {H5927} with acceptance {H7522} on mine altar {H4196}, and I will glorify {H6286} the house {H1004} of my glory {H8597}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered for you, the rams of N'vayot will be at your service; they will come up and be received on my altar, as I glorify my glorious house.

Berean Standard Bible

All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house.

American Standard Version

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee; they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar; and I will glorify the house of my glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:7 paints a vibrant prophetic vision of Zion's future splendor, where distant nations, particularly the nomadic tribes of Kedar and Nebaioth, will converge upon Jerusalem. This gathering is not merely a display of material tribute, but a profound act of sincere worship, as their most valuable offerings—rams—are brought to God's altar. The verse foretells a time when these formerly estranged peoples will be accepted into God's redemptive plan, culminating in the magnificent glorification of His dwelling place through their devoted and heartfelt praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 60 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Comfort" (Isaiah 40-66), a section of Isaiah that dramatically shifts from themes of judgment and exile to glorious promises of restoration, hope, and ultimate triumph for Israel. Following the profound darkness and despair depicted in earlier prophecies, Isaiah 60 bursts forth with a divine summons for Zion 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 Light Has Come"). The subsequent verses elaborate on how this divine light will serve as a beacon, drawing nations from afar, bringing their wealth and their people to Jerusalem. Verse 7 specifically details the nature of these incoming offerings, emphasizing the spiritual quality of the worship over mere material tribute, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate glorification of God's chosen dwelling. This particular verse deepens and expands upon the themes of Gentile inclusion and divine favor that are woven throughout earlier chapters, such as [Isaiah 49](/isaiah/49 "Isaiah 49 - The Servant of the Lord and Israel's Restoration") and [Isaiah 55](/isaiah/55 "Isaiah 55 - God's Gracious Invitation to All").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 60:7 transcends the immediate post-exilic period, looking forward to a time far beyond the return from Babylonian captivity. Kedar and Nebaioth were prominent Arab tribes, direct descendants of Ishmael [Genesis 25:13](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13 - Descendants of Ishmael"). They were renowned for their extensive nomadic lifestyle, vast flocks of sheep and goats, and their strategic control over vital trade routes across the Arabian desert. Their inclusion in this prophecy is profoundly symbolic, representing distant, non-Israelite peoples who were typically considered outside the covenant community. In a culture where animal sacrifice was central to the expression of worship and atonement, the offering of "rams"—specifically from tribes celebrated for their livestock—would have been understood as an exceptionally valuable and appropriate form of devotion. The "altar" refers to the central place of worship, whether the Tabernacle or, more likely, the future Temple in Jerusalem, which served as the focal point for Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Worship and Gentile Inclusion**, vividly illustrating God's expansive redemptive plan that extends beyond the ethnic boundaries of Israel to embrace all nations. The gathering of Kedar and Nebaioth foreshadows a future reality where peoples from every tribe, tongue, and nation will worship the Lord [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"). Secondly, the crucial phrase "they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar" highlights the theme of **Acceptable Sacrifice and Genuine Devotion**. This emphasizes that it is not merely the ritualistic act of offering, but the sincere heart and spirit behind it, that makes worship pleasing to God. This concept echoes the prophetic calls for true spiritual worship over mere ritualism, as articulated in passages like [Psalm 51:17](/psalm/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart"). Finally, the promise "and I will glorify the house of my glory" speaks directly to the theme of **God's Manifested Glory and Dwelling Place**. The influx of sincere worship from all nations serves to magnify God's presence and honor His dwelling, whether that be the literal temple or, ultimately, the spiritual community of His people, the Church, where His glory is progressively revealed [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kedar (Hebrew, _Qêdâr'_):** From H6938, meaning "dusky (of the skin or the tent)." Kedar was a son of Ishmael, and collectively refers to the Bedouin tribes descended from him, known for their dark tents and nomadic lifestyle in the Arabian desert. In this context, Kedar represents the distant, non-Israelite peoples, specifically from the Arabian peninsula, who would be drawn to Zion. Their inclusion signifies the broad, universal scope of God's redemptive plan, extending beyond the covenant people of Israel.
* **Nebaioth (Hebrew, _Nᵉbâyôwth'_):** From H5032, meaning "fruitfulnesses." Nebaioth was another son of Ishmael, and his descendants, like Kedar, were prominent nomadic tribes in the Arabian region, often associated with sheep and goat herding. Their mention alongside Kedar reinforces the idea of the gathering of all nations, particularly those from the desert regions, bringing their most valuable resources (flocks and rams) as offerings to God, symbolizing their spiritual allegiance and worship.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From H4196, meaning "an altar." This term refers to the sacred structure where sacrifices were offered to God. In the context of Israelite worship, the altar was the central point of atonement and communion with God. Here, it signifies the place where the worship and offerings of the gathered nations are presented and made acceptable to the Lord. The phrase "with acceptance on mine altar" emphasizes that these Gentile offerings are not only permitted but are pleasing and welcomed by God, signifying a new era of universal access to divine grace.
* **Glorify (Hebrew, _pâʼar'_):** From H6286, meaning "to gleam, i.e. (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast." In this context, it means to beautify, honor, or make resplendent. When God declares, "I will glorify the house of my glory," it signifies His active intention to exalt and magnify His dwelling place, making it radiate with His divine splendor and honor, largely through the influx of sincere worship from all peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee,"**: This initial clause prophesies a massive convergence of wealth, specifically livestock, from the nomadic tribes of Kedar towards Zion (Jerusalem). The phrase "gathered together" implies a deliberate, divinely orchestrated movement, signifying the drawing of distant peoples and their valuable resources into God's sphere of influence and worship. It speaks to a future reality where those previously outside the covenant will be drawn in.
* **"the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee:"**: Parallel to the first clause, this specifies "rams" as particularly valuable and appropriate offerings from Nebaioth, another prominent Arabian tribe. The verb "minister unto thee" suggests an act of willing service and devotion, indicating that these formerly estranged peoples will now willingly serve God and His chosen city, bringing their very best as tribute and an expression of their spiritual allegiance and worship.
* **"they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar,"**: This is a crucial spiritual declaration that elevates the prophecy beyond mere material tribute. The offerings brought by these Gentile nations will not be rejected but will be "with acceptance" (or "with favor") on God's altar. This signifies that their worship is genuine, pleasing, and sanctified by God, marking a profound shift from an exclusive covenant to one that embraces all who sincerely seek Him, regardless of their ethnic origin.
* **"and I will glorify the house of my glory."**: This final clause reveals God's ultimate purpose and the glorious outcome of this universal gathering. Through the influx of nations and their acceptable worship, God Himself will "glorify" (beautify, honor, make resplendent) His dwelling place. "The house of my glory" refers to Zion/Jerusalem, particularly the temple, as the physical and spiritual locus where God's presence and majesty are manifested. The sincere worship from all peoples serves to magnify God's own glory and honor His chosen dwelling, making it a beacon of divine splendor.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound prophetic message. **Personification** is subtly present as the "flocks of Kedar" and "rams of Nebaioth" are described as being "gathered" and "ministering," imbuing the animals with an active role, though they represent the wealth and devotion of their owners. **Synecdoche** is also at play, where "flocks" and "rams" stand for the entire wealth and, by extension, the people themselves of Kedar and Nebaioth, symbolizing their complete submission and offering to God. The names Kedar and Nebaioth function as **Metonymy**, representing not just specific tribes but all distant, non-Israelite peoples, particularly from the Arabian desert. The entire verse is a strong example of **Prophetic Imagery**, painting a vivid and evocative picture of future glory and universal worship that transcends the immediate historical context. The clear **Parallelism** between the two initial clauses ("All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee") reinforces the comprehensive and reciprocal nature of the Gentile influx and their devoted service. Finally, the phrase "the house of my glory" is a profound example of **Divine Ownership and Emphasis**, highlighting God's personal connection to and ultimate purpose for His dwelling place, underscoring its sacred and glorious nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:7 stands as a profound testament to God's expansive redemptive plan, revealing His heart and desire for all humanity to come into His presence. It shatters any notion of an exclusive covenant, demonstrating that God's yearning for worship extends far beyond ethnic Israel to encompass every nation, tribe, and tongue. The acceptance of offerings from Kedar and Nebaioth signifies that genuine devotion, regardless of one's origin, is pleasing and welcomed by God, powerfully foreshadowing the New Covenant where faith in Christ opens the door for all people to approach God. This verse underscores the truth that the true glory for God's dwelling place comes not primarily from material grandeur, but from the sincere, Spirit-empowered worship of a diverse multitude of believers, gathered from every corner of the earth.

* [Psalm 68:31](/psalm/68-31 "Psalm 68:31 - Princes Shall Come Out of Egypt")
* [Romans 15:9-12](/romans/15-9-12 "Romans 15:9-12 - Gentiles Glorify God")
* [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk in Its Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient prophecy holds immense relevance for believers today, inviting us to embrace a truly global and inclusive vision for God's kingdom. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's boundless love and redemptive purpose are not confined to any single ethnicity, nation, or cultural group, but are graciously extended to all peoples. This profound truth should ignite within us a fervent passion for global missions and evangelism, compelling us to actively share the transformative good news of Christ with those who are still far off, knowing that God delights in drawing people from every background into His family. Furthermore, the emphasis on offerings being "with acceptance on mine altar" challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity and purity of our own worship. Are our offerings—our time, talents, resources, and indeed, our very lives—presented with genuine devotion, a humble heart, and a fervent desire to honor God, or are they merely ritualistic acts performed out of obligation? As we faithfully participate in God's ongoing mission, we actively contribute to the glorification of His spiritual "house"—the Church—which is being built up from diverse "living stones" into a holy dwelling place for His Spirit. This verse ultimately assures us that God's sovereign plan is to manifest His unparalleled glory through a redeemed humanity, gathered from every corner of the earth, worshipping Him in spirit and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit inclusion of Kedar and Nebaioth challenge any narrow or exclusive views of God's redemptive plan that we might consciously or unconsciously hold?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as a local church body, actively participate in God's ongoing mission to gather people from "all the flocks" to His spiritual altar today?**
* **What does it truly mean for our personal worship and our collective offerings to be "with acceptance" on God's altar, and how can we cultivate a more genuine, heartfelt, and pleasing devotion?**
* **How does the glorious promise of God glorifying "the house of my glory" encourage and inspire us regarding the ultimate triumph and resplendent splendor of God's eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Kedar and Nebaioth in this prophecy?**

Answer: Kedar and Nebaioth were prominent nomadic Arab tribes, direct descendants of Ishmael, renowned for their vast flocks and their significant presence in the Arabian desert. Their inclusion in Isaiah 60:7 is deeply symbolic. They represent the distant, non-Israelite nations—the Gentiles—who were traditionally considered outside the covenant community of Israel. Their mention signifies the universal scope of God's future kingdom, where peoples from all backgrounds and geographical locations will be drawn to Zion to worship the God of Israel. This powerfully foreshadows the New Testament reality of Gentile inclusion into the church, the spiritual Israel of God [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Fullness of the Gentiles").

**Does "the house of my glory" refer only to the physical temple in Jerusalem?**

Answer: While "the house of my glory" certainly had a literal application to the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, especially in the context of post-exilic prophecies, its ultimate fulfillment extends far beyond a physical structure. In its fullest theological sense, it refers to God's dwelling place where His presence and glory are fully manifested. This can be understood as the spiritual "house" of God, which is the Church—the vibrant community of believers gathered from all nations, built together as a dwelling place for God by the Spirit [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints and God's Household"). Ultimately, it points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where God's dwelling is explicitly stated to be with humanity, and His glory illuminates it so completely that a physical temple becomes unnecessary [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man") and [Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in New Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His universal kingdom. The prophetic image of the "flocks of Kedar" and "rams of Nebaioth" being gathered to God's altar, coming "with acceptance," beautifully prefigures the drawing of all nations to Christ. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that renders all other offerings acceptable to God. Through His atoning work on the cross, the formidable barrier between Jew and Gentile was decisively broken down [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), allowing all who believe to approach God's altar—now a spiritual reality, not a physical one—with unwavering confidence and full acceptance [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ"). The "house of my glory" that God promises to glorify is now embodied in the Church, the living body of Christ, which is being built upon the foundational truth of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the indispensable cornerstone [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"). It is through the Spirit-empowered worship and global mission of this diverse, multi-ethnic Church that the glory of God is truly manifested and extended to the uttermost ends of the earth, culminating in the New Jerusalem where the radiant glory of God and the Lamb illuminates all for eternity [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God and the Lamb").

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 56:7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Genesis 25:13

And these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Haggai 2:7

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.