Isaiah 60:9

KJV

¶ Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely the isles {H339} shall wait {H6960} for me, and the ships {H591} of Tarshish {H8659} first {H7223}, to bring {H935} thy sons {H1121} from far {H7350}, their silver {H3701} and their gold {H2091} with them, unto the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, and to the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}, because he hath glorified {H6286} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

The coastlands are putting their hope in me, with the 'Tarshish' ships in the lead, to bring your children from far away, and with them their silver and gold, for the sake of ADONAI your God, the Holy One of Isra'el, who glorifies you.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

American Standard Version

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 60:9 is a powerful prophetic declaration within a chapter celebrating Zion's future glory, foretelling a magnificent ingathering where distant maritime nations will eagerly serve the Lord. These nations will facilitate the return of God's scattered people from afar, bringing their abundant silver and gold. This grand convergence of resources and individuals is explicitly directed "unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel," serving as a testament to God's magnificent glorification of Zion, which transforms her into a radiant beacon attracting the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [Isaiah 60](/isaiah/60 "Isaiah 60 - The Future Glory of Zion"), a majestic prophetic oracle often titled "The Glory of Zion." The chapter commences with a divine 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 Light and Glory"). Following this, the text vividly describes an unprecedented influx of Gentile nations and their immense wealth streaming into Zion. The preceding verses (e.g., [Isaiah 60:4-8](/isaiah/60-4-8 "Isaiah 60:4-8 - The Ingathering of Nations and Wealth")) detail the return of sons and daughters, the overwhelming abundance of camels and dromedaries from Midian and Ephah, and the flocks of Kedar and Nebaioth, all bringing gold and frankincense to proclaim the praises of the Lord. Verse 9 specifically highlights the maritime dimension of this global ingathering, emphasizing the crucial role of ships and distant lands in facilitating the return of God's people and their accompanying riches, thereby reinforcing the universal scope of Zion's restoration and the boundless nature of the Lord's glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern worldview, "the isles" (or coastlands) typically referred to distant lands beyond the immediate continental landmass, often associated with maritime trade and foreign nations. "Ships of Tarshish" were renowned in the ancient world as large, robust merchant vessels capable of long-distance voyages, symbolizing immense wealth and exotic goods, as evidenced in [1 Kings 10:22](/1_kings/10-22 "1 Kings 10:22 - Solomon's Fleet of Tarshish Ships"). Tarshish itself was likely a significant port city, possibly in the western Mediterranean (e.g., Tartessos in Spain), representing the farthest reaches of the known world. The act of bringing silver and gold was a common practice in ancient tribute or homage, signifying submission, honor, and loyalty to a sovereign power. This imagery would have powerfully conveyed to Isaiah's original audience the profound idea that even the most remote and powerful Gentile nations would willingly dedicate their most valuable resources and their very populations to the service and worship of the God of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 60:9](/isaiah/60-9 "Isaiah 60:9 - The Return of Zion's Sons and the Nations' Gifts") contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Restoration and Ingathering**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to regather His scattered people from across the globe, a promise echoed throughout Isaiah, such as in [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His People from Afar"). Secondly, it highlights **Gentile Inclusion and Service**, portraying foreign nations not as adversaries but as willing, even eager, participants in God's redemptive plan, bringing their wealth and their very selves to honor the Lord. This concept is also powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Stream to Zion for Instruction"). Thirdly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **God's Glorification**, making it unequivocally clear that the ultimate purpose of this magnificent ingathering and the influx of riches is to bring honor and praise "unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel," because He Himself has already glorified Zion, making her a radiant testament to His own majesty and faithfulness. This divine glorification is the magnetic force driving all the promised blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** (H339) This term refers to "a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island." In prophetic contexts, "isles" often symbolizes distant coastlands or Gentile nations far removed from Israel, particularly those accessible by sea. Here, it denotes the universal scope of the ingathering, implying that even the most remote parts of the world will acknowledge and serve the Lord.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** (H1121) Derived from a root meaning "to build," this word signifies "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this context, "thy sons" refers to the scattered descendants of Israel, emphasizing the restoration and repatriation of God's chosen people from their dispersion.
* **glorified (Hebrew, _pâʼar'_):** (H6286) This primitive root means "to gleam, i.e. (causatively) embellish; figuratively, to boast; also to explain (i.e. make clear) oneself." It implies beautifying, exalting, or making splendid. Here, it signifies that God Himself has elevated, honored, and made Zion radiant, making her a magnet for the nations and the willing recipient of their homage, all to His own praise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first":** This opening clause emphasizes the eager anticipation and proactive role of distant Gentile nations. "The isles" (far-off lands) are personified as waiting, indicating their readiness and desire to participate in God's grand plan. The "ships of Tarshish," symbolizing the largest, most valuable, and far-reaching merchant vessels of the ancient world, are highlighted as being "first," suggesting their preeminence and zealous dedication in this service, along with the vast resources they represent.
* **"to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them":** The primary, divinely ordained purpose of this maritime activity is revealed: the repatriation of God's scattered people ("thy sons from far"). This return is not empty-handed but is accompanied by substantial wealth ("their silver and their gold"), indicating that the nations will not only facilitate the return but will also contribute their most valuable resources as a tribute and offering. This speaks to a restoration that is both demographic, bringing people home, and economic, enriching the restored community.
* **"unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel":** This crucial phrase clarifies the ultimate destination and overarching purpose of the ingathering and the accompanying wealth. It is not for Zion's self-aggrandizement or human glory, but solely for the honor, worship, and exaltation of the God of Israel. "The name of the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068; shêm, H8034) signifies His revealed character, sovereign authority, and active presence. "The Holy One of Israel" (qâdôwsh, H6918; Yisrâʼêl, H3478) emphasizes His unique, transcendent holiness and His covenant fidelity to His chosen people.
* **"because he hath glorified thee.":** This concluding clause provides the profound divine rationale and underlying cause for the entire prophecy. The nations are drawn to Zion, and the people and wealth are brought back, not because of Zion's inherent merit or human effort, but solely because God Himself (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) has already acted to magnify, exalt, and make her radiant. This divine glorification is the magnetic force that draws all things to Zion, ultimately redounding to God's own praise and demonstrating His faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 60:9 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Personification** is prominently featured in the phrase "the isles shall wait for me," attributing human anticipation, eagerness, and readiness to inanimate landmasses, thereby emphasizing their willing participation in God's redemptive plan. The specific mention of "ships of Tarshish first" serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing the pinnacle of ancient maritime commerce and, by extension, the most substantial, far-reaching, and valuable resources of the Gentile world. Their "first" arrival suggests a zealous and prioritized dedication. The bringing of "silver and their gold" functions as **Metonymy**, where these precious metals stand for the vast material wealth, tribute, and homage offered by the nations. The entire verse is a prime example of **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired declaration of future events, painting a vivid and glorious picture of a magnificent restoration. The **Hyperbole** of all the "isles" and "ships of Tarshish" converging, laden with "sons from far" and immense wealth, underscores the magnificent, universal, and comprehensive scope of God's redemptive and restorative work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 60:9 articulates a profound theological truth: God's redemptive plan is expansive, encompassing both the promised restoration of His covenant people and the willing, active participation of the Gentile nations. This vision portrays a future where the world's diverse resources and peoples are consecrated to the Lord, not through coercive conquest, but through the magnetic power of God's own glory radiating from Zion. The ultimate purpose is not the exaltation of Israel for its own sake, but the universal acknowledgment of the "name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel." This foreshadows a glorious time when all creation will recognize and honor the one true God, and His people will be fully gathered, established, and flourishing in His presence, serving as a beacon of His light to the world.

* [Isaiah 49:22](/isaiah/49-22 "Isaiah 49:22 - Nations bring Israel's children back")
* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalm/72-10-11 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings of Tarshish and the isles bring gifts to the King")
* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations go up to worship the King, the LORD of hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 60:9 offers a magnificent and hope-filled vision of God's sovereign power and His unwavering commitment to His promises. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan of redemption is global in scope, extending to the "isles" and the "ends of the earth." It challenges us to broaden our perspective beyond our immediate concerns and to embrace a truly missional mindset, recognizing that God is actively drawing people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to Himself. Furthermore, the verse profoundly underscores the principle that all our resources—our "silver and our gold," our talents, our time, our energy—are ultimately to be consecrated "unto the name of the LORD thy God." Our lives, our possessions, our efforts, and our very being find their highest purpose and greatest fulfillment when they are dedicated to His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. This passage instills profound hope for a future where God's light shines so brightly that it irresistibly attracts all peoples, leading to a unified and universal worship of the Holy One of Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "isles" and "ships of Tarshish" challenge my understanding of the global, comprehensive reach of God's redemptive plan?**
* **In what tangible and practical ways can I, personally and corporately, ensure that my "silver and my gold"—my resources, talents, and possessions—are truly used "unto the name of the LORD thy God"?**
* **How does the profound idea that God "hath glorified thee" (Zion/His people) impact my motivation for service, worship, and evangelism? Is my effort rooted in His prior, glorious work?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the isles" and "ships of Tarshish" in this prophecy, and what do they signify?**

Answer: In this prophetic context, "the isles" (or coastlands) refer to distant Gentile nations, particularly those accessible by sea, symbolizing the remotest parts of the world. "Ships of Tarshish" represent large, long-distance merchant vessels, renowned for carrying valuable goods and symbolizing the pinnacle of ancient maritime commerce. Together, they signify the vast wealth, influence, and global reach of the Gentile world being willingly consecrated to God's purposes. This imagery emphasizes the universal scope of God's plan to gather His scattered people and receive homage from all nations, as seen in other prophecies like [Isaiah 42:4](/isaiah/42-4 "Isaiah 42:4 - The coastlands wait for His law").

**What is the significance of "silver and their gold" being brought with the returning sons?**

Answer: The "silver and their gold" represent the material wealth and resources of the nations. In ancient times, bringing precious metals was a common form of tribute or homage to a king or deity, signifying submission, honor, and allegiance. Here, it signifies that the nations will not only facilitate the return of God's scattered people but will also willingly dedicate their most valuable possessions as an offering to the Lord, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and the glory He has bestowed upon Zion. This foreshadows a time when earthly treasures will be consecrated for divine purposes, ultimately brought into God's eternal kingdom, as described in [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 60:9 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the subsequent establishment of His Church. While the immediate context speaks of a literal return of Israel from exile and the ingathering of nations to Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals a deeper, spiritual reality. Christ is the true light of the world, whose glory draws all people to Himself, thereby fulfilling the promise that "the nations will come to your light" [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations come to Zion's light"). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity, the Church, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - All One in Christ Jesus"). The "sons from far" are not merely physical descendants of Israel but all those, both Jew and Gentile, whom the Father sovereignly draws to the Son [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him"). The "ships of Tarshish" and their "silver and gold" symbolize the spiritual resources, diverse gifts, and varied backgrounds that believers from every nation bring into the kingdom of God, all offered "unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel." The Church, as the spiritual Zion, is glorified not by its own inherent merit but "because he hath glorified thee"—Christ's perfect righteousness and radiant glory are imputed to His bride, the Church, making her a beacon for the world and drawing all to the one who declared, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" [John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus draws all people to Himself"). This culminates in the breathtaking vision of the New Jerusalem, where the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into the city, and its gates are never shut, signifying the perpetual and universal inclusion of the nations in God's eternal presence and worship [Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24-26 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations bring their glory into the New Jerusalem").

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 55:5

Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 2:16

And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

Isaiah 51:5

My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Isaiah 49:1

¶ Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

Galatians 4:26

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.