Isaiah 66:12

KJV

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Behold, I will extend {H5186} peace {H7965} to her like a river {H5104}, and the glory {H3519} of the Gentiles {H1471} like a flowing {H7857} stream {H5158}: then shall ye suck {H3243}, ye shall be borne {H5375} upon her sides {H6654}, and be dandled {H8173} upon her knees {H1290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI says, "I will spread shalom over her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried in her arm and cuddled in her lap.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream: and ye shall suck thereof; ye shall be borne upon the side, and shall be dandled upon the knees.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:12 culminates the prophetic book with a magnificent vision of God's abundant peace and glory extended to Zion, encompassing the nations. The Lord promises an inexhaustible flow of comprehensive well-being and honor, likened to mighty, life-giving rivers. This divine provision is accompanied by profoundly tender, maternal imagery, depicting God's people being nurtured, carried, and cherished with intimate affection and security, symbolizing the deep comfort and unwavering care that will characterize the restored and expanded relationship between God and His beloved community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:12 is strategically positioned in the climactic final chapter of the book of Isaiah, serving as a grand and hopeful conclusion to the prophet's extensive messages of judgment, comfort, and restoration. The chapter opens with a declaration of God's universal sovereignty and His preference for humble and contrite hearts over superficial rituals ([Isaiah 66:1-2](/isaiah/66-1-2 "Isaiah 66:1-2 - God's Throne and True Worship")). It then transitions dramatically, contrasting the severe judgment awaiting the rebellious with the glorious salvation promised to the faithful. Verses 7-11 describe the miraculous, sudden birth of a new nation and the outpouring of comfort upon Jerusalem, vividly portraying Zion as a mother giving birth and then nursing her children. Verse 12 directly follows and amplifies this maternal imagery, extending the promise of boundless peace and glory, and deepening the metaphor of divine care, which then sets the stage for the ultimate display of God's power and the universal gathering of all nations in the subsequent verses ([Isaiah 66:18-24](/isaiah/66-18-24 "Isaiah 66:18-24 - God Gathers All Nations")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies found in Isaiah, particularly in its latter chapters (often referred to as Second and Third Isaiah), were delivered during a period of profound upheaval for Israel, encompassing the Assyrian threat, the Babylonian exile, and the eventual return and rebuilding efforts. The original audience would have been intimately familiar with the concept of a nation's "glory" being intrinsically tied to its material wealth, military strength, and political influence. Rivers, such as the Nile in Egypt or the Euphrates and Tigris in Mesopotamia, were not merely geographical features but were vital sources of life, sustenance, and prosperity in the ancient Near East, symbolizing immense abundance and continuous blessing. The imagery of nursing, carrying, and dandling children was a universal and deeply resonant depiction of tender, intimate parental care, especially in an agrarian, family-centric society where children were seen as a blessing and a continuation of the lineage. The inclusion of "Gentiles" (non-Israelite nations) in God's redemptive plan was a radical and often challenging concept for an ethnocentric ancient Israel, yet it was a consistent and foundational theme woven throughout Isaiah, anticipating a future where God's salvation would extend globally.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, the **Abundance of God's Blessing** is vividly portrayed through the metaphors of a "river" and "flowing stream," signifying limitless peace and glory that will never cease. This peace, or *shalom*, is comprehensive, encompassing wholeness, prosperity, and well-being, far beyond mere absence of conflict. This aligns with the vision of God's people feasting in His presence, as described in [Isaiah 25:6-8](/isaiah/25-6-8 "Isaiah 25:6-8 - The Lord's Feast for All Peoples"). Secondly, the theme of the **Inclusion of the Gentiles** is central, as the "glory of the Gentiles" is explicitly mentioned, indicating that God's redemptive plan is not exclusively for Israel but will encompass all nations, drawing them to Zion. This aligns with earlier prophecies of a universal pilgrimage to Jerusalem, such as in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion"). Thirdly, the **Tender Care of God** is profoundly illustrated by the maternal imagery of nursing, bearing, and dandling. This intimate portrayal underscores God's deep compassion, protective love, and nurturing provision for His people, echoing the comforting words found in [Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - Can a Mother Forget Her Child?"). These themes collectively paint a rich picture of a future characterized by divine abundance, universal redemption, and intimate, unwavering divine love.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** H7965. More than merely the absence of conflict, *shalom* encompasses a holistic state of well-being, completeness, prosperity, security, and harmony. When God extends *shalom* like a river, it signifies a comprehensive, overflowing, and all-encompassing state of divine blessing that permeates every aspect of existence for His people.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** H3519. From a root meaning "weight," *kavod* figuratively refers to splendor, honor, reputation, and copiousness. Here, it signifies the honor, wealth, and spiritual beauty that the Gentile nations will bring into God's kingdom, representing not just their material possessions but their very essence, worship, and contributions to the divine community.
* **Dandled (Hebrew, _shâʻaʻ'_):** H8173. A primitive root meaning "to look upon with complacency," "fondle," or "please or amuse (self)." This word beautifully conveys the tender, affectionate, and playful care of a parent for a beloved child, emphasizing the intimate joy, security, and delight God takes in His people, treating them with utmost tenderness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD":** This introductory phrase serves as a divine imprimatur, establishing the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is not a human speculation but a direct, infallible declaration from YHWH, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, guaranteeing its ultimate fulfillment.
* **"Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river":** The Lord declares His sovereign intention to pour out boundless peace upon "her," referring to Zion (Jerusalem, and by extension, God's faithful people). The **simile** "like a river" profoundly emphasizes the vastness, depth, continuous flow, and life-giving nature of this peace. It suggests an inexhaustible, ever-present supply of divine well-being, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness, providing constant refreshment and security.
* **"and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream":** This clause expands the promise to include the nations, or Gentiles. Their "glory"—their honor, wealth, and spiritual contributions—will flow into Zion like a mighty, rushing stream. This signifies the universal appeal and magnetic draw of God's kingdom, as peoples from every nation are drawn to Him, bringing their best and contributing to the splendor of His reign. It highlights the expansive, inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan.
* **"then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees":** This powerful and tender imagery shifts to portray the intimate, nurturing care received by God's people. The "ye" refers to the inhabitants of Zion. "Suck" evokes the comfort, sustenance, and complete dependence of a nursing child. "Borne upon her sides" suggests being carried securely and intimately, like an infant nestled closely to a parent's hip or side, emphasizing protection and closeness. "Dandled upon her knees" paints a vivid picture of playful, affectionate interaction, conveying deep love, security, and joyful intimacy, much like a parent cherishes and delights in a beloved child. This entire phrase underscores profound divine comfort, intimate provision, and a relationship characterized by tender affection.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:12 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, painting vivid pictures to convey profound theological truths. The primary similes, "peace to her like a river" and "the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream," powerfully communicate the immense, continuous, and life-sustaining nature of God's blessings. These comparisons draw on familiar natural phenomena (rivers and streams) that signify abundance, vitality, and prosperity in the ancient world, making the divine promise tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the verse employs profound **Anthropomorphic Imagery** (or more specifically, **Theological Metaphor** and **Personification**) by portraying God's care through human, specifically maternal, nurturing actions: "then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees." While the immediate preceding context (Isaiah 66:7-11) personifies Zion as the mother, the depth of this intimate imagery of being nursed, carried, and dandled ultimately points to the ultimate source of this comfort and affection—God Himself. This evokes a deep sense of security, unconditional love, and joyful intimacy between the divine and His cherished people, highlighting God's tender, parental heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:12 stands as a profound testament to God's boundless grace and His expansive redemptive plan, which transcends the boundaries of a single nation. The promise of peace "like a river" signifies not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive, overflowing state of *shalom*—wholeness, prosperity, and divine well-being that is inexhaustible and life-giving. This vision of abundant peace and the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" foreshadows the universal scope of God's kingdom, where people from every nation will be drawn to Him, bringing their unique contributions and receiving His tender care. The maternal imagery underscores the deeply personal and nurturing nature of God's relationship with His people, assuring them of His intimate comfort and unwavering provision. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the blessings of God's kingdom are extended to all who believe, irrespective of their ethnic background, and where believers experience the profound peace and nurturing love of God as their Father.

* [Isaiah 2:2](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2 - Nations Flowing to Zion")
* [Psalm 36:8](/psalms/36-8 "Psalm 36:8 - Drinking from the River of God's Delights")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:12 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for believers today, reminding us of the lavish and tender nature of God's love. In a world often characterized by turmoil, uncertainty, and division, the promise of peace "like a river" assures us that God's *shalom* is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary cessation of conflict, but a deep, continuous, and all-encompassing reality available to those who trust in Him. This divine peace provides an unshakable stability and security, flowing steadily even amidst life's most turbulent storms. The imagery of being nursed, carried, and dandled speaks to the intimate, personal, and profoundly affectionate care that God extends to each of us. It invites us to rest fully in His loving embrace, knowing that He cherishes us as His beloved children, providing for our every need and delighting in our presence. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" broadens our perspective, reminding us of the global scope of God's redemptive work and calling us to participate actively in His mission to draw people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His family, sharing the boundless peace and comfort we have so richly received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of peace flowing "like a river" deepen your understanding of God's abundant provision and continuous presence in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways can you personally experience or lean into God's "dandling" care and intimate comfort during moments of anxiety, distress, or vulnerability?**
* **How does the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" in God's ultimate plan challenge or expand your current view of the Church's global mission and your role within it today?**

### FAQ
**Who is "her" in this verse, and why is the imagery so maternal?**

Answer: "Her" primarily refers to Zion, which represents Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of God. In the immediate literary context of Isaiah 66, Zion is personified as a mother who miraculously gives birth to a nation ([Isaiah 66:7-8](/isaiah/66-7-8 "Isaiah 66:7-8 - Zion Gives Birth Suddenly")) and then nurses and comforts her children ([Isaiah 66:11](/isaiah/66-11 "Isaiah 66:11 - Rejoice with Jerusalem")). This maternal imagery is deeply significant because it conveys the most tender, intimate, and nurturing form of care imaginable. It beautifully illustrates God's profound compassion, unwavering provision, and joyful affection for His people, much like a loving mother cherishes, protects, and delights in her infant. It emphasizes security, sustenance, and unconditional love, highlighting the depth and intimacy of God's relationship with His chosen ones.

**How does this prophecy of peace and Gentile inclusion relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: This prophecy finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Church. The "peace like a river" foreshadows the spiritual peace that Christ brings, a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Jesus is the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), and through His atoning work on the cross, believers are reconciled to God and experience a profound inner *shalom* ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). The "glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream" is a clear prefigurement of the gospel's expansion to all nations. In the New Testament, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is broken down in Christ, and all who believe, regardless of their ethnic background, become part of God's spiritual Israel, the Church ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ"); [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")). The "glory" of the Gentiles is their conversion, their worship, and their spiritual gifts brought into the kingdom of God, fulfilling Isaiah's grand vision of a universal people of God.

**What is the spiritual significance of the "river" and "stream" imagery in this context?**

Answer: The imagery of a "river" and "flowing stream" is profoundly significant, particularly in the arid ancient Near East where water was synonymous with life, blessing, and prosperity. Spiritually, it signifies abundance, continuity, and an inexhaustible supply of divine grace. Peace "like a river" implies a vast, deep, and ever-flowing *shalom* that is not temporary or shallow but pervasive and enduring. It speaks to God's continuous outpouring of well-being, prosperity, and spiritual vitality upon His people. Similarly, the "glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream" suggests a continuous and powerful influx of honor, spiritual riches, and people from all nations into God's kingdom. It speaks to the dynamic and expansive nature of God's redemptive work, promising a future where His blessings are poured out without measure, bringing life, flourishing, and spiritual abundance to all who are part of His restored community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:12, with its magnificent promise of peace like a river and the glory of the Gentiles flowing into Zion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the peace promised, for He is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile through His cross, thereby creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The "river" of peace that flows is ultimately the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, bringing life, comfort, and *shalom* to all who believe, as beautifully foreshadowed in the living water imagery of [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"). Furthermore, the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" is realized in the global Church, which is Christ's body. Through His Great Commission, the gospel has gone out to all nations, drawing people from every tongue, tribe, and people group into His kingdom, bringing their unique gifts and worship as "glory" to Him ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"); [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The tender, nurturing care depicted in the verse—being nursed, carried, and dandled—is perfectly mirrored in Christ's compassionate, pastoral heart for His flock. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His lambs in His arms and gently leads those that are with young ([Isaiah 40:11](/isaiah/40-11 "Isaiah 40:11 - The Shepherd's Care"); [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). In Him, believers find ultimate security, intimate comfort, and boundless provision, experiencing the very love of God that Isaiah prophesied would be extended to His cherished people.

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 48:18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 60:16

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 45:14

Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

Isaiah 66:11

That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.

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 54:3

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

Isaiah 49:19

For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants, and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.