Isaiah 66:12

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Isaiah 66:12 is found in the final chapter of the book of Isaiah, which serves as a powerful conclusion to the prophet's extensive prophecies. This chapter deals with God's ultimate judgment and His glorious restoration of Zion. It paints a picture of the Lord's universal dominion, His rejection of hypocrisy, and His profound comfort for those who tremble at His word. The preceding verses speak of the birth of a new nation and the sudden, miraculous blessing upon Zion, leading into this verse's rich imagery of peace and nurturing care in the coming Messianic age or the new heavens and earth foretold in Isaiah 65:17.

Key Themes

  • Abundant and Enduring Peace: The promise "I will extend peace to her like a river" signifies a vast, continuous, and overflowing `shalom` (Hebrew for peace, encompassing wholeness, well-being, and prosperity). This isn't just an absence of conflict, but a deep, pervasive sense of divine blessing and security that flows ceaselessly, much like a mighty river.
  • Inclusion of the Gentiles: "And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream" highlights a significant prophetic theme throughout Isaiah: the nations (Gentiles) will be drawn to Zion, bringing their spiritual and material riches. This anticipates a time when God's blessing and redemptive plan extend beyond Israel to all peoples, a theme echoed in Isaiah 2:2 and ultimately fulfilled in the global Church.
  • God's Tender, Nurturing Care: The tender imagery "then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees" portrays God's compassionate, mother-like care for His people. It evokes a feeling of profound comfort, security, and intimate provision, much like a parent cherishes and nurtures an infant. This speaks to the depth of divine love and protection for His chosen ones.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "peace" here is shalom (שָׁלוֹם), which is far richer than just the absence of conflict. It implies completeness, well-being, prosperity, harmony, and security. Its extension "like a river" (כַּנָּהָר - kannahar) emphasizes its vastness, depth, and continuous flow, contrasting sharply with temporary or shallow blessings. The phrase "glory of the Gentiles" uses kavod (כָּבוֹד) for glory, which can mean honor, reputation, or material wealth, indicating that the nations will bring their best to Zion.

Practical Application

Isaiah 66:12 offers immense hope and comfort to believers today. It reminds us that God's promises of peace are deep and unending, like a river, even amidst life's challenges. It encourages us to trust in His tender, nurturing care, knowing He provides for our needs and offers profound security. Furthermore, it speaks to the global scope of God's redemptive plan, reminding us that His blessings are for all who seek Him, drawing people from every nation into His family. This verse points to a future where God's presence brings ultimate peace and joy, a foretaste of the eternal comfort in the new creation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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