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Isaiah 60:12

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For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, [those] nations shall be utterly wasted.

For the nation {H1471} and kingdom {H4467} that will not serve {H5647} thee shall perish {H6}; yea, those nations {H1471} shall be utterly {H2717} wasted {H2717}.

For the nation or kingdom that won't serve you will perish; yes, those nations will be utterly destroyed.

For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed.

For that nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

Commentary

Isaiah 60:12 delivers a powerful prophetic warning regarding the consequences for nations and kingdoms that refuse to align with God's divine purpose and serve His chosen people, represented by Zion.

Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah chapter 60, a magnificent prophecy often referred to as "The Glory of Zion." The preceding verses describe the glorious future of Jerusalem (Zion) as a beacon of light and glory, drawing nations and their wealth to it. Kings will serve her, and her gates will be continually open (Isaiah 60:11). Verse 12 serves as a stark contrast and a solemn warning: while some nations will come to serve, those that refuse will face divine judgment. The "thee" in the verse refers directly to Zion, God's holy city, which is the focal point of God's redemptive plan and future glory.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse underscores God's ultimate authority over all nations and kingdoms. He is the supreme ruler, and their refusal to acknowledge or serve Him carries severe repercussions. It highlights His righteous judgment against rebellion and disobedience.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The phrases "shall perish" and "shall be utterly wasted" emphasize the complete and devastating outcome for those who oppose God's will. This is a clear declaration of divine wrath against those who refuse to participate in or submit to His glorious future for His people.
  • The Importance of Serving God: While the verse focuses on the negative consequences of refusal, it implicitly highlights the blessedness and necessity of serving God. Nations that serve Zion are blessed, while those that do not are cursed. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, concerning both nations and individuals (Psalm 2:10-12).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "perish" is 'avad (אבד), which means to be lost, destroyed, or to cease to exist. It conveys a sense of utter ruin and finality. Similarly, "utterly wasted" comes from the Hebrew charav (חרב), meaning to be desolate, laid waste, or dried up. Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of complete devastation and desolation, emphasizing the irreversible nature of God's judgment on those who stand against His purposes.

Practical Application

While this prophecy has a specific historical and eschatological context concerning Israel's future glory, its principles remain relevant. It serves as a reminder that:

  • God's Authority is Absolute: Nations, governments, and individuals are ultimately accountable to God. Refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty or align with His moral law leads to spiritual and often tangible decline.
  • The Call to Serve: For believers, this verse reinforces the call to serve God wholeheartedly and to stand with His purposes in the world. Our allegiance is first and foremost to Him and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
  • Hope in God's Triumph: Despite the current state of the world, this verse assures us of God's ultimate triumph. His kingdom will prevail, and all opposition will eventually be overcome, leading to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1).
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 54:15 (6 votes)

    Behold, they shall surely gather together, [but] not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

  • Zechariah 14:12 (6 votes)

    And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

  • Zechariah 14:19 (6 votes)

    This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

  • Isaiah 14:2 (5 votes)

    And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

  • Daniel 2:44 (5 votes)

    And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

  • Daniel 2:45 (5 votes)

    Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

  • Isaiah 41:11 (5 votes)

    Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.