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Isaiah 60:16

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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.

Thou shalt also suck {H3243} the milk {H2461} of the Gentiles {H1471}, and shalt suck {H3243} the breast {H7699} of kings {H4428}: and thou shalt know {H3045} that I the LORD {H3068} am thy Saviour {H3467} and thy Redeemer {H1350}, the mighty One {H46} of Jacob {H3290}.

You will drink the milk of nations, you will nurse at royal breasts and know that I, ADONAI, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Ya'akov.

You will drink the milk of nations and nurse at the breasts of royalty; you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Thou shalt also suck the milk of the nations, and shalt suck the breast of kings; and thou shalt know that I, Jehovah, am thy Saviour, and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Commentary

Isaiah 60:16 (KJV) is a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the future glory and provision for Zion (often understood as Jerusalem or God's people). This verse paints a vivid picture of divine abundance and recognition of God's unique identity.

Context

Chapter 60 of Isaiah is a magnificent vision of restoration and light following periods of darkness and affliction for God's people. It begins with a call for Jerusalem to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come" (Isaiah 60:1). The preceding verses describe nations and kings coming to Zion, bringing their wealth and serving her. Verse 16 specifically elaborates on this theme of provision, using the intimate imagery of nourishment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Sustenance: The imagery of "sucking the milk of the Gentiles" and "the breast of kings" signifies that the nations of the world, including their rulers, will contribute to the prosperity and well-being of God's people. This speaks to an unprecedented era of support and resources flowing into Zion, not through conquest, but through willing service.
  • God's Identity as Saviour and Redeemer: Central to this verse is the declaration, "thou shalt know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer." This recognition is the ultimate purpose of the outpouring of blessings. It underscores that all prosperity and restoration come from God's hand, solidifying His covenant relationship with His people.
  • The Mighty One of Jacob: This title emphasizes God's immense power, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His covenant with Jacob (Israel). It assures that the promised future is not based on human strength but on the omnipotence of God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "Saviour" is Yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning "to deliver, save, help." It speaks to God's act of liberation and rescue.
  • "Redeemer" comes from the Hebrew Ga'al (גָּאַל), which carries the rich meaning of a kinsman-redeemer who acts to restore, reclaim, or set free through payment or powerful intervention. This term highlights God's personal, familial bond with His people and His commitment to their full restoration.
  • "The mighty One of Jacob" (אַבִּיר יַעֲקֹב, Abbir Ya'aqov) is a unique and powerful title, asserting God's strength and steadfastness, often found in prophetic and poetic texts (e.g., Genesis 49:24).

Practical Application and Significance

Isaiah 60:16 offers immense hope and reassurance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the restoration and prosperity of His people, whether understood as literal Israel or the Church. It prophesies a future where God's glory is so evident that even those outside the immediate covenant community are drawn to contribute to His purposes.

For believers today, this verse can symbolize God's multifaceted provision, often coming from unexpected sources. It reinforces the truth that our ultimate security and well-being come from knowing God as our Saviour and Redeemer. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign plan, knowing that He is the "mighty One" who fulfills His promises, ensuring that His people will flourish and that His name will be glorified among all nations.

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 49:23 (15 votes)

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • Isaiah 66:14 (13 votes)

    And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

  • Isaiah 66:11 (13 votes)

    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 66:12 (13 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 61:6 (12 votes)

    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 43:3 (10 votes)

    For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

  • Isaiah 43:4 (10 votes)

    Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.