Isaiah 60:4-7 – Salvation to the East
This entire prophecy is about the coming of the nations to God in Christ. Some commentators have thought that the sons and daughters here are the remaining Israelites, scattered by exile in Assyria and later (in Isaiah’s day) the Babylonians. Let’s remember, though, that place after place in Scripture, Old and New Testaments, teach that the nations would be incorporated into the people of God. The reaction of the people of God is radiant joy and exaltation. They know that this happens only by grace, in and through King Jesus.
These nations come over the sea, from afar, and bring their wealth in consecrating all to the honour and glory of the Redeemer. As well, as from the sea, come camel loads over land, caravans of wealth and splendour. These are from the east and somewhat south, as we see their names. The names are very important! All these people are descendants of Ishmael and Midian. They lived then, and their descendants now, in Arabia (Middle East). Thus, we have a promise here of the destruction of Islam, not by the sword of steel, but by the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!
They bring all their wealth consecrated to God. They bring their flocks for sacrifice. This looks ahead to their trusting, not in sheep or goats, but to the once-for-all shed blood of Christ. This, especially, glorifies the House of God. Now, in the days of the apostles the Gospel went to the Arabs. Paul preached in Arabia, as he tells the Galatians in Galatians 1:17. There were, and are, some professedly Christian Arabs, though few are Evangelical. Most are now followers of the false religion of Islam. This is what glorifies the House of God’s glory, the Church. It is there that God’s House is full of trophies of His grace. He triumphs in grace by bringing dead sinners to life, and those in darkness into dazzling light. He does so because He delights to have mercy, to Arabs and to many others, like you and me.
Questions
- What promises do we have in these verses?
- What does God delight to do?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is saving people throughout the world.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.