Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a profound reversal: those who once may have been part of the forces that damaged or oppressed God's people will now be the ones rebuilding and serving them. It's a powerful reminder that God's favor can transform enemies into allies and fulfill His purposes through unexpected means, all stemming from His past wrath giving way to His present mercy.
Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Isaiah painting a glorious future for Jerusalem, emphasizing restoration and expansion after God's judgment. It follows visions of distant nations and their riches flowing to Zion, highlighting a period of divine favor that will more than compensate for past wrath. The prophet is speaking about a time when the nations, not just their wealth, will actively contribute to Jerusalem's rebuilding and well-being, signifying a complete reversal of fortune and a demonstration of God's profound mercy.
Imagine the very people who once tore down your walls now coming to help you rebuild them. This verse speaks of a radical reversal of roles.
The tables are turned!
Isaiah 60:10 presents a striking image: 'Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you.' This isn't just about physical rebuilding; it's a powerful picture of restoration and redemption.
Why would former enemies now serve God's people? The answer lies not in human effort, but in God's powerful intervention.
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From Wrath to Favor
The verse provides the crucial 'why' behind this incredible reversal: 'for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you.'
Understand the original words
qetseph · Hebrew Noun
Divine judgment or righteous indignation against sin; while severe, in Scripture it is always controlled by God's holiness and often leads to repentance or discipline.
rachamim · Hebrew Noun
The unmerited compassion and loving-kindness shown by God, especially toward those who are undeserving or suffering due to their own sin.
ratson · Hebrew Noun
The gracious goodwill and providential care of God toward His people; it is the opposite of His wrath and is often shown in restoration and blessing.
This verse speaks to a future restoration after the trauma of exile and destruction. It promises not only the rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses but also a profound reversal where former enemies and foreign rulers actively contribute to and serve God's people, reflecting divine favor after judgment.
587–586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, destroy Jerusalem, its Temple, and deport many of its citizens. This marks a period of exile and devastation for the people of Judah.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great, founder of the Persian Empire, conquers Babylon. His subsequent decree allows exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
520 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple Begins
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophet Haggai, the Jews begin the arduous task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, with foreign support for materials.
445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its defensive walls, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples.
This passage directly precedes and provides the context for Isaiah 60:10, explaining God's past wrath and His subsequent mercy that enables the future restoration described.
Zechariah 6:15This verse speaks of foreigners contributing to the building of the temple and Jerusalem, paralleling the idea of strangers building up the walls in Isaiah 60:10.
Romans 11:11-12This passage from the New Testament illustrates how the 'falling' of Israel led to the salvation of Gentiles, who in turn could provoke Israel to jealousy and contribute to God's redemptive plan, echoing the theme of foreigners' involvement in rebuilding.
Ephesians 2:11-13Paul describes how Gentiles, formerly alienated, are now 'built together into a dwelling place for God,' showing a spiritual fulfillment of strangers contributing to God's 'building' in a new covenant context.
Revelation 21:24-26This vision of the New Jerusalem describes nations walking in its light and kings bringing their glory into it, offering aeschatological fulfillment of the nations and their rulers ministering to God's people.
jfbIsaiah 60:10: "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee."
- kings … minister unto thee—(See on [862]Isa 60:7; Isa 49:23).in my wrath I smote thee—(Isa 54:7, 8; 57:17).
ellicottIsaiah 60:10: "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee."
(10) The sons of strangers shall build . . . —Either as willing proselytes or as being brought into subjection. (Comp. Zechariah 6:15 .) To build the temples or palaces of conquerors was, as in the case of the Egyptian and Babylonian bondage, the almost inevitable lot of the conquered.
This verse highlights a profound reversal: those who once may have been part of the forces that damaged or oppressed God's people will now be the ones rebuilding and serving them. It's a powerful reminder that God's favor can transform enemies into allies and fulfill His purposes through unexpected means, all stemming from His past wrath giving way to His present mercy.
This verse appears in a section of Isaiah painting a glorious future for Jerusalem, emphasizing restoration and expansion after God's judgment. It follows visions of distant nations and their riches flowing to Zion, highlighting a period of divine favor that will more than compensate for past wrath. The prophet is speaking about a time when the nations, not just their wealth, will actively contribute to Jerusalem's rebuilding and well-being, signifying a complete reversal of fortune and a demonstration of God's profound mercy.
This verse appears in a section of Isaiah painting a glorious future for Jerusalem, emphasizing restoration and expansion after God's judgment. It follows visions of distant nations and their riches flowing to Zion, highlighting a period of divine favor that will more than compensate for past wrath. The prophet is speaking about a time when the nations, not just their wealth, will actively contribute to Jerusalem's rebuilding and well-being, signifying a complete reversal of fortune and a demonstration of God's profound mercy.
"Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you; for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor I have had mercy on you." — This verse highlights a profound reversal: those who once may have been part of the forces that damaged or oppressed God's people will now be the ones rebuilding and serving them. It's a powerful rem…
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Last reviewed October 2026