You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about receiving wealth from other nations; it's about a profound nourishment. The imagery of "sucking milk" and nursing at the "breast" suggests that the church will receive not just resources, but the very sustenance and nurturing essence of these nations and their rulers, transforming and strengthening her from within. This intimate connection points to a deep, almost maternal, provision from God through these gentiles.
You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after Isaiah's depiction of Jerusalem in radiant glory, attracting people from all over the world. It continues the theme of foreign nations and their rulers actively contributing to and supporting God's people, bringing their wealth and power to serve them. The verse culminates in the assurance that through these blessings, God's people will intimately know Him as their Savior and Redeemer.
Imagine a world where nations willingly bring their finest treasures not for conquest, but for the flourishing of God's people. This verse paints a picture of such abundance.
The imagery of "sucking the milk of nations" and "nursing at the breast of kings" is a powerful metaphor. It's not about conquest or exploitation, but about God's people being sustained and nourished by the resources and influence of the world.
Amidst promises of global provision, there's an even deeper truth: a personal knowledge of God's saving power.
The climax of this verse isn't the influx of nations' wealth, but the profound realization: 'and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.' This knowledge is experiential.
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Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the one true God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and holiness.
mōšî‘ēk · Hebrew Noun
One who delivers or rescues others from danger, bondage, or destruction; in a biblical context, it refers to God's divine act of rescuing His people from judgment, sin, or oppression.
gō’ǎlēk · Hebrew Noun
A kinsman-redeemer is one who possesses the legal right or responsibility to buy back, restore, or avenge a relative; applied to God, it signifies His role in reclaiming His people from slavery or judgment.
’ǎbîr ya‘ǎqōḇ · Hebrew Noun phrase
An attribute of God describing His absolute power, strength, and ability to fulfill His purposes and defend His people against all adversaries.
Isaiah 60:16 speaks of a future time when the nations and their wealth will flow to God's people, and kings will serve them. While this has echoes in the post-exilic return to Jerusalem and the offerings brought to the Second Temple, its ultimate fulfillment is seen in the spread of the Gospel, where people from all nations and rulers of kingdoms would come to know Christ and contribute to the flourishing of the Church.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Edict Allows Exiles to Return
After the Babylonian Exile, Cyrus the Great issues an edict permitting captured peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks a significant turning point, allowing for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, symbolizing a return to worship and a renewed sense of national and religious identity for the Jewish people, though on a much smaller scale than Solomon's original temple.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads a mission to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples. This event highlights the precarious state of Jerusalem and the ongoing efforts to establish its security and prominence.
c. 332 BC
Conquest by Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire, bringing Judea under Hellenistic rule. This ushers in a new era of Greek influence and, later, conflict between Jewish tradition and Hellenistic culture.
c. 167 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt erupts against Antiochus IV Epiphanes' oppressive rule and attempts to suppress Jewish practices. This struggle for religious and political freedom shapes Jewish identity and leads to a brief period of independence.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome intervenes in a Jewish civil war, ultimately conquering Judea and establishing Roman dominance. This marks the beginning of Roman imperial rule over the region, profoundly impacting its political and social landscape.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus occur during Roman rule. This pivotal event forms the basis of Christianity, a movement that would profoundly transform the understanding of God's salvation and redemption.
This passage uses a similar metaphor of kings and queens acting as nursing parents to God's people, highlighting the theme of nations providing for and honoring God's redeemed.
Zechariah 14:14This verse speaks of the wealth of surrounding nations being captured and contributing to Jerusalem's prosperity, echoing the idea in Isaiah 60:16 of nations' riches benefiting God's people.
Revelation 21:24This New Testament passage describes the nations walking in the light of New Jerusalem and kings bringing their glory into it, showing a future fulfillment of nations and their rulers contributing to God's redeemed community.
Psalm 72:10-11This psalm predicts that kings from distant lands will bring tribute and bow down to a future ruler, aligning with Isaiah 60:16's vision of kings serving and contributing to God's chosen people.
jfbIsaiah 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."
- suck—Thou shalt draw to thyself and enjoy all that is valuable of the possessions of the Gentiles, &c. (Isa 49:23; 61:6; 66:11, 12).know—by the favors bestowed on thee, and through thee on the Gentiles.
henryIsaiah 60:15-22: "Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations."
60:15-22 We must look for the full accomplishment in times and things, exceeding those of the Old Testament church. The nations and their kings shall lay themselves out for the good of the church. Such a salvation, such a redemption, shall be wrought out for thee, as discovers itself to be the work of the Lord. Every thing shall be ch…
The verse isn't just about receiving wealth from other nations; it's about a profound nourishment. The imagery of "sucking milk" and nursing at the "breast" suggests that the church will receive not just resources, but the very sustenance and nurturing essence of these nations and their rulers, transforming and strengthening her from within. This intimate connection points to a deep, almost maternal, provision from God through these gentiles.
This passage comes right after Isaiah's depiction of Jerusalem in radiant glory, attracting people from all over the world. It continues the theme of foreign nations and their rulers actively contributing to and supporting God's people, bringing their wealth and power to serve them. The verse culminates in the assurance that through these blessings, God's people will intimately know Him as their Savior and Redeemer.
This passage comes right after Isaiah's depiction of Jerusalem in radiant glory, attracting people from all over the world. It continues the theme of foreign nations and their rulers actively contributing to and supporting God's people, bringing their wealth and power to serve them. The verse culminates in the assurance that through these blessings, God's people will intimately know Him as their Savior and Redeemer.
"You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob." — The verse isn't just about receiving wealth from other nations; it's about a profound nourishment. The imagery of "sucking milk" and nursing at the "breast" suggests that the church will receive not…
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Last reviewed October 2026