Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights an unexpected emotional response: "your heart shall thrill and exult" because it shall also "fear." This isn't fear of danger, but a profound, awe-struck trembling at the marvel of God's goodness and the abundance being poured out. It reveals that true, overwhelming joy in God's blessings often comes mingled with a deep sense of holy awe.
Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of restoration and glory for Jerusalem and its people, who have been exiled and scattered. It follows verses describing the return of Israel's dispersed children and the influx of people from distant lands. The verses immediately after will further detail the wealth and nations that will come to Jerusalem, emphasizing its future prominence and God's blessing.
The verse describes an emotional and physical reaction to God's work: a heart that 'thrills and exults.' What does this intense joy look like, and why does it happen?
The Hebrew words translated 'thrill' and 'exult' paint a vivid picture of overwhelming happiness.
This emotional response isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a direct result of God's promised provision and the influx of blessing.
The verse speaks of 'abundance of the sea' and 'wealth of the nations' coming to Zion. What does this dramatic shift in fortune signify?
This prophecy describes a radical redirection of global resources and influence towards God's people.
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The core idea is that what once served the nations and their idols will now be brought to serve Zion, representing God's people and His purposes. This isn't just about material gain; it's about the nations recognizing God's sovereignty and His people's blessedness.
Understand the original words
chayil · Hebrew Noun
An expression describing the riches, resources, and material strength of foreign cultures. In the context of prophecy, it often symbolizes the conversion and restoration of the nations to acknowledge the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
This prophecy of abundant wealth flowing to Jerusalem comes during the Babylonian exile, a period of utter devastation and loss, offering a stark contrast and a powerful vision of future restoration and divine blessing.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Trade Flourishes
King Solomon's reign saw unprecedented wealth and international trade, particularly through maritime routes, establishing a precedent for wealth flowing to Israel.
734-732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The Assyrian Empire's conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel led to mass deportations and political upheaval, scattering populations and demonstrating the power of foreign empires.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrians conquered the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria, leading to the 'lost tribes' and a significant disruption of Israelite national identity and territory.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon began deporting Judean elites and skilled workers to Babylon, initiating a period of exile and loss for the people of Judah.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, marking the end of the Davidic monarchy and plunging the remaining Jewish population into exile and despair.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews, to their homelands.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
Following their return from exile, the Jewish people rebuilt and dedicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of their restored covenant relationship with God.
This passage describes a future restoration where Jerusalem will be known for joy and praise, mirroring Isaiah's vision of a radiant heart and exultation due to divine favor and prosperity.
Haggai 2:7This verse speaks of 'the desirable things of all nations' coming to the restored temple, which directly parallels Isaiah's prophecy of the 'wealth of the nations' coming to Zion.
Zechariah 8:20-23This passage foretells a future where many nations and strong cities will seek the Lord in Jerusalem, echoing the theme of Gentiles coming to the people of God and sharing in their abundance.
Matthew 13:44-46Jesus' parables of the hidden treasure and the valuable pearl illustrate the immense value and joy found in discovering God's kingdom, reflecting the profound radiance and exultation described in Isaiah 60:5.
Revelation 21:24-26This vision of the New Jerusalem depicts nations walking in its light and bringing their glory into it, a clear New Testament fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 60:5 about the wealth and abundance of the nations being turned to God's people.
cambridgeIsaiah 60:5: "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."
5 . and flow together] See ch. Isaiah 2:2 . But the right translation is that of R.V. and be lightened (cf. Psalm 34:5 ). The two verbs are identical in form but belong to distinct roots. thine heart shall fear ] Lit., shall throb , obviously from joy, as in Jeremiah 33:9 . These are pe…
clarkeIsaiah 60:5: "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."
Then thou shalt see "Then shalt thou fear" - For תראי tirai, thou shalt see, as ours and much the greater number of the translators, ancient and modern, render it, forty MSS. (ten ancient) of Kennicott's, and twenty-eight of De Rossi's, with one ancient of my own, and the old edition o…
The verse highlights an unexpected emotional response: "your heart shall thrill and exult" because it shall also "fear." This isn't fear of danger, but a profound, awe-struck trembling at the marvel of God's goodness and the abundance being poured out. It reveals that true, overwhelming joy in God's blessings often comes mingled with a deep sense of holy awe.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of restoration and glory for Jerusalem and its people, who have been exiled and scattered. It follows verses describing the return of Israel's dispersed children and the influx of people from distant lands. The verses immediately after will further detail the wealth and nations that will come to Jerusalem, emphasizing its future prominence and God's blessing.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy of restoration and glory for Jerusalem and its people, who have been exiled and scattered. It follows verses describing the return of Israel's dispersed children and the influx of people from distant lands. The verses immediately after will further detail the wealth and nations that will come to Jerusalem, emphasizing its future prominence and God's blessing.
"Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you." — The verse highlights an unexpected emotional response: "your heart shall thrill and exult" because it shall also "fear." This isn't fear of danger, but a profound, awe-struck trembling at the marve…
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Last reviewed October 2026