A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse describes a lavish procession of wealth and tribute arriving from distant lands, but the true treasure isn't just the gold and frankincense. It's the "good news" and "praises of the Lord" they bring, indicating that the ultimate offering from these nations is their declaration of God's greatness and their joy in Him. This highlights that the most valuable import from the world to God's people is not material wealth, but the worship and testimony of His name.
A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of future restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following promises of light and the return of exiled people, the prophet now vividly describes the wealth and tribute that will flow to the city from distant lands. These nations, represented by camel caravans laden with precious goods, will not only bring material riches but also offer praise to the Lord, signifying a global recognition of God's sovereignty.
Camels laden with gold and incense might seem like the ultimate prize. But what does this prophecy truly say about what God desires?
Isaiah 60:6 paints a vivid picture of nations bringing their most precious goods – gold and frankincense – to God's people. This isn't just about material riches. While it certainly signifies the wealth and resources of the world being dedicated to God's service, the ultimate offering isn't just the precious items themselves.
The Greater Treasure
The verse climaxes with a profound statement: 'and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.' This tells us that the real 'treasure' being brought is not just gold and incense, but the proclamation of God's goodness and glory. The material wealth is a symbol, pointing to the spiritual reality of people from all nations recognizing and celebrating God.
This shift from material to spiritual is key. It's about people being transformed by God's presence and then responding with joyful praise. The gold and incense are valuable, but the 'good news' of God's praise is infinitely more so.
Camels, described as 'ships of the desert,' were vital for ancient trade. What does their abundance signify in this prophecy?
The imagery of 'a multitude of camels' covering the land, specifically mentioning the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, and caravans from Sheba, speaks to a massive influx of resources and people.
Global Reach and Dedication
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These regions – Midian, Ephah, and Sheba – were known for their trade routes and valuable commodities. The 'multitude of camels' represents not just a few merchants, but vast caravans, a powerful stream of commerce flowing towards God's people. This signifies:
This isn't just about physical transport; it's about the nations, with all their capabilities and wealth, turning towards and serving God.
Understand the original words
Yhwh · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and personal relationship with His people.
lebonah · Hebrew Noun
A fragrant resin used as a primary component of incense in worship; biblically it symbolizes prayer and the pleasing aroma of offerings made to God.
This prophecy envisions a future, glorious Jerusalem where distant lands, rich in gold and incense like Sheba, Midian, and Ephah, bring their wealth and praise to the Lord. This imagery of abundant tribute from the East directly follows the historical context of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return and rebuilding, offering a powerful contrast of past desolation with future prosperity and global recognition of God's glory.
c. 1000 BC
Queen of Sheba's Visit
The Queen of Sheba, known for her kingdom's riches in gold and spices, visits King Solomon, highlighting the wealth and trade routes associated with Sheba.
c. 13th-12th century BC
Midianite and Ephahite Traders
The Midianites and Ephahites, descendants of Abraham, are established as traders, particularly known for their camels and involvement in commerce between regions like Gilead and Egypt.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian and Babylonian Influence
The Neo-Assyrian Empire expands its reach, and later the Neo-Babylonian Empire rises, creating a geopolitical landscape where nations like those mentioned in Isaiah would experience shifts in power and trade.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Israelites are exiled to Babylon, a period of distress and dispersion that sets the stage for prophecies of future restoration and return, underscoring the need for God's people to rely on His promises.
c. 6th century BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Return and Rebuilding
Following the exile, some Israelites return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and city, marking a partial fulfillment of restoration prophecies and demonstrating the Lord's faithfulness to His covenant people.
This passage describes the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus, echoing the precious gifts mentioned in Isaiah that would be brought to Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:24-26This future vision of the New Jerusalem shows nations walking in its light and kings bringing their splendor into it, mirroring the prophecy of Gentile nations bringing their wealth and praise to God's people.
Psalm 72:10-11This psalm anticipates kings from Sheba and Seba offering gifts and all nations serving God, which directly parallels the bringing of gold and frankincense from distant lands as described in Isaiah.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's declaration that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, provides a theological foundation for why people from all nations, as depicted in Isaiah, would come to worship the Lord.
barnesIsaiah 60:6: "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD."
The multitude of camels - Lowth renders this, 'An inundation of camels.' The Hebrew word properly denotes an inundation or overflowing of waters, but it is not improperly applied to a numerous caravan or company of animals. The camel is a well-known useful animal that constitutes the pr…
clarkeIsaiah 60:6: "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD."
The praises of the Lord "And the praise of Jehovah" - Thirty-three MSS. and three editions have ותהלת uthehillath, in the singular number; and so read the ancient versions, and one of my own MSS.
The verse describes a lavish procession of wealth and tribute arriving from distant lands, but the true treasure isn't just the gold and frankincense. It's the "good news" and "praises of the Lord" they bring, indicating that the ultimate offering from these nations is their declaration of God's greatness and their joy in Him. This highlights that the most valuable import from the world to God's people is not material wealth, but the worship and testimony of His name.
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of future restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following promises of light and the return of exiled people, the prophet now vividly describes the wealth and tribute that will flow to the city from distant lands. These nations, represented by camel caravans laden with precious goods, will not only bring material riches but also offer praise to the Lord, signifying a global recognition of God's sovereignty.
This passage continues Isaiah's vision of future restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following promises of light and the return of exiled people, the prophet now vividly describes the wealth and tribute that will flow to the city from distant lands. These nations, represented by camel caravans laden with precious goods, will not only bring material riches but also offer praise to the Lord, signifying a global recognition of God's sovereignty.
"A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD." — The verse describes a lavish procession of wealth and tribute arriving from distant lands, but the true treasure isn't just the gold and frankincense. It's the "good news" and "praises of the Lord" t…
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Last reviewed October 2026