Isaiah 60:7
All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read this as simply nations bringing literal animals for sacrifice. But notice that the rams "shall minister to you" and "come up with acceptance on my altar." This isn't just about offering property; it points to the people themselves willingly serving and being presented as a willing offering, anticipating their acceptance before God.
This passage comes amid a grand vision of Jerusalem's future restoration and expansion, following God's call to "Arise, shine." It describes foreign peoples and their wealth flowing toward Zion, contrasting with its previous desolation. This verse specifically highlights the contributions of Arabian tribes, Kedar and Nebaioth, bringing their livestock, symbolizing their devotion and the beautification of God's dwelling place.
Imagine distant, wealthy tribes—known for their vast herds—not as adversaries, but as contributors to God's house. This verse paints a picture of transformation.
Isaiah 60:7 speaks of the flocks of Kedar and the rams of Nebaioth being brought to Jerusalem. These were nomadic Arab tribes, whose wealth was primarily in their livestock. Their contribution wasn't just symbolic; it represented a significant offering of their livelihood.
It's not just about what is offered, but how it's received. This verse reveals God's active role in transforming both the offerings and His dwelling place.
The core of this verse lies in God's response to these offerings: 'they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house.' This shows a divine initiative to bless and elevate.
Understand the original words
ratson · Hebrew Noun
A general term for the covenantal acceptance of a person or offering by God; it implies divine favor and being found pleasing in His sight.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
The designated place of sacrifice where atonement is made; it represents the point of contact between a holy God and sinful humanity through the shedding of blood.
This prophecy envisions a future where not only Jewish flocks but also those of nomadic Arab tribes like Kedar and Nebaioth (who would later become the Nabataeans) would be brought to God's altar in Jerusalem. This highlights a radical inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, far beyond the scope of the Second Temple period itself, pointing towards the universal nature of worship in the messianic age.
c. 645 BC
Nabataean King Wars with Assyria
The Nabataean king Nathan engages in conflict with Assyrian king Asshur-bani-pal, illustrating the historical presence and power of the Nabataean tribes.
c. 5th - 1st century BC
Nabataeans Rise to Prominence
The Nabataean kingdom expands, becoming a significant power in northern Arabia between the Elanitic Gulf and the Lower Euphrates, controlling trade routes.
c. 160 BC
Nabataeans Ally with Jews
During the Maccabean period, the Nabataeans form an alliance with the Jews, providing them with valuable assistance.
Undated (likely 8th-6th century BC)— this verse
Prophecy of Isaiah
Isaiah delivers his prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel and the future glory of Jerusalem and its temple, envisioning a time when distant nations will bring their wealth and worship there.
This passage introduces Nebaioth as a son of Ishmael, connecting him to the Arab tribes mentioned in Isaiah and establishing a lineage that would eventually be part of God's plan.
Psalm 72:10-11This Psalm describes kings bringing gifts and all nations serving the righteous ruler, echoing the theme of foreign peoples bringing tribute and submission to God's chosen king and kingdom.
Zechariah 14:20-21This passage speaks of holiness to the Lord for all nations, with everyday items like pots and bells consecrated, reflecting the spirit of Isaiah's prophecy where the nations' wealth and produce are dedicated to God's service.
Romans 15:16Paul directly references the Gentile mission in relation to his priestly service, highlighting the acceptance of Gentiles and their offerings as a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God, fulfilling the prophetic vision.
Revelation 21:24-26This vision of the New Jerusalem describes nations walking in its light and kings bringing their glory into it, presenting a future fulfillment of the ingathering of peoples and their treasures into God's eternal dwelling.
cambridgeIsaiah 60:7: "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory."
7 . Kedar (see on ch. Isaiah 21:16 ) … Nebajoth ] Cf. Genesis 25:13 &c. The identification of the latter tribe with the Nabatæans of the classical writers is disputed by some eminent authorities, but it is at least a significant circumstance that “Nabataei et Cedrei” are bracketed t…
pulpitIsaiah 60:7: "All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory."
Verse 7. - Kedar... Nebaioth. Arab tribes, like the Midianites and Sabaeans. (With respect to Kedar, see the comment on Isaiah 21:15.) "Nebaioth" stands for the tribe called by the Greeks and Romans the "Nabataeans," and by the Assyrians the "Nabaiti," who were one of the most powe…
It's easy to read this as simply nations bringing literal animals for sacrifice. But notice that the rams "shall minister to you" and "come up with acceptance on my altar." This isn't just about offering property; it points to the people themselves willingly serving and being presented as a willing offering, anticipating their acceptance before God.
This passage comes amid a grand vision of Jerusalem's future restoration and expansion, following God's call to "Arise, shine." It describes foreign peoples and their wealth flowing toward Zion, contrasting with its previous desolation. This verse specifically highlights the contributions of Arabian tribes, Kedar and Nebaioth, bringing their livestock, symbolizing their devotion and the beautification of God's dwelling place.
This passage comes amid a grand vision of Jerusalem's future restoration and expansion, following God's call to "Arise, shine." It describes foreign peoples and their wealth flowing toward Zion, contrasting with its previous desolation. This verse specifically highlights the contributions of Arabian tribes, Kedar and Nebaioth, bringing their livestock, symbolizing their devotion and the beautification of God's dwelling place.
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c. 516 BC
Second Temple Completed
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, serving as the center of worship for the returning Jewish exiles. This event fulfills part of the prophecies concerning the restoration of the house of God.
"All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will beautify my beautiful house." — It's easy to read this as simply nations bringing literal animals for sacrifice. But notice that the rams "shall minister to you" and "come up with acceptance on my altar." This isn't just about offe…
