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)
This verse isn't just about animals being offered; it highlights that even nomadic tribes, traditionally seen as outsiders, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be used in worship. This signifies a radical inclusion, where their very livelihood becomes a means of honoring God on His altar, transforming their wealth into sacred service.
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)
This passage is part of a larger vision of restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following the instruction for Zion to "Arise, shine," the prophecy shifts to describe the influx of wealth and people from distant lands, including nomadic Arab tribes like Kedar and Nebaioth. These nations, previously outside God's covenant, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be offered as sacrifices, signifying their submission and the beautification of God's house.
Imagine vast desert tribes, known for their roaming flocks, not only coming to you but bringing their most prized possessions as offerings. This verse paints a picture of incredible generosity flowing from unexpected sources.
Isaiah 60:7 speaks of the flocks of Kedar and the rams of Nebaioth. These were prominent Arab tribes, known for their nomadic lifestyles and wealth in livestock.
The prophecy highlights that these nomadic peoples, who might seem on the fringes of civilization, would bring their abundant resources – their flocks – to contribute to God's people and God's house. It signifies a radical inclusion, where even those living a seemingly simple, mobile life would bring their best, their primary source of wealth, as an act of worship and service.
The verse doesn't just say these tribes would bring their flocks; it says they would come 'with acceptance on my altar.' What does this acceptance signify, and why is it so crucial?
The phrase 'come up with acceptance on my altar' speaks volumes about the and of these offerings.
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This highlights that God's house and His worship are not just for a select few but are open to all who approach Him with a willing heart and acceptable offerings, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice that makes all true worship possible.
After promising the influx of gifts from afar, the verse concludes with a powerful divine statement: 'and I will beautify my beautiful house.' What does this tell us about God's own passion for His dwelling place?
The final clause, 'and I will beautify my beautiful house,' shifts the focus to God's own action and desire.
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.
c. 645 BC
Assyrian War with Nabataeans
The Assyrian king Ashurbanipal records a war against the Nabaiatu (Nabataeans), who were descendants of Nebaioth and prominent Arab tribes. This shows the historical presence and power of these groups.
c. 6th-4th century BC
Rise of Nabataean Kingdom
The Nabataeans, descendants of Nebaioth, establish a powerful kingdom in Petra, controlling lucrative trade routes. Kedar represents other prominent Arab tribes of the region.
c. 160 BC
Nabataean Alliance with Jews
During the Maccabean period, the Nabataeans allied with the Jews, providing valuable assistance. This historical connection highlights their interaction with the people of Israel.
Mid-1st century AD— this verse
Flourishing Nabataean Trade and Influence
By the time of the New Testament, the Nabataean kingdom, including territories associated with Kedar, was a significant regional power known for its wealth derived from nomadic pastoralism and trade.
This passage introduces Nebaioth as a son of Ishmael, providing context for the Arabian tribes mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy and highlighting their lineage.
Psalm 72:10-11These verses speak of kings and nations bringing tribute and bowing down, echoing the theme of Gentile submission and offering to God's people found in Isaiah 60:7.
Malachi 1:11This verse prophesies that from the rising to the setting of the sun, God will receive pure offerings, paralleling Isaiah's vision of diverse peoples bringing sacrifices to God's altar.
Romans 15:16Paul refers to Gentile believers as an acceptable offering to God through the Holy Spirit, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial language in Isaiah to the New Testament reality of spiritual worship.
Revelation 21:24-26This passage describes the New Jerusalem, where the nations walk in its light and bring their glory into it, offering a future fulfillment of the ingathering of peoples and their riches prophesied in Isaiah 60.
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…
This verse isn't just about animals being offered; it highlights that even nomadic tribes, traditionally seen as outsiders, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be used in worship. This signifies a radical inclusion, where their very livelihood becomes a means of honoring God on His altar, transforming their wealth into sacred service.
This passage is part of a larger vision of restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following the instruction for Zion to "Arise, shine," the prophecy shifts to describe the influx of wealth and people from distant lands, including nomadic Arab tribes like Kedar and Nebaioth. These nations, previously outside God's covenant, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be offered as sacrifices, signifying their submission and the beautification of God's house.
This passage is part of a larger vision of restoration and glory for Jerusalem. Following the instruction for Zion to "Arise, shine," the prophecy shifts to describe the influx of wealth and people from distant lands, including nomadic Arab tribes like Kedar and Nebaioth. These nations, previously outside God's covenant, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be offered as sacrifices, signifying their submission and the beautification of God's house.
"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." — This verse isn't just about animals being offered; it highlights that even nomadic tribes, traditionally seen as outsiders, will bring their most valuable possessions—their flocks—to be used in worsh…
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Last reviewed October 2026