Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The imagery of doves flying "to their windows" doesn't just suggest a quick return, but emphasizes their purposeful and urgent destination, like birds seeking the safety and familiarity of home. This highlights not merely a multitude, but a people actively returning, driven by an innate longing for their true sanctuary.
The prophet Isaiah, in a vision of future glory for Jerusalem, sees vast multitudes approaching from across the seas. This verse captures his awe and wonder as he questions the identity of these rapid, cloud-like formations arriving like doves returning to their roost. It signifies the immense influx of people, likely from Gentile nations, who will be drawn to God's people and presence.
Imagine looking out and seeing not just a few ships, but a vast, approaching spectacle filling the horizon. Who are these arriving, and what do they represent?
The prophet Isaiah uses powerful imagery to describe the return of God's people and the influx of nations coming to Jerusalem.
Speed and Number
The verse asks, 'Who are these that fly like a cloud?' This comparison speaks to the sheer number of people and vessels returning. Just as a cloud can cover the sky, this influx is immense, overwhelming the senses.
Purposeful Journey
They are also compared to 'doves to their windows.' Doves have a strong homing instinct; they fly swiftly and purposefully to their familiar dwelling places, especially when seeking safety or returning home. This highlights the eagerness and swiftness with which God's people and converts from the nations would return or come to Jerusalem.
Vessels of Restoration
Commentators suggest these 'clouds' and 'doves' are also metaphors for ships. These aren't just any ships; they are described as swift, numerous, and purposeful, bringing back exiles and precious treasures. This imagery paints a picture of divine restoration on a grand scale, with God orchestrating a massive, swift movement of people and resources back to Him.
Have you ever seen something so astonishing that you could only ask, 'Who are these?' This verse captures that moment of wonder.
Isaiah doesn't just describe a scene; he poses a question that reveals his own awe and the incredible nature of the vision.
Divine Revelation
The question 'Who are these?' isn't about confusion but about profound amazement. The prophet is witnessing a future reality so glorious and unexpected that it prompts an exclamation of wonder. It signifies that the fulfillment of God's promises will be so spectacular it catches even the seer by surprise.
The Coming Influx
Isaiah's vision of distant peoples rapidly arriving in Jerusalem like clouds and doves points to a future restoration and expansion of God's people, far beyond the return from Babylonian exile. This imagery speaks to the ingathering of diverse nations into the community of faith, highlighting the swiftness and overwhelming numbers involved in God's redemptive plan.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Babylonian Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, a remnant of Judean exiles returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple is dedicated, marking a significant moment of religious restoration for the returned exiles.
c. 458 BC - 432 BC
Reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further waves of returnees and implement significant religious and social reforms to re-establish Jewish life in Jerusalem.
c. 332 BC
Conquest by Alexander the Great
Alexander's conquest brings Judea under Hellenistic rule, influencing the region's culture and politics for centuries.
This passage describes Noah sending out a dove, which returned because it could find no rest. This creates a parallel of the dove's urgent return, highlighting the speed and purpose of the people coming to Jerusalem in Isaiah.
Hosea 11:11This verse speaks of the people returning to their homes like trembling doves from Egypt. It mirrors the imagery of swift, eager return found in Isaiah 60:8.
Song of Solomon 5:2Here, the lover describes his beloved's voice as 'like a dove.' This comparison in a context of love and longing can add a layer of tenderness to the imagery of doves returning to their secure home in Isaiah.
Matthew 3:16The Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus at his baptism provides a divine connection to the dove imagery. This association elevates the returning people in Isaiah from mere travelers to those embraced by God's presence.
Revelation 21:25In the description of the New Jerusalem, it's stated that its gates will 'never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.' This echoes the idea of safe, open access implied by 'doves to their windows' and speaks to the ultimate secure dwelling place for God's people.
cambridgeIsaiah 60:8: "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"
8 . as doves to their windows ] Genesis 8:9 . The point of comparison is rather the swiftness of the flight, than the whiteness of the wings and sails. 8, 9 . From the East the prophet turns to the West, and describes the ships of the Mediterranean “like white doves upon the wing” converging on Jerusalem. These also bring from afar the exiled sons of Zion, as well as rich treasures from the nations.
clarkeIsaiah 60:8: "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"
And as the doves to their windows "And like doves upon the wing?" - Instead of אל el, to, forty-two MSS. of Kennicott's, and one of mine, have by על, upon. For ארבתיהם arubboteyhem, their windows, read אברתיהם ebrotheyhem, their wings, transposing a letter. - Houbigant. The Septuagint render it συν νεοσσοις, "with their young;" they read אפרחיהם ephrocheyhem, nearer to the latter than to the present reading…
The imagery of doves flying "to their windows" doesn't just suggest a quick return, but emphasizes their purposeful and urgent destination, like birds seeking the safety and familiarity of home. This highlights not merely a multitude, but a people actively returning, driven by an innate longing for their true sanctuary.
The prophet Isaiah, in a vision of future glory for Jerusalem, sees vast multitudes approaching from across the seas. This verse captures his awe and wonder as he questions the identity of these rapid, cloud-like formations arriving like doves returning to their roost. It signifies the immense influx of people, likely from Gentile nations, who will be drawn to God's people and presence.
The prophet Isaiah, in a vision of future glory for Jerusalem, sees vast multitudes approaching from across the seas. This verse captures his awe and wonder as he questions the identity of these rapid, cloud-like formations arriving like doves returning to their roost. It signifies the immense influx of people, likely from Gentile nations, who will be drawn to God's people and presence.
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This question anticipates a massive influx of people and nations. It’s not just the return of scattered Israelites, but also the conversion of Gentiles, drawn to Jerusalem and the worship of Yahweh. The scale and speed of this movement are so extraordinary that the immediate reaction is astonishment and inquiry.
God's Glorious Work
Ultimately, the answer to 'Who are these?' is found in the context of Isaiah 60:1-7 – they are those drawn to the 'light' and 'glory' of the Lord shining upon His people. They are the fruit of God's redemptive plan, arriving swiftly because God is making His name known and glorified throughout the earth.
c. 167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A revolt against Seleucid oppression leads to a period of Jewish independence under the Hasmonean dynasty.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquers Judea, integrating it into its vast empire and significantly altering the political landscape.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, occurring during the Roman occupation of Judea.
"Who are these that fly like a cloud, and like doves to their windows?" — The imagery of doves flying "to their windows" doesn't just suggest a quick return, but emphasizes their purposeful and urgent destination, like birds seeking the safety and familiarity of home. This…