Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
ISAIAH 60:16KJVWhat does Isaiah 60:16 mean?
Isaiah 60:16 describes a time when Jerusalem will receive support and resources from foreign nations and their leaders, showing that God is the one who saves and restores His people. The verse uses the image of nursing from the “Gentiles” and “kings” to picture abundance and care coming from unexpected places.
In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, promising a future when the city will be honored and provided for by other nations. The language is poetic, using the idea of “milk” and “breast” to show nourishment and blessing. The verse ends by stressing that it is the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) who is acting as Savior and Redeemer, making clear that all this good fortune comes from God’s power and faithfulness.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:16
- “suck” (יָנַק, yanaq): This word means to nurse or draw nourishment, and here it suggests receiving life and sustenance from others, not just material goods but also care and support.
- “milk” (חָלָב, chalav): Milk is a symbol of basic nourishment and plenty, showing that what Jerusalem receives is essential and life-giving.
- “Gentiles” (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This word refers to the nations or non-Israelite peoples, highlighting that outsiders will become sources of blessing for Jerusalem.
- “Redeemer” (גָּאַל, go’el): This term refers to someone who rescues or buys back, often used for a close relative who restores someone’s fortunes. Here, it emphasizes God’s personal commitment to save and restore His people.
Why Isaiah 60:16 matters
- The verse clears up the idea that God’s blessings are limited to Israel alone; instead, it shows that God can use even foreign nations and their leaders to provide for His people.
- The emphasis on God as both “Saviour” and “Redeemer” highlights that all restoration and help ultimately come from God, not human alliances or efforts.
- Isaiah 60:16 connects to the wider chapter’s theme of Jerusalem’s future glory and the reversal of its former shame, showing a complete transformation brought about by God’s intervention.