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.

ISAIAH 60:6KJV
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Isaiah 60:6 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:6 mean?

Isaiah 60:6 describes a scene where large groups of camels and dromedaries from places like Midian, Ephah, and Sheba come to Jerusalem, bringing gifts of gold and incense and proclaiming praise to the LORD. The verse paints a picture of distant nations bringing their wealth and honor to God’s people as a sign of respect and worship.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, describing a future time of restoration and glory after hardship. The mention of camels and goods from places like Midian and Sheba points to ancient trade routes and wealthy regions, showing that people from far-off lands will be drawn to honor God in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:6

  • "multitude" (רֹב, rov): This word means a great number or abundance, emphasizing that the arrival is not just a few travelers, but a vast caravan.
  • "cover" (כָּסָה, kasah): This verb means to cover or overwhelm, suggesting that the camels will be so numerous they will fill and surround the city.
  • "praises" (תְּהִלָּה, tehilah): This word refers to songs or declarations of praise, highlighting that the visitors are not just bringing material gifts but also honoring the LORD with their words.

Why Isaiah 60:6 matters

  • Isaiah 60:6 clarifies that the future hope for Jerusalem involves not only material prosperity but also spiritual recognition from other nations, as they bring both wealth and praise to God.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme in Isaiah 60 of light and restoration, showing Jerusalem as a center that draws people from all over the world.
  • This verse helps correct the idea that God’s blessings are only for Israel; instead, it shows a vision where many nations participate in honoring the LORD.

Where else these words appear

“multitude” Hebrew H8229 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • Job 22:11 Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.
  • Job 38:34 Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?

“Ephah” Hebrew H5891 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 25:4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:33 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:46 And Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bare Haran, and Moza, and Gazez: and Haran begat Gazez.

“incense” Hebrew H3828 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 30:34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
  • Leviticus 6:15 And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD.
  • Song of Solomon 4:6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.

“forth” Hebrew H1319 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • Psalms 96:2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.