Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

ISAIAH 60:8KJV
Know the Bible

Isaiah 60:8 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:8 mean?

Isaiah 60:8 describes a vision of people arriving swiftly and in great numbers, comparing them to clouds moving across the sky and doves flying to their windows. The verse uses these images to express the sudden and abundant return or gathering of people, likely referring to exiles or nations coming toward Jerusalem.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, painting a picture of hope and restoration after a time of hardship. The surrounding chapter describes a future time when Jerusalem will be honored and filled with people and wealth from distant lands. The verse’s poetic language emphasizes both the speed and the peacefulness of this return, using familiar sights—clouds and doves—to help listeners imagine the scene.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:8

  • "fly" (עוּף, `uf): This word often means to move swiftly through the air, like a bird. Here, it highlights the quick and eager movement of those coming to Jerusalem.
  • "cloud" (עָב, `av): Clouds are large, visible, and move together across the sky. The comparison suggests a great multitude arriving at once, not just a few individuals.
  • "doves" (יוֹנָה, yonah): Doves were common in Israel and known for returning home quickly and directly. The image adds a sense of peace and belonging to the movement.
  • "windows" (אֲרֻבָּה, arubbah): This word refers to openings or latticed windows in homes, where doves would fly in to their nests. It gives the picture a homely, welcoming feeling.

Why Isaiah 60:8 matters

  • Isaiah 60:8 clarifies that the return or gathering is not just a trickle but a dramatic, visible event, using natural imagery that would be familiar to ancient listeners.
  • The verse emphasizes both the scale (like clouds) and the gentleness or homing instinct (like doves) of those coming, balancing the ideas of multitude and peace.
  • In the context of Isaiah 60, this verse helps set the tone for the whole chapter, which is about restoration, hope, and the honor of Jerusalem after a long period of suffering and exile.

Where else these words appear

“windows” Hebrew H699 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Kings 7:2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof.
  • Isaiah 24:18 And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

“fly” Hebrew H5774 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 1:20 And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
  • Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.
  • Isaiah 11:14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

“cloud” Hebrew H5645 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 19:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.
  • Job 30:15 Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
  • Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.

“doves” Hebrew H3123 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • Leviticus 14:22 And two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.
  • Song of Solomon 4:1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead.