Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

ISAIAH 60:9KJV
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Isaiah 60:9 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 60:9 mean?

Isaiah 60:9 describes distant lands ("the isles") waiting expectantly for God, with ships from Tarshish arriving first to bring the people of Israel home from far away, along with their wealth, to honor the LORD and the Holy One of Israel, because God has made Israel glorious. The verse paints a picture of nations helping to gather Israel's scattered people and treasures, recognizing God's special favor.

Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, describing a future time when exiles will return from distant places. The mention of "the isles" and "ships of Tarshish" refers to far-off nations and powerful trading ships, symbolizing the reach and influence of God's promise. The verse highlights the honor and restoration God will bring to Israel, with even foreign nations participating in this act of recognition and respect.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 60:9

  • "isles" (אִיִּים, 'iyyim, H339): This word often refers to distant coastlands or remote places, emphasizing how far the returning people have been scattered and how wide God's influence will reach.
  • "wait" (קָוָה, qavah, H6960): The sense here is of eager expectation or hope, showing that these distant lands are not just passive but are looking forward to God's action.
  • "Tarshish" (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish, H8659): Tarshish was known as a distant, wealthy trading port, likely in the western Mediterranean. Mentioning its ships suggests a connection to global commerce and the movement of valuable goods.
  • "glorified" (פָּאַר, pa'ar, H6286): This word means to make beautiful or to honor. Here, it highlights that God has elevated Israel's status in the eyes of the world.

Why Isaiah 60:9 matters

  • Isaiah 60:9 clears up the idea that Israel's restoration is a purely local event; it shows that even distant nations will play a role, making the promise much broader in scope.
  • The verse emphasizes that the return of Israel's people is not just about geography, but about honor, wealth, and recognition of God's greatness by other nations.
  • Isaiah 60:9 connects to the wider chapter, which describes a time of light, glory, and international respect for Israel, underscoring the transformation from former exile and shame to restored dignity.

Where else these words appear

“glorified” Hebrew H6286 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 8:9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
  • Psalms 149:4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
  • Isaiah 55:5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

“Tarshish” Hebrew H8659 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

“ships” Hebrew H591 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 23:14 Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

“isles” Hebrew H339 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Isaiah 41:5 The isles saw it, and feared; the ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came.
  • Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.