Isaiah 60:9
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 60:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, it is prophesied that the islands will eagerly wait for the Lord to bring back his people, with the ships of Tarshish leading the way. The mention of Tarshish, a wealthy and powerful trading nation, signifies the importance and grandeur of this event. The return of the Lord's people from afar, bringing silver and gold as offerings, symbolizes the restoration of their wealth and prosperity. It also illustrates their reverence and willingness to honor the name of the Lord and the Holy One of Israel. The mention of the Lord glorifying his people shows his favor and blessing upon them. This verse serves as a reminder of the Lord's faithfulness and promises to his people, assuring them of his ultimate plan for their redemption and restoration.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a time when distant lands, represented by the isles and the ships of Tarshish, will eagerly await the return of God's people from exile. The mention of Tarshish, known for its abundance of wealth and resources, signifies the grandeur of the ships that will bring the Israelites back to their homeland. The treasures of silver and gold that the returning exiles bring with them symbolize the restoration of God's people and the flourishing of their land. The mention of the name of the LORD thy God emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and worshiping God for His role in their deliverance. The phrase "because he hath glorified thee" highlights how the Israelites will be esteemed and honored by God through their redemption. Overall, this verse conveys the theme of divine restoration, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their rightful place in His plan.
Isaiah 60:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
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, for the name of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he hath [ glorified thee.
World English Bible
Surely the islands shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.
Douay-Rheims
For, the islands wait for me, and the ships of the sea in the beginning: that I may bring thy sons from afar: their silver, and their gold with them, to the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Surely the yles shall waite for mee, and the shippes of Tarshish, as at the beginning, that they may bring thy sonnes from farre, and their siluer, and their golde with them, vnto the Name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy one of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.