Isaiah 60:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He anticipates and speaks of this to the spiritual Jerusalem, referring to the Church, initially comprised of Jews, who were the first to believe: "Lift up your eyes all around and see; they all gather together" – behold, "your sons are coming from afar, and your daughters will be carried on the hip." This signifies His gathering of believers from every nation and land, drawing them into the grace of faith, akin to approaching a fortified city, which is symbolically the Church that nurtures the saints.

Certainly, a similar message is conveyed elsewhere: in the final days, the mountain of the Lord will be established above all mountains and exalted above the hills, and many nations will come, proclaiming, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths” (Micah 4:1-2; Isa. 2:2-3). The children of Jerusalem are not merely the biological descendants of Israel but encompass all believers from every nation who have been called to the light of truth through faith. As Paul wisely articulates: “Not everyone who is descended from Israel belongs to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his descendants; but it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned” (Romans 9:6-8). God declared to the faithful Abraham, "I have made you a father of many nations" (Rom. 4:17; Gen. 17:5).

Thus, as the Gentiles assemble in great numbers to worship Christ, it is as if He commands them to lift their eyes and realize their children are approaching from every direction. They come, though they were once far removed—not in distance, but in thought and spirit. As one of the holy prophets instructed those yearning to know the true God: “Remember the Lord from afar, and let Jerusalem come to your mind” (Jeremiah 51:50). The wise Paul also noted that Christ came to preach peace to those who were far away and to those who were close (Eph. 2:17). He addressed Gentile Christians, emphasizing: "Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called 'uncircumcised' by those who call themselves 'the circumcision'—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:11-13).

Those who are ignorant of the true and living God are designated as far from Him, both in thought and heart. However, their calling will soon come to fruition, hastening toward the preaching of the Gospel. They will approach God by faith, effortlessly and freely, ascending in grace. Just as newborns are nourished and find comfort in their mother’s embrace, so too are those called from the errors of Hellenism cared for gently and nurtured, growing into maturity in Christ through careful guidance, as they develop into complete beings, reaching the fullness of Christ.

The Lord instructed His apostles to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20). In their commitment to this mission, they did not impose heavy burdens on the believers; they advised the Gentile converts, "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to impose any greater burden on you than the necessary things" (Acts 15:28, 29). Moreover, Paul remarked, "I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready" (1 Corinthians 3:2). Those who are mature, however, partake of solid food, having their senses trained by consistent teaching in discerning good from evil (Heb. 5:14). Thus, he reiterates that “your sons and daughters will be carried on the hip,” indicating that you will witness, rejoice, and be filled with awe and fear. As divine Habakkuk expressed: “I have heard of Your fame, and I stand in awe of Your deeds, O Lord; renew them in our day" (Habakkuk 3:2).

These moments of astonishment arise when great and unexpected things occur, as you will witness things beyond comprehension: great riches from the sea and nations coming into your embrace. This acts as a clear prophecy of the Gentiles being drawn to the truth. The land of the Jews lies toward the south, surrounded by other nations and cities to the north and west. However, as they abandon their former errors and are reformed by the Gospel of Christ, the utterance signifies that the treasures of the sea will be bestowed upon the Church.

The wealth of cities and regions by the sea comes from the people residing there. Herds of camels from neighboring nations like the Midianites and the Gepharites, known for their wealth and idolatry, will also approach. Though they were once seen as enemies, they too will be redeemed and bear fruit for God. Once separated from the holy, those who had strayed, who were unclean, will now come in multitudes, bringing offerings and honoring God with their possessions.

From the far-off land of Sheba, they will come bearing gold and precious stones, proclaiming the salvation of the Lord. Sheba is located across from Arabia and close to the Red Sea, rich in frankincense, gold, and gemstones, as shown in the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Jerusalem (1 Kings 10:1-13). They will arrive as bearers of spiritual fruit, offering gold, riches, and moral purity. They will declare the Lord's salvation, for many from the Gentiles, wise of heart and knowledgeable of divine truths, will rise to the dignity of teachers, preaching salvation and grace through Christ, the Savior of all, and receiving crowns of glory.

Moreover, the flocks from Qedar and the rams from Nebaioth will make their way to you and ascend joyfully to My altar. Qedar and Nebaioth refer to lands abundant in pastures and populated, though steeped in idolatry. Yet, as he declares, they too shall bring offerings and make them pleasing upon My altar. Although the law of Moses forbade foreigners from offering sacrifices to God, and their offerings were unpleasing, now God invites them to be acceptable on the holy altars.

In Christ Jesus, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, for all are one in Him (Galatians 3:28). Two nations have been united in Him, as He has removed the barrier and abolished the dividing wall of hostility (Eph. 2:15). Therefore, the sacrifices of all who come to God through faith in Christ are deemed acceptable, glorifying God’s house of prayer. It is significant to acknowledge that the Church is not merely a place of sacrifice and smoke, like the former temple in Jerusalem, but rather a house of prayer and spiritual service. As the Psalmist expresses, “May my prayer be set before You like incense; may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

The Savior Himself recalled this, admonishing those engaged in commerce within the temple, declaring, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). When the temple transformed into a house of prayer, it was consequently glorified.

Additionally, there is a call to 'Rejoice in the children of Zion, preach to the children of Jerusalem.’ The Lord declares, 'Behold, I come to dwell among you,’ and many of the Gentiles shall be drawn to the Lord; they shall be My people, and I will be their God. We are those sons who have journeyed to the Lord from distant places, having once been far removed from God’s covenant and promises, devoid of hope and without God in the world. The apostle affirms, 'You who were once far off are now brought near.' The phrase regarding daughters receiving nourishment from the breast refers to the souls newly born in Christ and through infant baptism, of whom the Apostle Peter states, 'As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word.' They are nourished by the teachings of the Apostles. Additionally, Paul refers to these spiritual infants, saying, 'My children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.' He also remarks that like a nurturing mother lovingly cares for her children, those who long for you are glad to share not only the gospel of Christ but also our very lives. It is noteworthy as referenced in the Septuagint, 'Thy daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.' We should pay close attention to this, as the strong sons arrive on their own and unite in faith with the Lord. However, the daughters, who exhibit particular frailties, have yet to reach spiritual maturity. They are supported on the shoulders of the apostles, being brought into the fold of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Yet, the Church of God claims what was previously offered to idols; the once tumultuous sea of the Gentiles, transformed and sweetened by the wood of the redeeming cross, now brings presents to the Church of God. Most importantly, they rush to the city of Jerusalem from all corners of the earth and sea.

He invites the Church to rejoice as its children come from the west, north, sea, and east, eternally praising Christ within her.

These children symbolize not merely the Jewish converts, who have come to the Church in small numbers, but rather the Gentiles scattered throughout the world, now united in the one holy Church. They truly represent the children of Zion, spiritually born to her through the sacrament of baptism. The foundation of their unity within the body of Christ was established on the day of Pentecost in the upper room of Zion. This significant event was witnessed by many from various Gentile nations, who, upon hearing the Apostle Peter's message, embraced Christ that very day and returned to share the Gospel with their own people.