THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The proclamation of the prophet encapsulates the loftiest and most profound truths: it communicates the calling of the Gentiles and the unity of the two peoples in Christ, transforming the shadow of the law into a spiritual ministry. In Christ, all things are made new, and the former ways have passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). He has fashioned two nations into a single new creation, establishing peace and reconciling both into one body with the Father (Eph. 2:15, 16).
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This message is delivered to the spiritual Jerusalem, or the Church, which initially comprised the Jews, the first to believe: “Lift up your eyes round about, and see your children gathered together: behold, all your sons have come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.” This signifies the gathering of believers from every nation, as they are drawn to grace through faith, akin to a fortified city—the Church nurturing the saints. Similarly, it is foretold elsewhere that in the last days, the mountain of the Lord will be established above all mountains, exalted above the hills, and many nations will come, saying, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths” (Micah 4:1-2; Isaiah 2:2-3).
The children of Jerusalem are not solely the descendants of Israel but encompass all who, from every corner of the earth, have been called by faith to the light of truth, as the wise Paul indicates: “For not all who are of Israel are Israel, nor are they all children of Abraham’s seed, but the children of the promise are counted as the seed” (Romans 9:6-8). To the revered Abraham, God declared, “I have made you the father of many nations” (Rom. 4:17; Gen. 17:5). Therefore, as multitudes of Gentiles gather to worship Christ, He commands, “Lift up your eyes about you,” meaning to embrace the entirety of creation, and you will see your children approaching from every direction—coming not merely from distant lands but from afar in heart and spirit. As one of the holy prophets expressed to those in search of the true God: “If you recall the Lord from a distance, let Jerusalem come to your heart” (Jeremiah 51:50). Paul likewise writes of Christ that He came to proclaim the gospel of peace to those far away and to those near (Eph. 2:17). He addresses the Gentile believers, reminding them that prior to knowing Christ, they were without Him, alienated from the hope of Israel, and separated from the covenant of promise; now, through the blood of Christ, those once far off have been brought near (Eph. 2:11-13).
Thus, those unfamiliar with the true and living God are indeed distanced from Him in both mind and spirit. Yet, behold: their calling shall be realized swiftly, not delayed but hastening as if driven by the gospel's proclamation. They will come to God by faith, effortlessly and without struggle, for they will ascend as little children are nurtured in their mothers' arms. This is reminiscent of how those called out of Hellenistic error are lovingly guided, not subjected to harsh penalties, but gently nurtured, growing gradually into maturity in the fullness of Christ. For this reason, the Lord instructed His holy apostles to baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20). In fulfilling this command, the apostles, guided by their teachers' wisdom, did not impose heavy burdens on the believers; instead, they stated, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to lay upon you any greater burden than these essentials: that you should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, and from things strangled” (Acts 15:28-29). Paul also shared, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not able to receive it yet” (1 Corinthians 3:2). Those who are mature, however, partake of solid food, trained by prolonged experience to discern good from evil (Heb. 5:14).
Thus, He proclaims that your sons and daughters shall rise on high. Then you will see and be filled with awe—indeed, as the divine Habakkuk stated: “Lord, I have heard your report, and I am afraid; I have perceived your works, and I am terrified” (Habakkuk 3:2). At times, we too may express astonishment at the unexpected—this is what He alludes to when foretelling that the abundance of the sea, nations, and peoples will be brought forth to you. This foretells a time when many Gentiles will be awakened to the truth.
The territory of the Jews lay at the southern end of the earth, while the northern and western regions were populated by Gentile nations. However, as they turned away from their former errors to embrace the knowledge of the one true God through the ministers of Christ's Gospel, the prophet declares that the riches of the sea will be bestowed upon the Church. The wealth that lies in coastal cities and territories comprises those who dwell there. "Herds of camels shall come to you, the camels of the Midianites and of the descendants of Ephah shall cover you." Midianites and Ephah were neighboring nations known for their idolatry, but this passage indicates they too will be called and bear fruit for God. They were warriors and cattle herders, often hostile toward the Israelites. Yet, those who once strayed, unclean and estranged from the sanctified, will approach not alone but in great numbers, riding camels or bringing gifts to honor God. "Those from Sheba will come, bearing gold and precious stones, and they will declare the salvation of the Lord." Sheba, located near the Red Sea, was renowned for its wealth during Solomon's time (1 Kings 10:1-13). Thus, they will come offering fruit for God's glory, bringing gold and precious stones—symbolizing good deeds, purity of heart, and spiritual wealth.
Additionally, many who were called from the Gentiles, wise in heart and experienced in the sacred knowledge, received the honor of teaching and proclaiming salvation and grace through Christ, our Savior, and were adorned with glory. "The sheep of Kedar and the flocks of Nabathean shall come to you," it is said, and they will ascend sweetly to My altar. Kedar and Nabathean, rich in pastures yet steeped in idolatry, will also bring sheep and lambs, all being pleasing on My altar. Under the Mosaic law, foreigners were prohibited from offering sacrifices, and even had they done so, those offerings would not have been accepted. However, now God has deemed them worthy to be received at His holy altars. This is because in Christ Jesus there is no division—neither slave nor free, Greek nor Jew, but all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Two nations have become one in Him, having torn down the barrier that separated us and abolished the law's commandments through His sacrifice (Eph. 2:15). Consequently, the offerings of all who come to God through faith in Christ have become acceptable, and God’s house of prayer has been glorified.
It is important to note here the profound meaning, for the Church is not to be regarded as merely a place of sacrifice and smoke, as was the temple in Jerusalem; rather, it is a house of prayer and spiritual service. David beautifully articulated this when he said, “May my prayer rise like incense before You, the lifting of my hands like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 140:2). The Savior Himself cited this verse, rebuking the merchants in the Temple: “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). Thus, when the temple was transformed into a house of prayer, it was truly glorified.