Isaiah 60:6, commentary and pictures

The verse pictures peoples from distant nations coming to the Lord's light, bringing gold and incense and proclaiming His praises, portraying the gathering of the Gentiles and the spread of God's glory through mission to the world. Its picture of bringing gifts and praising the Lord belongs to the promise of God's glory and worship reaching beyond Zion, and as part of its chapter it gives inspiration and encouragement to those called to do God's work on earth. It is part of the description of Christ's work to set things right and save the people under Satan's power. It is linked with the praise of the Lord and the coming of many converts, especially from the world rather than from within the church.

It shows one of the glorious possibilities before God's people when they faithfully perform the work He has given them to do. With such a prospect, it calls God's people to carry the truths they have received beyond the church into every city, town, and village and to labor for people who need them rather than staying where church privileges are comfortable. It rebukes hovering about large centers and pleasant places in the spirit of saying do not disturb me, and teaches that it is not enough to remain in the church enjoying the preaching when many need those truths, placing a burden on members to labor for souls as those who must give an account.

Together with its surrounding verses, it encourages confidence that wealthy people who hold the Lord's money in trust will come with their means to help sustain missionary work throughout the world, and it authorizes appealing to them for means to carry out that work. God's workers have a perfect right to ask wealthy men for help and should not be too delicate or afraid to do so, and some of the wealthy will count it a privilege to give. The promise calls for an extensive work to gather in souls without unnecessary spending, because time is short and the coming of the Lord is very near.

The verse, as part of Isaiah 60 and 61, must be studied, heeded, accepted, and understood together with Isaiah 50 to 58 and Isaiah 62 to 65. It stands as a reproof and charge to leaders and those with great responsibilities, calling them to thorough consecration, to receive great light with faith and follow on to know the Lord, and to stop all complaining and every evil work instead of accepting only what they choose. When obeyed it gives understanding of truth and the reasons of faith, corrects neglected duty to warn the people what is truth, and brings a manifestation of the Lord's power in the conviction and conversion of souls.