Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Isaiah 60:8
Who [are] these [that] fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
8. as doves to their windows ] Gen 8:9. The point of comparison is rather the swiftness of the flight, than the whiteness of the wings and sails.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
8, 9. From the East the prophet turns to the West, and describes the ships of the Mediterranean “like white doves upon the wing” converging on Jerusalem. These also bring from afar the exiled sons of Zion, as well as rich treasures from the nations.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Who are these that fly as a cloud? – In multitudes so numerous, that they appear as a dense cloud. The prophet, in vision, sees a vast multitude coming to Jerusalem, or hastening to embrace the true religion – so numerous as to excite surprise, and to lead to the question, Who can they be? (compare Isa 49:21.) It is not uncommon to compare a multitude of persons to a cloud. Thus Livy (xxxv. 49), Rex contra peditum equitumque nubes jactat. Thus in Heb 12:1, the number of witnesses who are said to encompass Christians is compared to a cloud ( nephos marturon). So Virgil (Geor. iv. 60) compares a swarm of bees to a cloud – obscuramque trahi vento mirabere nubem. The Chaldee understands this of swift clouds, and takes the point of the comparison to be the velocity with which they would come. Who are these that come publicly ( bigelay) as swift clouds? But the comparison relates probably to the number, rather than to the swiftness with which they would come. Converts would be multiplied in such numbers, that they would seem to be like dense clouds making their way to Zion. This strikingly expresses the fact of the numerous conversions among the Gentiles, and is a most beautiful description of a revival of religion.
And as the doves to their windows – Lowth renders this, Like doves upon the wing – supposing with Houbigant, that there is a slight error in the Hebrew text. The Septuagint renders it, Sun nossois – With their young. But the true idea is contained in the common version. Doves fly to their houses, or to their windows, in an approaching storm. In like manner converts would hasten to Zion from the pagan world. They would come in great numbers, and would feel that if there they would be safe. Morier, in his Second Journey, p. 140, has well illustrated this passage – In the environs of the city (Ispahan), says he, to the westward, near Zainderood, are many pigeon-houses, erected at a distance from habitations, for the purpose of collecting pigeons dung for manure; They are large, round towers, rather broader at the bottom than at the top, crowned by conical spiracles, through which the pigeons descend. Their interior resembles a honey-comb, pierced with a thousand holes, each of which forms a snug retreat for a nest. The extraordinary flights of pigeons which I have seen upon one of these buildings affords, perhaps, a good illustration of Isa 60:8. Their great numbers, and the compactness of their mass, literally looked like a cloud at a distance, and obscured the sun in their passage. The prediction here has already, in part at least, been fulfilled. The rapid conversions in file time of the apostles accorded with this prediction. In numerous revivals of religion, also, has there been a fulfillment of it; and we are yet to anticipate a far more striking and glorious completion of it in the conversion of the pagan world to the Christian faith.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud?
—
Accessions to the Church
It is a fine conception of Vitringa, that the ships expressly mentioned in the next verso are here described in their first appearance at a distance resembling with their outspread sails and rapid course a fleecy cloud driven by the wind, and a flight of doves returning to their young. Both comparisons are used as here to indicate rapidity of notion (Job 30:15; Psa 4:6-7; Hos 11:11; Jer 4:13). (J. A. Alexander.)
As doves to their windows
I. THE MOVEMENT WHICH IS HERE STATED. It is a flight. The expression is intended to signify the coming of men from the distant regions of the earth to the Church of God, of which such glorious things are here said.
1. The movement signifies that state into which these men are transformed, and in which they come to the enjoyment of the designs of mercy. It is the abandonment of all their idolatrous worship; it is the renunciation of all that is opposed to God and to salvation; it is their coming back to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls; it is their looking to God as the alone source of happiness and peace; it is their believing in Him, who alone is able to save and to bless them.
2. It is under the Gospel dispensation that this is to be exemplified.
3. Divine influence must be imparted to effect this.
4. This change arises from the statements of Gospel truth as they are contained in the written Word.
II. WHAT IS INTENDED BY THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS MOVEMENT IS SAID TO BE MADE? The figures denote–
1. Eagerness.
2. Their number.
3. Their unity. The clouds are supposed to fly in one body, and to be driven to one part of the horizon: the doves fly together to attain one home. So it will be with all who have been conducted by the Spirit into the way of life everlasting.
III. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE INQUIRY WHICH THE CONTEMPLATION OF THIS MOVEMENT EXCITES.
1. Surprise.
2. Joy. (J. Parsons.)
Converts coming into the Church
They corne as doves to the windows.
I. BECAUSE THEY FLY LOW. The eagle darts up, as if to strike its beak into the sun. There are birds that seem to dwell under the eaves of heaven; you see them as little specks against the sky, so far off that you cannot guess the style of their plumage or the shape of their bodies. They float so far away that if the hunters gun be discharged at them they do not change their course. Not so with the doves or pigeons; they never take any high excursions. They fly around your roof and alight on the fence, and seem to dislike great altitudes. So these souls who come to Christ and to His Church fly low. They ask no great things; they seek a humble place at the feet of Christ.
II. BECAUSE THEY FLY FOR SHELTER. The albatross makes a throne of the tempest; the sea-gulls find their grandest frolic in the storm. Not so with doves; at the first blow of the north-easter they fly to the coop. Eagle contends with eagle in mid-air, and vulture fights vulture on the bosom of the carcass; but doves at the first dash of the bird of prey speed for shelter from fiery eye and iron beak and loathsome talon. So these souls come for shelter. Christ is the only shelter of the soul in trouble.
III. BECAUSE THEY FLY HOME. Most of the winged denizens have no home; now they are at the north and now at the south, as the climate indicates. This year a nest in one tree, next year a nest in another tree. But the pigeons alluded to, summer and winter and always, have a home in the dovecot. And so Christ is the home of those who come to Him. He is a warm home I they rest under the feathers of the Almighty.
IV. BECAUSE THEY COME IN FLOCKS. The buzzard, with dripping beak, fluttering up from the carrion, is alone. You occasionally look up against the wintry sky and see a solitary bird winging past. But doves or pigeons are in flocks; by scores and hundreds do they fly. So to-day we see a great flock coming into the kingdom. (T. De W. Talmage, D. D.)
A flight of doves
I. The first thought which the verse suggests, in connection with cur Communion services, is that of BLISSFUL ASSOCIATION. AS the dovecot may have its different apertures, so each Church retains its own denominational entrance. But the glorious meeting-place, the spiritual Shelter, is the same.
II. In connection with our sacred rite, the emblem suggests a PUBLIC PROFESSION. The prophet is arrested; or, possibly, in the poetical imagery here employed, a chorus of spectators–in which he veils his own personality–are arrested by the spectacle. The doves are not spoken of as flying under screen of night or darkness; neither were they beheld winging a solitary or circuitous flight, as if dreading and evading observation. But the midday sun looked down on a whole cloud of them, their golden iridescent plumage flashing in his beams. It is no unimportant or insignificant feature in your Divinely-appointed ordinance, this open, dove-like flight to the Covenant Ark.
III. The cloud of doves, as here represented, betokens THE CHARACTER OF CHRISTIANS AND OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNICANTS. They are, or ought be, dove-like. The dove has these among other characteristics–
1. It is the complex symbol, in sacred poetry and art, of peace and love, of meekness and gentleness, purity and harmlessness (Son 1:15; Son 6:9; Mat 10:16). In the rude, early Christian symbolism of the Roman catacombs, the dove, as the bird of hope, is generally represented in connection, variously treated, with the olive branch. What a lesson for us all as believers in Jesus.
2. A second characteristic of the dove is, that it is swift of wing. The prophet saw them, not sailing like a cloud, or drifting like a cloud, but flying; borne along with whirlwind speed. The carrier dove is well known for the swiftness–the length and steadiness–of its arrowy course, surpassing the proverbial flight of the eagle. This, coupled with Isaiahs figure, surely suggests the activities of the Christian life.
IV. The figure of the dove fleeing to its window reminds and suggests that it is a bird which requires A SAFE SHELTER. It does not, like some others, cower in hedgerows or furrows. The wild pigeon may build its nest on the forest tree; but the tame one seeks its secure dovecot. The Eastern dove, which had no artificial home, had its equally secure dwelling in the rock-clefts (Son 2:14). A little way from the north-west shores of the Lake of Gennesaret there is a recess in the hills called the Wady Hyman, or Valley of Doves, the sides of which are perforated with their retreats. You who are communicants have been fleeing anew to-day for refuge to the Rock of Ages. It is a special characteristic of the dove, that, however far it goes–though at a distance of hundreds of miles–it will fly back with unerring aim, sureness, and safety to its abode. So with the dove of Christ.
V. The cloud of doves on wing to their windows reminds one of Young COMMUNICANTS. In the LXX the words of this verse are remarkable! Who are these that fly like doves with their young? The doves fly to their dovecot, but not alone; they have their offspring with them. Not the least beautiful thing about a Communion Sunday is the spectacle of young doves; those who have just risen from their early perches, the perches of the morning of life, and are winging their way, bright and unsoiled, to the Rock!
VI. One other thought is suggested, by the remembrance of a large class of those who are always to be found at the Sacrament of Communion–I mean THE AFFLICTED. This image of doves flying to their windows reminds of storm. They were seen flying; drifting along like a tempestuous cloud. The dove flies to its dovecot, or to the rock-clefts, when the storm is brewing. (J. R. Macduff, D. D.)
The joy of the Church on the multiplication of converts to Christ
I. THE DESCRIPTION GIVEN OF CONVERTS IN EVANGELICAL TIMES.
1. Whence do they fly? These persons are represented as coming from among the Gentiles, the Pagan world.
2. Whither do they fly? They repair to Him, who is designated in the sixteenth verse as the Lord, the Saviour and Redeemer, the Holy One of Jacob. But this is not the whole. These converts are also represented as repairing to the Church as to their rest and home.
3. What is the mode in which they are represented as flying from their former position, to Christ and to the Church? The images are very beautiful and impressive.
(1) As the cloud, which overspreads the heavens; intimating the vast numbers who should turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God. As the cloud, with great speed and celerity. As the cloud, openly and conspicuously; not as though they were desirous of concealment, but in the spirit of those who arc ready to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Christ, or of him who exclaimed, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. As the cloud, powerfully; so that nothing shall resist their course. As the cloud, which drops many a shower as it passes along the sky, and which refreshes and fertilizes the earth, so shall these converts be useful in their advancement, like those of whom we read in the history of the Gospels, who as they travelled through the towns and villages and different parts of the country, spread the name of Jesus, and pressed others to become His disciples also.
(2) Look also at the other admirable similitude: As the doves. This not only expresses some similar ideas, such as that of numbers and of rapidity and of strength–but some others which we must not omit carefully to notice. It denotes, then, general unanimty. They arc all bent on one grand object–What must I do to be saved? They have all one Saviour to whom they look–one method of salvation which they embrace. The multitude is, in this respect, of one heart and one soul. It describes their cordial fellowship. In the happy days when the Gospel shall thus win its way among men, not one or two of a family and of a tribe alone, scattered here and there, shall hold communion with each other, but the body of believers shall be joined together in the unity of the spirit and in the bond of peace. And in fine, as the doves repair to their windows, and enter their cote, as their rest and home, when wearied with their long flight; so the subjects of Divine grace take refuge in the Church from the storms without, and there find a repose which is not to be obtained in the world.
II. THE SENTIMENTS AND EMOTIONS WITH WHICH WE SHOULD VIEW THESE ACCESSIONS TO THE CHURCH. Who are these, that fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows?
1. This is the language of surprise and admiration; for the conversion of a soul to God is in all eases a wonder.
2. It is the language of gratitude and pleasure.
3. It is the language of complacency.
4. This is the language of prospective hope. For, if it be admitted that already many have come and yielded themselves up to Christ, it is a pleasing thought that they are only as the early drops of the copious shower. (J Clayton. M. A.)
Gods doves flying to His windows
I. A SWEET SIGHT THAT THE OLD TESTAMENT CHURCH GETS OF THE STATE OF MATTERS UNDER THE NEW TESTAMENT, upon the revelation of Christ in the Gospel among the Gentiles. She sees poor souls upon the wing, in great multitudes, flying to a Saviour; and a sweeter sight cannot be seen upon earth.
II. THE MANNER OF THEIR FLIGHT. AS a cloud, and as doves.
III. THE TERM OR OBJECT OF THEIR FLIGHT. They fly to the windows for their relief. Like the window of the ark of Noah, whereat the dove entered, when she could find no place for the sole of her foot, because of the deluge.
IV. THE PLEASANT SURPRISE THAT THE OLD TESTAMENT CHURCH IS PUT INTO AT THIS SIGHT. (E. Erskine.)
Marvellous increase of the Church
The Church, when she uttered these words, appears to have been the subject of three kinds of feeling.
I. WONDER.
1. The Church wondered at the number of her converts.
2. The Chaldee has the idea in it of swiftness. Who are these that fly as swiftly as a cloud?
3. The Targum has another idea, that of publicity. The cloud flies so that everybody can see it. So do these converts fly openly before the world.
4. There is another idea here, which Dr. Gill gives us in his very valuable commentary. Who are these that fly as a cloud, for unanimity? Not as clouds, but as a cloud; not as two or three bodies, but as one united and compact mass!
5. Again, there is the idea of power. Who is he that shall bridle a cloud and stop it in its march?
II. PLEASURE.
1. The Church is exceedingly pleased at the character of those who come to her. Doves.
2. The Church feels pleasure in their condition: They fly.
3. The translation of the LXX gives us another idea. Who are these that fly like doves with their young? The Church rejoices at the company that the converts bring with them.
4. The Church feels pleasure at the direction in which these doves move. To their windows. The joy of the Church is that the poor sinner does not fly to man, nor to the law, but to Christ, the dovecot.
III. ANXIETY. All! says the Church, it is all very well their flying like a cloud; it is all right their going as doves to their window-s; but who are they? She anxiously desires to be sure that it is all gold that is put into her treasury. Who are they? I address myself to an anxious Church to answer it.
1. They are those that fly. They fly because they cannot stop where they were, and they are flying, somewhere else for refuge. 2. They fly, not on the ground, but like a cloud, up high. They were persons that did not care about the world, but wanted heaven.
3. They were persons driven by the wind, just as the clouds are–who have no power of themselves to move, but have something driving them behind.
4. They are persons who have been regenerated, for they are doves. They are changed from ravens into doves, from lions into lambs.
5. They are those who have fled to their windows, and found a refuge in Christ. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The cloud of doves
I. WHO ARE THEY THAT THEY SHOULD BE SO MANY? The answer to that inquiry is another question: Why should they not be many?
1. There are a great many sinners in the world; why should not a great number be converted? When many souls are brought to Christ, they are only relatively many. Usually, alas! they are relatively small.
2. Has not Christ brought into the world a great redemption?
3. Why should they not come ill crowds when the spirit of God is quite able to lead them to come?
4. Heaven is very great, and the preparations which grace has made are very large.
II. WHO ARE THEY THAT THEY SHOULD FLY?
1. They fly to Christ, because they are driven, and cannot help flying to Him.
2. They may well fly, because they are in danger.
3. Besides, these flying sinners have strong desires within them. I sometimes see a man throw a pigeon up into the air, that it may find its way home. It usually wheels about for a little while, as though it were uncertain which direction it should take; but, presently, its quick eye catches sight of some familiar landmark, and by instinct it knows which is its way home, and then, away it goes. So is it with a soul that the Spirit of God has once quickened. It longs for Christ. It may hesitate, and look about to find the way it is to go to find Him; but at last, it says within itself, There He is, and away it goes, like the doves to their windows.
4. They may well fly, because they have such a short time in which to reach the Saviour.
III. WHY DO THEY FLY AS DOVES, that is, in a covey, so that they look like a moving cloud?
1. Because they are all in one common danger. They are too much taken up with the solemnities of their condition before God to have time or wish for contention; and, therefore, they do not quarrel and fight, as a number of hawks might do, but they fly together in one band.
2. Because they are seeking one common refuge.
IV. WHO ARE THEY THAT THEY SHOULD FLY THIS WAY? I mean, what makes them fly to Christ? What makes them fly to His Church?
1. Because they are seeking safety, and there is no safety for them except in Christ.
2. They also need rest, and a dovecot is a place of rest to a dove.
3. You like to come where Gods people assemble because your food is there.
4. Our companions are there.
5. Some of us fly there because our young are there. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 8. And as the doves to their windows – “And like doves upon the wing?”] Instead of el, to, forty-two MSS. of Kennicott’s, and one of mine, have al, upon. For arubboteyhem, their windows, read ebrotheyhem, their wings, transposing a letter. – Houbigant. The Septuagint render it , “with their young;” they read ephrocheyhem, nearer to the latter than to the present reading. – L.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In the 4th verse he spake to them as upon some high watch tower, whereby they might behold as in a circle all the parts of the world. Now espying from all parts, he brings them in calling out with admiration,
Who are these? partly with reference to the number, or partly with reference to the persons; so the Heb. What are these? they being not Jews, but strangers, and so directly intimating the Gentiles flocking into the church, that come so swiftly, and in so great flocks: the same thing still. The former metaphor of clouds imports their number as well as their speed, Eze 38:9; thus abundance of witnesses is called a cloud of witnesses, Heb 12:1; the scope is to note the great confluence of people that should come into the church, that should be begotten by the apostles doctrine; which the LXX. translation seems to point at, who render it as doves with their young ones unto me; and by flying may be noted their spiritual state, being elevated above the world, . as the clouds above the earth, and doves when upon the wing.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8. The prophet, seeing in visionnew hosts approaching quickly like a cloud of doves, asks who theyare.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Who are these that fly as a cloud,…. Referring to the vast number of converts before mentioned, who are compared to a “cloud” for the number of them, covering Judea as the clouds do the heavens; and for their elevation and situation, being raised from an earthly to a heavenly state; called with a high calling, and made partakers of an heavenly one; and for their being filled with the grace of God, as clouds with water; and for their unanimity, their coming together in a body, making as it were one cloud, and that openly and publicly, professing Christ, and joining themselves to his church, in the face of the world; and so the Targum,
“who are these that come publicly as the swift clouds?”
and chiefly are they compared to a cloud for their swiftness in motion to Christ and his church; sinners; sensible of danger from the avenging justice of God, from his law, and from his wrath and displeasure, and eternal death, and being apprized of salvation and safety in Christ, make haste and flee to him as swiftly as a cloud driven by the winds;
and as the doves to their windows; or “dove houses”, or “lockers and holes” c; through which they enter, and to which they bend their course with great swiftness, when pursued by birds of prey, or through an eager desire after their young: converted persons may be compared to doves for their being a clean and cleanly creature; for their being amiable and lovely, chaste and loving; harmless and inoffensive, meek and humble, weak and timorous; mournful and disconsolate when they have lost their mate; and what dove houses are to these, Christ and his church are to converted persons, whither they flee for rest and shelter, and where they have both: the ordinances of Christ may be particularly meant by these holes or windows that doves make unto; by which, especially baptism, they enter into the church, and by means of which light is let into them, and through which Christ shows himself to them, So 2:9, what engages them to flee hither is their love to Christ, in order to have communion with him, and food for their faith; and when he causes them to come, or draws them by his grace, nothing can hinder; not the reproaches of the world, nor the temptations of Satan; nor objections from their own unworthiness. These words are said by the church, by way of admiration wondering at their numbers and swiftness in coming to her; see Isa 49:21. The Targum is
“the, captivity of Israel, who are gathered together, and come to their own land, as doves that return to their dove houses.”
c “ad columbaria sua”, Montanus, Vitringa; “in suis forulis”, Castalio Gataker.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
From the mainland, over which caravans and flocks are coming, the prophet now turns his eyes to the sea. “Who are these who fly hither as a cloud, and like the doves to their windows? Yea, the islands wait for me; and the ships of Tarshish come first, to bring thy children from far, their silver and gold with them, to the name of thy God, and to the holy One of Israel, because He hath ornamented thee.” Upon the sea there appear first of all enigmatical shapes, driving along as swiftly as if they were light clouds flying before the wind (Isa 19:1; Isa 45:22), or like doves flying to their dovecots ( celeres cavis se turribus abdunt , as Ovid says), i.e., to the round towers with their numerous pigeon-holes, which are provided for their shelter. The question is addressed to Zion, and the answer may easily be anticipated – namely, that this swarm of swiftly flying figures are hurrying to a house which they long to reach, as much as pigeons do to reach their pigeon-house. The k which follows is explanatory: this hurrying presents itself to thine eyes, because the isles wait for me. The reason for all this haste is to be found in the faith of those who are hurrying on. The Old Testament generally speaks of faith as hope ( as in Isa 51:5; Isa 42:4); not that faith is the same as hope, but it is the support of hope, just as hope is the comfort of faith. In the Old Testament, when the true salvation existed only in promise, this epithet, for which there were many synonyms in the language, was the most appropriate one. The faith of the distant lands of the west is now beginning to work. The object of all this activity is expressed in the word . The things thus flying along like clouds and doves are ships; with the Tartessus ships, which come from the farthest extremity of the European insular quarter of the globe, at their head ( with m unach instead of m etheg, in the same sense as in Num 10:14; lxx ; Jerome, in principio , in the foremost rank), i.e., acting as the leaders of the fleet which is sailing to Zion and bringing Zion’s children from afar, and along with them the gold and silver of the owners of the vessels themselves, to the name ( , to the name, dative , not equivalent to ; lxx , as in Isa 55:5) of thy God, whom they adore, and to the Holy One of Israel, because He hath ornamented thee, and thereby inspired them with reverence and love to thee ( for , as in Isa 54:6, where it even stands out of pause).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
8. Who are those? As the Prophet cannot satisfy himself in describing this gift of God, he breaks out into admiration, and exclaims, “Who are those?“ This is far more forcible than if he had simply said that an inconceivable multitude was flying, and had even made use of the same metaphors. He intended, therefore, to describe how splendid this multiplication would be, when he could not find words sufficient to express it.
That fly as a cloud. (154) It is generally thought that this denotes the Apostles, who, with incredible swiftness, made their way to the farthest boundaries of the world; and there is some plausibility in that interpretation. (Mar 16:15) But the Prophet speaks of a universal assemblage of the Church; for from every quarter men shall run to it readily and cheerfully.
And as doves to their windows (155) The metaphor of “doves,” which he employs, is highly appropriate to this subject; for, when they are dispersed through the fields, they appear not to differ at all from untamed birds; and yet they are domesticated, and have their pigeonhouse, to which they betake themselves, and in which they build their nests. Thus believers, enlightened by faith, begin to perceive their assembly, to which they fly from frightful dispersion. How necessary this warning was, will be readily perceived by all who shall take into account their wretched and alarming condition at that time; for, if the prophets, after having carefully instructed the Jews for many years, could gain very little or hardly any success, what was to be expected from the Gentiles, who were altogether alienated from God? Was it not παράδοξον beyond all reasonable expectation, that the Gentiles would one day come into the Church? Yet the Prophet does not speak extravagantly, but is filled with such amazement that he leads us to admire it in the same manner.
(154) “It is a fine conception of Vitringa, that the ships expressly mentioned in the next verse are here described, on their first appearance at a distance, resembling with their outspread sails and rapid course a fleecy cloud driven by the wind, and a flight of doves returning to their young.” Alexander.
(155) “The ideas conveyed by the images here employed are those of number and velocity. The reference to the doves is beautifully illustrated by a passage in Morier’s Second Journey in Persia. Speaking of the pigeonhouses near Ispahan, he says: ‘They are large round towers, rather broader at the bottom than the top, crowned by conical spiracles, through which the pigeons descend. Their interior resembles a honey-comb, pierced with a thousand holes, each of which forms a snug retreat for a nest. The extraordinary flights of pigeons which I have seen upon one of these buildings, afford perhaps a good illustration of Isa 60:8. Their great numbers, and the compactness of their mass, literally looked like a cloud at a distance, and obscured the sun in their passage.’ The persons referred to are the Jews, who now flock in immense numbers from all quarters to the land of their fathers, and Jerusalem, the summit of their earthly joy.” Henderson.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
THE SURPRISING INCREASE OF THE CHURCH
Isa. 60:8. Who are these that fly as a cloud? &c.
God is here represented as addressing His Church (Isa. 60:1). In the text the Church breaks in upon the description in the language of wonder and surprise. In order to bring out the meaning of these words, let us notice,
I. THE MOVEMENT WHICH IS HERE STATED. It is a flight. The expression is intended to signify the coming of men from the distant regions of the earth to the Church of God, of which such glorious things are here said. As to the original condition of the persons who are here said to fly, they are described as having forsaken Godas having departed from God, as having wandered from God, and consequently as being in circumstances of distress and misery; as aliens from Godenemies to God by wicked works. The movement spoken of signifies that state into which these men are transformed, and in which they come to the enjoyment of the designs of mercy. It is the renunciation of all that is opposed to God and to salvation; it is their coming back to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. Note further, that it is under the Gospel dispensation that this is to be exemplified. The Gospel contains a clear development of the Divine law; it reveals mans transgression of that law; it points out mans exposure to the wrath of God; and it contains in it all that is suited to bring men back to God: it proclaims the great atoning sacrifice, by faith in which the guilty are pardoned, the unholy purified, the endangered protected, and the lost redeemed.
It is implied also that Divine influence must be imparted to effect this. Nothing can be done without the Spirit. This statement should ever be seen in the foreground of our theology. Where the Spirit is not, there can be no accomplishment of the designs and purposes of eternal love. This change arises from the statements of Gospel truth as they are contained in the written Word. The Spirit uses His own words (Eph. 6:17). It is the preaching of the Cross of Christthe uplifting of the Saviour, that contributes to the salvation of sinners; the preaching of the Cross is therefore called the power of God. How important, then, that this Gospel should be spread both at home and abroad! how important to pray for the outpourings of Divine influence! But
II. WHAT IS INTENDED BY THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS MOVEMENT IS SAID TO BE MADE? Much interesting matter is furnished by these figures. We shall, perhaps, enter into the spirit of them in reference to the return of sinners to God, by considering them as implying
1. Eagerness. The clouds are supposed to be driven by the wind to one point, and the doves hasten with speed to their home. This eagerness is a most important symptom of conversion. Take the following examples (Mat. 11:12; Luk. 18:13; Luk. 23:42; Act. 2:37; Act. 16:29-30). And is there not reason for this eagerness? Consider: the knowledge of guilt; the fear of danger; the prospect of security and the hope of privilege impels us to flee.
2. Number. The cloud is an emblem of number. The number of witnesses to the power of faith are described by the Apostle as a great cloud of witnesses. The other figure of doves refers also to a great number. This chapter refers to the great accessions which the Church in after ages should receive (Isa. 60:4-7). The mercy of God was to go forward to the boundaries of the habitable globe (Isa. 49:5-6; Isa. 49:22-23). Christ re-stated this grand fact (Mat. 8:11; Mat. 24:14; Mar. 16:15). Look at the history of the progress of the Gospel. In early times it extended itself rapidly. In one day three thousand converts were made; and the word of God grew mightily, and prevailed (2Co. 10:4-5). The temples of heathen superstition were deserted, the Gospel in all its truth and purity was established: and how many myriads have since been gathere! Predicted universal triumph.
3. Unity. The clouds are supposed to fly in one body, and to be driven to one part of the horizon; the doves fly together to attain one home. So it will be with all who have been conducted by the Spirit into the way of life everlasting. There may be a number of differences among the people of God; but they seek the same salvation; they are influenced by the same principles; they depend on the same atonement; they are clothed in the same righteousness; they partake of the same Spirit; they obey the same commandments; they hope in the same promises; they are heirs of the same inheritance. Observe how the diversity in unity is stated by Paul (1Co. 12:4-13). Note the importance attached to unity (Eph. 4:3-6; Col. 3:11).
III. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE INQUIR WHICH THE CONTEMPLATION OF THIS MOVEMENT EXCITES? The words are expressive of the emotions
1. Of surprise. The passage is very analogous to Isa. 49:20-21. It could not but be surprising to witness the change from feebleness to strength, from solitariness to multitude, from lowliness to empire. Contemplating modern times, are we not ready to exclaim, What hath God wrought! Contemplate the future in the same spirit.
2. Of joy. Surprise is mingled with joy There is joy over the conversion of every sinner. And why? Because of the honour given by this means to the Church. Because of the immense accession to the peace and happiness of mankind. Because of the complete restoration of the honours of Jehovah Here is the prospect of the establishment of His kingdom who is the Lord God Omnipotent.James Parsons: Pulpit, vol. viii. pp. 433441.
Isa. 60:9. I. Gods sons must be gathered. II. The means are at hand. Ships; silver and goldall useful in Gods cause. III. The centre of power and attraction. The Holy One of Israel (see p. 550). IV. The agency by which this power is exerted. The Churchwhich He has glorified and will.
Isa. 60:10. I. God has often just cause to be angry with His people. II. Smites them in His wrath. III. Has mercy on them. IV. Finally subdues their enemies and makes them minister to them.
Isa. 60:11. The future of the Church. I. Open gates. Implying peace, constant accessions. II. Abundant resources. The forces of the Gentilestheir wealth, intellect, knowledge, every earthly good consecrated. III. Honour and dominion. The noblest will minister to her. The State will not rule the Church, but the Church sanctify and guide the State by the influence of its teaching.J. Lyth, D.D.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
2. GAIN
TEXT: Isa. 60:8-14
8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
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, for the name of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.
10
And foreigners shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favor have I had mercy on thee.
11
Thy gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the wealth of the nations, and their kings led captive.
12
For that nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
13
The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir-tree, the pine, and the box-tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.
14
And the sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee The city of Jehovah, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
QUERIES
a.
What are the clouds and doves of verse eight?
b.
How would it be possible for foreigners to build Zions walls?
c.
How would the nation that did not serve Zion perish?
PARAPHRASE
There are shadowy forms on the prophetic horizon drifting inexorably in our direction; they are like homing pigeons or doves going straight for their nests. Who are they: They are ships coming from all over the world bringing all those Gentile sons of Zion who have been waiting so long in darkness to find her. These ships of the prophetic future are bringing the real wealth of the world to Zion. They have been attracted to Zion because God has made her beautiful by giving her His redemptive glory and they want to be made a part of that beauty also. Yes, Gentiles are going to be participants in forming the future Zion; Gentiles will be co-laborers and fellow-citizens of that messianic city. Even some of the rulers of Gentile peoples will become citizens and serve the new Zion. I, Jehovah, am about to destroy the present city of Jerusalem, but I will in mercy also restore a remnant and through them eventually build the everlasting Zion. Access to the new Zion will be open as long as there are people deciding they want to take up citizenship. Nations from the ends of the earth will contribute their best and greatest resources to the new Zion; people great and small shall become willing captives of this glorious city. Those peoples and individuals who do not willingly surrender to Zion will perish. The attitude of many peoples toward you Zion, My dwelling place, will be reverence and a desire to give the best of their possessions to beautify you. Those who have been Zions enemies will become willing citizens, humbling themselves and believing that what Jehovah has said about her belonging to Him is true. They shall willingly confess that you are Mine, that I dwell in You and that I am God.
COMMENTS
Isa. 60:8-12 CITIZENS: Zion now arisen and awake to what God has been trying to communicate through the prophet begins to see dimly certain shadowy cloud-like forms of the prophetic ingathering of the world to herself. Isaiah has repeated and repeated the message. Like the inexorable movement of clouds and the magnet-like homing of doves the prophets visions of masses of humanity coming to Zion has finally caught on in the mind of the remnant. So they ask, Who are these . . .? The answer comes back immediately, They are the isles! (see comments on Isa. 11:11; Isa. 20:6; Isa. 23:2; Isa. 23:6; Isa. 40:15; Isa. 41:2; Isa. 41:5; Isa. 42:4; Isa. 42:10; Isa. 42:12; Isa. 49:1; Isa. 51:5). Tarshish was the great-grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:4), and considered to be the progenitor of a people along the western coastlands and islands of the Mediterranean. Tarshish is also conjecturally believed to be a form of the name of Tartessus, an ancient city located on the southern or eastern coast of Spain (see comments, Minor Prophets, Jon. 1:3, pg. 225, Butler, College Press). Tarshish probably represents the fartherest known reaches of traveled or commercialized civilization of that age. These people so long in darkness waited for Jehovah to manifest Himself and reveal a way back to His presence (cf. Isa. 42:4). The prophet has repeatedly predicted that some day their waiting will be over. When that day comes, they will fly inexorably and directly to God. The reason given for that flight is that Jehovah will have glorified Zion. That is, of course, the redemptive work of the Servant and the New Covenant available to all peoples.
Foreigners building the walls of Zion is definitely a messianic figure of speech (cf. Amo. 9:11-12 with Act. 15:16-17; see also Jer. 31:4-6 and attendant context; Jer. 33:7-26; Mic. 7:11-17; Isa. 19:16-25). Paul wrote to the Gentiles in Ephesus that they were a part of the New dwelling place of God (Eph. 2:11-22). In the New Zion all members will be ministerseven Gentiles. There will be no special priesthoodall members of the New Covenant will be a holy priesthood (cf. 1Pe. 2:5; 1Pe. 2:9; Heb. 10:19 ff). All who come to New Zion (Heb. 12:22-24) will offer sacrifices as ministers and priests (cf. Heb. 13:15-16). God, in His wrath against the wickedness of Old Zion, destroyed it (not only in the Babylonian exile, but centuries later [forever] when Old Zion. rejected its Messiah [70 A.D.]). But God is going to build a New Zion by grace (favor) because the Messiah came and earned Gods grace for man. The Messiahs merited favor will be made available not only to the Jew but to the Gentile also. Gentiles will be included in the New building.
Access to New Zion will be constant. Access to New Zion will be for everyone who wishes it. The Holy Spirit, through His Word, and the Bride (the churchNew Zion) say Come to all who will (cf. Rev. 22:17). Of course, the invitation will not always be offered for men to become citizens of the New Zion. But those who will not willingly enter Zion in this life would not enter it in the next life either (cf. Luk. 16:29-31). This is really the point of Isaiahs statement that Zions gates are open continually; the idea is ready access for all who wish. There shall be no danger to those in New Zion that the gates will have to be shut and barred. There will be continual freedom and peace in New Zion. The members of Zion will be continually bringing in the sheaves (the wealth of the nations).
One very forceful reason for concluding the Zion here is New Zion (the church) is that all who will not serve her shall perish. As Young puts it, It is obvious that this prophecy does not fit the time of the restoration from exile . . . What nations at that time perished because they did not serve the empirical Zion? There have been nations through the centuries, and there are nations now, not only refusing to serve literal Zion but making her serve them and they have not perished. Literal Zion as Jehovahs dwelling place perished in 70 A.D. (cf. Mat. 24:37-39; Luk. 13:34-35; Luk. 19:41-44). The Hebrew word kharav is translated wasted and means basically destroyed by drying up. What tragic waste all the potential resources, and wealth of those nations and peoples who will not surrender to the New Zion!
Isa. 60:13-14 COMELINESS: The place of Gods dwelling (New Zion) will be exalted above all that is on the earthboth of nature and men. It is going to be made glorious and preeminent. Everything in creation will be made available to glorify her (art, music, learning, literature, thoughts, emotions). The greatest powers opposing her will be humbled (cf. Mat. 16:18; Col. 1:15-20; Col. 2:14-15; Heb. 2:5-18). Many of the powerful forces and peoples opposing Zion will become converts to her. Formerly they ridiculed and scoffed at herbut they will penitently call her what she very evidently is: The (only) city of Jehovah, The Zion (Citadel or Sanctuary) of the Holy One of Israel. In Old Testament times it appeared Zion could be despoiled, humbled and obliterated by war, siege and death. But Zions Eternal King came (the Messiah) in a space-time historical event and conquered death forever! This is the message of the book of Revelation. The Lamb has come and conquered death by resurrection and is now worthy to reveal (open the scroll) that New Zion (the church) is unconquerable! New Zion is the citadel of eternal safety.
QUIZ
1.
Why does Zion see clouds and doves (verse eight)?
2.
How do the isles bring their sons to Zion?
3.
Why do we say foreigners building Zions walls is a messianic term?
4.
What is the meaning of the continual opening of Zions gates?
5.
How does Isa. 60:12 help determine this is a messianic passage?
6.
Why will Zions enemies bow down to her?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(8) Who are these . . .The vision of the prophet brings before him the cloud-like sails of the ships that. are bringing back the exiles over the Mediterrauear and the Red Seas, hastening to their home like doves to their dove-cote. (Comp. Hos. 11:11.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
8. Who are these fly as a cloud Emigrants from over the seas from the west the sails of whose ships are likened to flying clouds. A striking figure.
As doves Skimming the waters as “doves” do the air. Refined poetic element here.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Who are these who fly as the clouds,
And as the doves to their windows (openings in the dovecotes).
Surely the isles (coastlands) will 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.’
Eyes now turn to the west, to the nations across the seas. The picture of ‘flying as the clouds’, and like white doves to their dovecotes, probably depicts the white billowing sails of the ships coming from far. Although the thought may be of the speed and freedom of movement of the clouds and the doves. The peoples of those nations, and the great ships of Tarshish (the largest ships of the day, the great ore carriers of the Phoenicians) will wait on Yahweh ready to bring back His people to Him, loaded with wealth. And it will all be for the honour of Yahweh and the glorifying of His name, and for the sake of the Holy One of Israel Who has glorified His true people.
Thus both east and west will in the future seek God, the only God, through the ministry of His people because the glory of Yahweh has risen on them (Isa 60:1-2). And the result will be that large numbers are added to the people of God from nations worldwide.
The continual emphasis on wealth has a twofold purpose. Firstly it reveals the true dedication of those who bring it. It is not brought to Israel, but to Yahweh. If we come to Christ without bringing Him all our wealth our coming is in vain, as the rich young ruler sadly discovered (Mar 10:17-23). But the wealth is not a means of obtaining salvation. It is the gift of grateful hearts because of His grace freely bestowed (compare the woman who gave because she loved much (Luk 7:47)). And secondly it was a picture of richness of blessing for His people. It is a way of depicting fullness of blessing. (Once, however, the sinful human heart got to work on it men began to dream of great wealth for themselves. Rather than thinking of the glory of God they thought only in terms of personal aggrandisement, something which could only be detrimental to them).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Isa 60:8-9. Who are these that fly? &c. Vitringa understands by this new crowd of believers hastening to the church, the Greeks and Asiatics, and those of the west, groaning under the Ottoman empire, who, having long sat in a state of ignorance and superstition, at this period shall be freed from their yoke, and hasten to the enlightened church in multitudes like a cloud, and with zeal and impetuosity, like doves to their cotes or holes, when once made acquainted with the wonderful change of things and the mighty works wrought by God for the deliverance of his people. The flight of doves, especially when they return to their cotes, is remarkably swift and precipitate, as Bochart has observed. Hieroz. pars ii. lib. i. c. 2. See also Hos 11:11 and Vitringa. Instead of unto the name, and to the Holy One, &c. Isa 60:9. Bishop Lowth reads, because of the name of JEHOVAH thy God, and of the Holy One of Israel, &c.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 1000
MILLENNIAL PIETY DESCRIBED
Isa 60:8.Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
THERE is much spoken in the Holy Scriptures respecting the glory of the latter day. This whole chapter is occupied with the subject. The predictions contained in it have never yet been verified. Great as was the spread of the Gospel in the apostolic age, it was nothing in comparison of that to which we are taught to look forward at a period that is now fast approaching. The prophet, whilst occupied in the contemplation of that day, saw it, as it were, already commenced, and the whole Gentile world flocking to Christ, even as doves to their windows. The language in which he depicts that day is suited to the time at which he wrote. Jerusalem was then the centre of union to all the tribes. Thither all the males went up thrice a year: there the sacrifices were offered: and thither all Gentile proselytes also came to present their offerings to the Lord. But all these things were typical of the Christian Church, which shall be established on the face of the whole earth, and of the spiritual sacrifices which all who come up to our Zion shall offer there.
I propose to consider our text,
I.
In reference to the millennial period
The question is evidently the language of surprise and joy: and the answer to it is given in the whole context. Let us attend to,
1.
The prophets own description of that day
[Then shall light burst forth, almost as at the first creation, when God said, Let there be light; and there was light. The gross darkness which at present covers the whole earth will be dispelled by the rising of the Sun of Righteousness, and all flesh will see the salvation of God [Note: Luk 3:6.]. The Gentiles, from one end of the earth even to the other, will then come to Zions light, and kings to the brightness of her rising: and with them they will bring whatsoever they have whereby they may glorify their God; their whole land, as it were, being covered with their retinue. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, says the Lord, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah: all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense: and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord [Note: ver. 26.]. The very cattle shall feel, as it were, impressed with a holy zeal to honour God, and come up voluntarily, ambitious of the honour of being offered in sacrifice upon his altar: All the flocks of Keder shall be gathered together unto thee; the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar; and I will glorify the house of my glory [Note: ver. 7.]. All this Jehovah revealed to the prophet, and made to pass, as it were, before his eyes; assuring him, that the isles of western Europe should take the lead in this glorious work: Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, (O that our happy isle might have this distinguished honour, and employ her shipping in this glorious cause!) 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; for he hath glorified thee [Note: ver. 9.].
And in what manner shall this event take place? Shall it resemble any thing that has ever yet existed in the world? No: it will infinitely surpass any thing that occurred even in the apostolic age. Then indeed there was one day, the day of Pentecost, when Gods power was revealed, and three thousand were converted to the faith of Christ: but at the period to which we are looking forward, a nation will be born in a day [Note: ver. 22. with 66:8.]. A Pentecostal effusion of the Spirit will be a daily occurrence; and not in one place only, but in every part of the globe: so that the converts will come flying in inconceivable numbers, like a cloud, and with the ardour and celerity of doves flying to their windows.
Certainly this description of the Millennium is highly figurative: yet we conceive it to be fully justified by,]
2.
The testimony of other prophets respecting it
[All the prophets, with more or less clearness, testify of this day. David speaks very fully and strongly respecting it. He tells us, that the utmost ends of the earth are given to Christ for his possession [Note: Psa 2:8.]; that all kings shall fall down before him, and all nations shall serve him [Note: Psa 72:11.]; and that the whole earth shall be filled with his glory [Note: Psa 72:19.]. The prophet Daniel repeatedly declares, that the stone which has been cut out without hands shall break in pieces all the kingdoms of the earth, and become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth, and stand for ever [Note: Dan 2:34-35; Dan 2:44.]; and that all people, nations, and languages, shall serve our adorable Redeemer; and that his dominion should never pass away [Note: Dan 7:14.]. Habakkuk assures us, that the knowledge of the Lord shall in that day cover the earth, as deeply and extensively as the waters cover the sea [Note: Hab 2:14.]. Zechariah also, who delights to dwell on this glorious subject, asserts, that the Lord shall be King over all the earth; that in that day there shall be one Lord, and his name one: and that from that time there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts [Note: Zec 14:9; Zec 14:21.]. Thus, without multiplying passages to the same effect, we see, beyond a doubt, that a blessed season is approaching, when God will, as it were, create all things new [Note: Isa 65:17.], and there shall be new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness [Note: 2Pe 3:13.].]
It will not be unprofitable to consider our text,
II.
In reference to the present time
But here we must notice it rather with regret
[Though so many centuries have elapsed since the delivery of this prophecy, we are, though not in time, yet in appearance, almost as far as ever from its accomplishment. There is not one sixth of the human race that have ever so much as heard of the Lord Jesus Christ; and of those who are called by his name, the great mass are as far from any spiritual knowledge of him as the heathen themselves. Look through Europe, or through our own highly-favoured kingdom, or even through our own immediate neighbourhood, and say, Whether you see, or hear of, any thing resembling the description in our text? Where do we find that ardent desire after God; that flocking of multitudes to Mount Zion; that surrender of themselves to God as living sacrifices; that determination to lose no time, but to press forward with increasing ardour, till they have found their rest in Christ? Here and there an individual may be found that is inquiring the way to Zion: but what appearance is there of a cloud, borne forward by the breath of the Almighty; or of a flock winging their way to Zion, with a zeal that regards no obstacle, and a rapidity that suffers no delay? I may rather ask, Where is the place in which the great mass of the inhabitants would not regard such zeal as an enthusiasm that was to be repressed, rather than as a piety deserving imitation? Instead therefore of saying, Who are these? we must rather say, Where are there any, who fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? If some there be; still, in comparison of the bulk of nominal Christians, they are but as the gleanings of the olive, two or three upon the topmost bough.]
Yet we may also in some degree notice it with joy
[I bless God, there are some, and some also in this place, who do seek their rest in Christ, and do fly towards it with unabated ardour. Yes, and with surprise also, as well as joy, may I ask, Who are these? They were once as far off from God as the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah, and as unlikely to devote themselves to God as the flacks of Kedar, or the rams of Nebaioth. Their education, their age, their associates, their habits, all rendered such a change highly improbable; and give us a decisive evidence, that He who has wrought so effectually in them, can accomplish the same blessed change over the face of the whole earth. We therefore do rejoice, both for the individuals whose zeal is so kindled, and for those who are provoked to emulation by the example that is set before them. And we pray God that their numbers may be increased a thousand-fold; and that in this place, as well as in the world at large, a little one may become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. May the Lord hasten it in his time [Note: ver. 22.]!]
Application
1.
To those who have begun their flight
[Let me say, Suffer nothing to retard you, nothing to divert you from your purpose. If, instead of having a cloud, or a flock, to accompany you, you are but a solitary individual, let not that discourage you. Your object is not less praiseworthy on that account. Lot was not the less right in maintaining his love for piety, because all around him were confederate in evil courses; nor was Noah the less approved of God, because the whole world agreed in loading him with derision. If many will join you, be thankful for it: but, if there be not another in all the cities of the world that will flee with you to the mountain, go out of Sodom, and stop not in all the plain. The judgments which are coming on every unbelieving soul, will amply vindicate your honour, whilst your personal safety will abundantly repay your toil.
Yet go not alone, if you can by any means induce others to accompany you in your heavenly flight. Yea, be zealous and active in hastening forward the day that is spoken of in our text. Though the work itself is Gods, yet it is to be accomplished by human means. If salvation be through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through him alone, he must be made known to the benighted heathen: for how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher [Note: Rom 10:14.]?
I thank God that means are now using by different societies to diffuse the Holy Scriptures throughout the world, and to send forth missionaries to instruct both Jews and Gentiles. Aid these societies then with all your power. It is particularly said in the verse following my text, that those who wait upon the Lord, bring their silver and their gold with them. Let not this be forgotten by you. Let your property be consecrated to this holy service: account this its best and most appropriate use: and, instead of giving grudgingly or of necessity to so good a work, regard it as your highest honour to contribute oven in the smallest degree to the salvation of your fellow-creatures, and to the establishment of the Redeemers kingdom upon earth.]
2.
To those who have no such blessed object in view
[What shall I say? I would take up a lamentation over them; and, in the language of surprise and grief, say, Who are these who do not fly as a cloud, or as the doves to their windows? What! have they never heard what a Saviour there is? or, are they ignorant how much they stand in need of mercy through him? Dear Brethren, be persuaded that there is no refuge for you but in Him: to him you must come, if you would ever find rest unto your souls. I beseech you, therefore, flee to him as your only hope: be in earnest: let not the doves flying to their windows outstrip you in your course. And bring to him all that you are, and all that you have. So shall the angels in the presence of God rejoice over you: so shall the Church of Christ also be edified through you: and so shall you be meet for the Church above, whither a whole cloud of witnesses are gone before you, and where you shall soon unite with them for ever in the service of your God.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Reader! pause, I pray you over these sweet verses. Can there be a more delightful thought, than that of souls flying to Christ, as doves, who by instinct take shelter in their houses? Mark what Jesus said, Joh 12:32 ; and do not overlook how the glory of Jehovah in covenant, as God, is folded up in the blessed relation. Yes! Christ’s glory is his Father’s honour; and it is the most blessed of all thoughts that God the Father is glorified in his dear Son, in the instance of every individual soul redeemed; Joh 13:31-32 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Isa 60:8 Who [are] these [that] fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Ver. 8. Who are these that fly as a cloud? ] Which flieth more swiftly than any bird, and covereth the sky far and near. Deus bone, quam multi catervatim accurrunt! saith the Church here; wonderful! what trooping and treading upon the heels one of another is here! a
And as the doves to their windows.
a Confertis agminibus.
b “Columba Radit iter liquidum, celeres neque commovet auras.”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Who are these . . . ? Referring probably to the ships whose sails are compared to wings, developed in next verse.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
fly: Isa 60:4, Isa 45:22, Luk 13:29, Rev 7:9
a cloud: Heb 12:1
as the: Gen 8:8-11
Reciprocal: Gen 8:9 – and she Psa 74:19 – turtledove Son 2:14 – my dove Hos 11:11 – as a dove Joh 4:30 – General Act 13:44 – came Rev 11:12 – in
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Isa 60:8. Who are these that fly as a cloud These metaphors import the number, as well as speed, of those that should be begotten by the apostles doctrine. By this new crowd of believers hastening to the church, Vitringa understands the Greeks and Asiatics, and those of the west groaning under the Ottoman empire, who, having long sat in a state of ignorance and superstition, at this period shall be freed from their yoke, and hasten to the enlightened church in multitudes, like a cloud, and with zeal and impetuosity, (like doves to their cotes or holes,) when once made acquainted with the wonderful change of things, and the mighty works wrought by God for the deliverance of his people. The flight of doves, especially when they return to their cotes, is remarkably swift and precipitate.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
60:8 Who [are] these {i} [that] fly as a cloud, and as doves to their windows?
(i) Showing what great number will come to the Church, and with what great diligence and zeal.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The prophet further saw people coming from the west as thick as clouds into the Promised Land. They reminded him of doves flying to their dovecotes. Who are these, he asked?