What does Isaiah 60:10 mean?
"And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee." - Isaiah 60:10

Isaiah 60:10 (KJV) states, "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee."
This verse comes from the Book of Isaiah, which is a collection of prophecies attributed to the prophet Isaiah. The book is a profound and complex work, full of powerful imagery, and is considered one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. This particular verse can be understood within the broader context of the book of Isaiah, and within the broader themes of the Bible as a whole.
The verse speaks of a time of restoration and renewal for the people of Israel. It is a promise of divine intervention and mercy after a period of hardship and suffering. The "sons of strangers" refer to foreigners, who will rebuild the walls of Israel, and their kings will serve the Israelites. This can be understood as a symbolic representation of the restoration of Israel and the reversal of their fortune. The mention of "my wrath" and "my favour" emphasizes the contrast between the punishment for disobedience and the subsequent mercy of God.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, Isaiah speaks of the glorious future of Jerusalem and the restoration of Israel. The imagery of light, prosperity, and abundance is used to depict the glory that will come to Israel. This verse is part of a larger passage that describes the transformation of Israel into a place of peace and prosperity, where the nations of the world will honor and serve them.
The themes present in this verse are consistent with the broader themes of the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, there is a recurring theme of God's judgment and mercy. The Israelites are often depicted as facing the consequences of their disobedience, but there is always the promise of restoration and redemption. This promise is fulfilled ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, who brings salvation and reconciliation to all people.
The verse can also be understood in a broader theological context. It conveys the idea that God's mercy transcends human divisions and distinctions. The inclusion of foreigners and their kings in the restoration of Israel demonstrates that God's plans are not limited to any one group of people. It reflects the biblical theme of God's universal love and the ultimate reconciliation of all nations under God's rule.
Symbolically, the rebuilding of the walls and the service of foreign kings can be seen as representing the restoration of the nation of Israel and the recognition of its importance by the nations of the world. The mention of "my wrath" and "my favour" symbolizes the dual nature of God, who is both just and merciful. This verse can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who brings mercy and reconciliation to all people, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, Isaiah 60:10 (KJV) is a powerful and symbolic verse that conveys the themes of restoration, divine intervention, and the universal love of God. It is a promise of mercy and favor for the people of Israel, as well as a foreshadowing of the ultimate reconciliation of all nations through Christ. Its message of hope and redemption continues to resonate with believers today.
Have questions about Isaiah 60:10?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Isaiah 60:10 Artwork
Isaiah 60:10 - "And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee."
"And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee." - Isaiah 60:10
Isaiah 60:1
isaiah 60:6
Isaiah 60:8 - "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"
Isaiah 60:3 - "And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."
Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee."
"Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?" - Isaiah 60:8
Isaiah 60:12 - "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted."
Izaiáš 60:1
Isaiah 60:22 - "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time."
Isaiah 60:15 - "Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations."
Isaiah 60:2 - "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
Isaiah 60:21 - "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."
Isaiah 60:18 - "Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise."
Isaiah 60:17 - "For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness."
"The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory." - Isaiah 60:19
"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." - Isaiah 60:3
Isaiah 60:13 - "The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious."
Isaiah 60:6 - "The multitude of camels shall cover thee, 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."
Isaiah 60:11 - "Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought."
Isaiah 60:20 - "Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." - Isaiah 60:1
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." - Isaiah 60:1
Isaiah 60:19 - "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory."
Psalms 60:10 - "Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? and thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies?"
Isaiah 60:16 - "Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob."
Isaiah 60:5 - "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee."
"For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." - Isaiah 60:12
Isaiah 60:7 - "All the flocks of Kedar 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."