Isaiah 60:16-17

Context

60:16 You will drink the milk of nations;

you will nurse at the breasts of kings.¹

Then you will recognize that I, the Lord, am your deliverer,

your protector,² the powerful ruler of Jacob.³

60:17 Instead of bronze, I will bring you gold,

instead of iron, I will bring you silver,

instead of wood, I will bring you⁴ bronze,

instead of stones, I will bring you⁵ iron.

I will make prosperity⁶ your overseer,

and vindication your sovereign ruler.⁷

[60:16] ¹sn The nations and kings are depicted as a mother nursing her children. Restored Zion will be nourished by them as she receives their wealth as tribute.

[60:16] ²tn Or “redeemer.” See the note at 41:14.

[60:16] ³sn See 1:24 and 49:26.

[60:17] ⁴tn The words “I will bring you” are supplied in the translation; they are understood by ellipsis (see the preceding lines).

[60:17] ⁵tn The words “I will bring you” are supplied in the translation; they are understood by ellipsis (see the first two lines of the verse).

[60:17] ⁶tn Or “peace” (KJV and many other English versions).

[60:17] ⁷tn The plural indicates degree. The language is ironic; in the past Zion was ruled by oppressive tyrants, but now personified prosperity and vindication will be the only things that will “dominate” the city.