What does Isaiah 60:7 teach about God's acceptance of offerings and sacrifices? Setting and Picture Drawn in Isaiah 60:7 “All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted on My altar, and I will adorn My glorious house.” • Kedar and Nebaioth were nomadic, Gentile tribes descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). • Their animals—symbols of wealth and worship—stream to Zion’s altar, showing nations voluntarily honoring the LORD. • God Himself promises, “they will be accepted,” spotlighting divine approval, not mere human ritual. What the Verse Teaches about God’s Acceptance • God welcomes offerings that come in response to His call, no matter the worshiper’s ethnic origin (cf. Isaiah 56:6-7). • Acceptance is grounded in His sovereign choice—“My altar…My glorious house.” He sets the terms and declares the outcome. • The verse anticipates a literal future moment when renewed temple worship will include Gentile participation (Ezekiel 43:18-27; Zechariah 14:16-21). • By promising to “adorn” His house, God links accepted sacrifice with His own glory—what pleases Him beautifies His dwelling place (Haggai 2:7). Conditions Scripture Gives for Acceptable Sacrifice • Offered in obedience to God’s revealed pattern (Leviticus 22:29-31). • Brought with wholehearted devotion, not hypocrisy (Isaiah 1:11-17). • Accompanied by repentance and faith—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). • Ultimately linked to the once-for-all atonement of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:5-6; Hebrews 10:10). Harmony with Christ’s Fulfillment • Jesus’ death fulfills and perfects the sacrificial system (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12). • Future temple offerings in the Messianic Kingdom will be memorial and ceremonial, never rivaling the cross yet literally enacted as Isaiah foretells (Ezekiel 45:13-25). • Gentile inclusion through Christ is already tasted in the church (Ephesians 2:13-18), previewing Isaiah 60:7. Living Response Today • Present your body “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). • Offer praise—“the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13:15). • Share resources generously—“a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). Isaiah 60:7 assures that when worship aligns with God’s revealed will, He gladly receives it and displays His glory through it. |
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