Isaiah captures the astonishment of observers beholding an unprecedented sight, nations rushing eagerly toward Zion with the speed and purposefulness of migrating birds. By framing this as a wonder-filled question rather than a direct prediction, the prophet invites Israel to share in the amazement at God’s ability to reverse their desolation and draw distant peoples to Jerusalem.

God Himself answers through Isaiah by identifying these as ships from distant coastlands, specifically vessels of Tarshish, bringing Israel’s sons from afar along with their silver and gold to honor the Lord (Isaiah 60:9). The passage transitions from wonder to explanation as the oracle continues.

Isaiah’s rhetorical question expresses wonder at the sight of multitudes rushing toward Jerusalem with the velocity of wind-driven clouds and the instinctive homing of doves at twilight. The prophet uses visual metaphors drawn from nature to capture both speed and purposefulness, these travelers aren’t wandering but targeting Zion with deliberate intent. The Hebrew interrogative ‘who’ (מִי, mi) invites identification and contemplation rather than demanding information. Why ask rather than simply announce? The question form allows readers to enter the scene emotionally, sharing the observer’s astonishment before learning these are distant nations bringing Israel’s scattered children home. This participatory wonder heightens appreciation for the reversal, Zion, once abandoned, becomes the magnet drawing humanity. The theological weight rests on God’s sovereignty to transform desolation into such abundance that observers can scarcely believe their eyes, validating His promise that ‘your God will be your glory’ (Isaiah 60:19).