ישעיהו, פרק ס׳, פסוק ז׳

In the future, a remarkable shift will occur as the wealth of the world’s nations flows directly into Jerusalem. What begins as a moment of profound surprise will quickly transform into deep joy. Nomadic tribes, long accustomed to wandering, will bring their finest possessions to the Temple. They will arrive not as conquerors seeking dominance, but as devoted servants bringing holy offerings.

These nomadic, sheep-breeding nations are represented by Kedar and Nebaioth, the descendants of Ishmael. A massive gathering of choice flocks from Kedar will be collected and brought to the city, alongside the mature, highest-quality rams of Nebaioth. The primary approach among commentators is that these animals will serve the practical needs of Jerusalem and the holy service. Expanding on this, [רד״ק] notes that the nations themselves will actively serve Israel through the very act of bringing these gifts.

As these offerings are presented, different perspectives emerge regarding their acceptance. The primary approach ([רד״ק] and [מצודת דוד]) understands that the sacrifices will be offered upon the altar specifically to find favor and acceptance before God. Alternatively, [שד״ל] explains that the offerings are brought to the altar with the active purpose of seeking His goodwill. Taking a more poetic approach, [המלבי״ם] envisions the altar as a living entity possessing its own desire; the sacrifices ascend directly to the will of the altar, which eagerly receives them.

The prospect of accepting animals from foreign nations raises a practical concern among commentators ([רד״ק] and [אהבת יהונתן]): how can these animals be placed on the altar when there is a fear they might have been involved in sinful acts? To resolve this, [רד״ק] explains that in the future, the nations of the world will undergo a process of conversion, correcting their ways and purifying themselves from past deeds. Offering a miraculous perspective, [אהבת יהונתן] draws a parallel to Noah's Ark, which wondrously took in only pure animals that had remained true to their species. Similarly, the future altar will possess a divine nature, automatically rejecting any flawed offering and accepting only pure animals, thereby removing any doubt.

Ultimately, the Temple will be profoundly glorified by the arrival of these magnificent sacrifices and gifts. Looking at the deeper spiritual reality, [רד״ק] explains that this glory will not just be physical. God will place a genuine desire and awakening directly into the hearts of the nations, inspiring them to glorify the Temple themselves.