As all that happens in the end-time has a type or pattern in the past, what will be the end-time equivalent of wise men from the east bringing precious gifts to Jesus as at his first coming? At his second coming, will there be kings bringing gifts or tribute to the King of Kings?
As a case in point, word links to “gold”—a gift wise men brought to the infant Jesus—tell their own story. Using metaphorical imagery, Isaiah says of end-time kings and queens, proxy saviors to the house of Israel, who bring Israel’s sons and daughters to the New Jerusalem:
“Nations will come to your light, their kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you! They have all assembled to come to you: your sons shall arrive from afar; your daughters shall return to your side. Then, when you see it, your face will light up, your heart swell with awe: the multitude of the Sea shall resort to you; a host of nations shall enter you.
“A myriad of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and heralding the praises of Jehovah. All Kedar’s flocks will gather to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they shall be accepted as offerings on my altar, and thus I will make glorious my house of glory.
“Who are these, aloft like clouds, flying as doves to their portals? From the isles they are gathering to me, the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring back your children from afar, and with them their silver and gold, to Jehovah Omnipotent, your God, to the Holy One of Israel, who has made you illustrious.
“Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will minister to you. Though I struck you in anger, I will gladly show you mercy. Your gates shall always remain open; they shall not be shut day or night, that a host of nations may be brought to you and their kings escorted in” (Isaiah 60:3–11; cf. 49:22–23).
“They shall declare my glory among the nations and shall bring back all your brethren from throughout the nations to Jerusalem my holy mountain, says Jehovah, as offerings to Jehovah—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and dromedaries—just as the Israelites brought offerings in pure vessels to the house of Jehovah” (Isaiah 66:19–20).
