Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles
The Church served by nations and kings
The nations and their kings now give up to the Church their vital substance, as a mother or nurse gives to the child the milk of her breasts; and the Church thereby has rich nourishment for prosperous growth, ever fresh material for joy and thanksgiving.
We can by no means think of enrichment by plunder; the sucking is that of a child, not a vampire. (F. Delitzsch, D. D.)
Religion advanced by wealth and power
All interpreters agree with the Targum in applying this verse to the influx of wealth and power and whatever else the kings and nations of the earth can contribute to the progress of the true religion. The figure is derived from De
33:19. (J. A. Alexander.)
The perpetual excellencies of the Gospel Church
(Isaiah 60:15-16):--Considering how short Jerusalem’s excellency was, and how short it came of the vast compass of this promise, we must look for the full accomplishment of it in the perpetual excellencies of the Gospel Church, far exceeding those of the Old Testament Church, and the glorious privileges and advantages of the Christian religion, which are indeed the “joy of many generations.” Two things are here spoken of as her excellency and joy, in opposition to her having been forsaken and hated.
1. She shall find herself countenanced by her neighbours. The nations and their kings that are brought to embrace Christianity shall lay themselves out for the good of the Church, and maintain its interests with the tenderness and affection that the nurse shows to the child at her breast.
2. She shall find herself countenanced by her God. “Thou shalt know that I, the Lord, I am thy Saviour, etc. (M. Henry.)
Sucking the milk of the nations
Not suck their blood--that is not the spirit of the Gospel. (M. Henry.)