Isaiah 66:18-21

18 “And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come[a] and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory.
19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans[b] and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.
20 And they will bring all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels.
21 And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 66:18-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 66

This chapter treats of the same things as the former, the rejection of the unbelieving Jews, and the regard had to them that did believe; the conversion of that people in the latter day; the calling of the Gentiles, and the happy state of the church in the last times. The causes of the rejection of the Jews were their unworthy notions of God, as if he was confined to the temple of Jerusalem, and to be pleased with external sacrifices, now both at an end under the Gospel dispensation; a better sacrifice being offered, and a more spiritual worship set up everywhere; which notions are considered, Isa 66:1-3, and because they were set upon their ways and works, and rejected the Gospel of Christ, they are threatened with ruin, Isa 66:3,4 and the disciples of Christ, whom they excommunicated and persecuted, have a promise of divine appearance for them, while vengeance shall be taken on their enemies, their city and temple, Isa 66:5,6, nevertheless, in the latter day, there will be a large and sudden conversion of this nation of the Jews, which is signified by the birth of them, which will be matter of great joy to all the true lovers of the interest of Christ, Isa 66:7-11 and what will add to the prosperity, joy, and comfort of the church of Christ at this time, will be the bringing in of the fulness of the Gentiles, Isa 66:12-14 at which time the vials of God's wrath will be poured out upon antichrist and his followers, Isa 66:15-17 and the chapter is concluded with a fresh account of large conversions of men of all nations, and of the union of Jews and Gentiles in one church state, which shall long remain, and be undisturbed by enemies, who will be all slain, and their carcasses looked upon with contempt, Isa 66:18-24.

Cross References 16

  • 1. S Proverbs 24:2; S Isaiah 65:2
  • 2. S Isaiah 2:3; S Zechariah 12:3
  • 3. S Exodus 16:7; S Isaiah 59:19
  • 4. Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 49:22; Matthew 24:30
  • 5. S 2 Kings 19:31
  • 6. S Isaiah 2:16
  • 7. Jeremiah 46:9; Ezekiel 27:10
  • 8. S Genesis 10:2
  • 9. Jeremiah 31:10; Daniel 11:18
  • 10. Isaiah 11:11
  • 11. S 1 Chronicles 16:24; S Isaiah 24:15
  • 12. S Isaiah 11:12; S Jeremiah 25:22; Ezekiel 34:13
  • 13. S Deuteronomy 33:19; S Isaiah 2:2; Jeremiah 31:23
  • 14. S Ezra 2:66
  • 15. Isaiah 52:11
  • 16. S Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6; 1 Peter 2:5,9

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain.
  • [b]. Some Septuagint manuscripts "Put" (Libyans); Hebrew "Pul"
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