How does Revelation 21:26 connect with Isaiah's prophecies about nations honoring God? Revelation 21:26—The Verse at a Glance “And they will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.” Isaiah’s Vision of Nations Honoring God • Isaiah 2:2-3 — “All the nations will stream to it… He will teach us His ways.” • Isaiah 18:7 — “At that time a gift will be brought to the LORD of Hosts… to Mount Zion.” • Isaiah 45:14 — “They will come over in chains and bow down… saying, ‘Surely God is with you.’ ” • Isaiah 60:3, 5-7, 10-11 — “Nations will come to your light… the wealth of the nations will come to you… your gates will always stand open.” • Isaiah 66:18-20 — “All nations and tongues… will come and see My glory… they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the LORD.” Key Connections between Revelation 21:26 and Isaiah • Same destination: Zion/Jerusalem in Isaiah, the New Jerusalem in Revelation. • Same participants: “all nations” and their kings. • Same action: bringing tribute, glory, and honor to the Lord’s dwelling place. • Same result: the Lord receives universal worship and displays His glory. Nations, Kings, and the Glory They Bring • Tribute is tangible—gold, frankincense, wealth (Isaiah 60:5-6). • Tribute is relational—submission and worship (Isaiah 45:14; 66:19-20). • Tribute is cultural—diverse splendors purified and laid before God (Revelation 21:24-26). From Prophecy to Fulfillment 1. Foreshadowing: Old-covenant Israel tasted it when Gentiles like the Queen of Sheba honored Solomon (1 Kings 10). 2. Preview: The church era gathers a multi-ethnic people who already “bring offerings” of praise (Romans 15:9-11). 3. Millennial display: Isaiah 2 and 60 point to Messiah’s earthly reign when nations stream to Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:10; Zechariah 14:16). 4. Eternal consummation: Revelation 21-22 reveals the final, flawless realization of Isaiah’s words—no more sin, no more closed gates, only unending honor flowing into the city. Why This Matters Today • Affirms God’s unbroken plan—prophecies spoken centuries apart merge seamlessly. • Secures confidence that every promise will be kept literally and completely. • Fuels global mission—every culture has glory to lay before the Lamb. |
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