What is the meaning of Isaiah 66:23? From one New Moon to another • The New Moon marked the first day of every month in Israel’s calendar, a time when special offerings were presented (Numbers 28:11). • Psalm 81:3 links the New Moon with joyful worship: “Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon…” • By placing the New Moon within a future context, Isaiah shows that God’s schedule for worship will extend into the redeemed age, highlighting a rhythm that never grows stale. The monthly cycle will continually remind God’s people of His ongoing provision and new beginnings (Lamentations 3:22-23). and from one Sabbath to another • The Sabbath is a weekly sign of covenant rest (Exodus 20:8-11) and delight (Isaiah 58:13-14). • Isaiah 56:6-7 already foretold foreigners keeping the Sabbath; 66:23 takes it global. • Together, “New Moon” and “Sabbath” cover the full sweep of time—monthly and weekly—indicating uninterrupted, continual worship rather than isolated events. all mankind will come • God’s promise to Abraham, “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3), finds visible fulfillment here. • Zechariah 14:16 pictures the nations ascending to Jerusalem to honor the King; Revelation 7:9 reveals a multitude “from every nation.” • No ethnic or social barrier remains—Isaiah foresees universal participation, not mere representation. to worship before Me • The focus is not the calendar but the King. Psalm 86:9 echoes: “All the nations You have made will come and bow before You, O Lord.” • Jesus affirmed this goal when He said, “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). • Philippians 2:10-11 shows the culmination: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow...” The scene Isaiah paints is that very bowing, gladly offered. “says the LORD” • The promise carries divine authority; “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). • Hebrews 6:17-18 reminds us that God’s unchangeable purpose guarantees hope. • Because “the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind” (1 Samuel 15:29), this worldwide worship is certain, not symbolic wish-thinking. summary Isaiah 66:23 unveils an unbroken rhythm—monthly New Moon, weekly Sabbath—where every person on earth gathers to honor the LORD. The passage assures that God’s covenant calendar endures, His invitation extends to all nations, and His own word secures the outcome. The result is a future of continual, joyful, universal worship centered on the Lord Himself. |
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