What happensPermalink
God cannot be contained by a temple; He favors the humble and contrite who tremble at His word, while hypocritical worshipers face judgment. Zion suddenly gives birth to a restored people, whom God comforts and causes to flourish. He gathers all nations to see His glory, and survivors proclaim it throughout the world; some from the nations even become priests and Levites. God’s servants rejoice forever in the new creation, while His rebellious enemies suffer unending judgment.
Why it mattersPermalink
Isaiah ends with God rejecting hypocritical worship, gathering all nations to His glory, and separating His joyful servants from rebels under judgment. Acts 7:49–50 quotes verses 1–2 to show that God cannot be confined to a temple, while Jesus quotes verse 24 in Mark 9:48 when warning of final judgment. The nations are gathered so fully that some are appointed as priests within God’s enduring people.
Key versePermalink
“For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory.”