And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The astonishing promise here is that God will elevate Gentiles to positions previously reserved only for the Israelite tribe of Levi and the line of Aaron. This verse dismantles ethnic and religious barriers, revealing God's future plan to include all who turn to Him in His service, regardless of their origin.
And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes a magnificent vision of God's redeemed people, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant community. Following God's promise to create new heavens and a new earth, where all flesh will come to worship Him, this statement clarifies that even those once considered outsiders will now serve in sacred roles. This signifies a radical expansion of God's presence and an ultimate fulfillment of His promises beyond the boundaries of physical lineage.
Isaiah's prophecy looks beyond the borders of Israel, envisioning a future where God's people aren't just from one nation. How does this radically shift our understanding of God's plan?
A Wider Embrace
The prophet Isaiah, in this powerful closing chapter, paints a picture of God's future. Verse 21 says, 'And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, says the LORD.' The 'them' here refers to the Gentiles – people from all nations.
This was a revolutionary idea in Isaiah's day! The priests and Levites were specific families within Israel, chosen by God for sacred service. For God to say He would take people from the nations and make them priests and Levites meant breaking down huge barriers. It wasn't just about Israel anymore; God's plan was expanding to include everyone who would believe.
This is a glimpse into the heart of God's redemptive work, showing that His love and purpose are not limited by ethnicity or nationality. It's a testament to His desire for a diverse family of faith.
What does it mean to be a 'priest' or 'Levite' in God's eyes? Isaiah's prophecy points to a deeper, spiritual reality that transcends ancient temple duties.
Serving in God's Presence
When Isaiah speaks of taking Gentiles for 'priests and Levites,' it's not just about appointing leaders. It's about a fundamental shift in how people relate to God.
In the Old Testament, priests and Levites had specific roles – mediating sacrifices, teaching the Law, and serving in the Tabernacle and Temple. But the prophecy here, especially when read in light of the New Testament, points to a priesthood.
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Through Christ, all believers are invited into God's presence. We don't need a human mediator to access God; Jesus is our High Priest. We, in turn, become part of a spiritual priesthood, offering ourselves as 'living sacrifices' (Romans 12:1) and serving God through worship, prayer, and sharing the Good News. The roles of 'priest' and 'Levite' are spiritualized, meaning everyone who believes has direct access and a role in God's kingdom.
Understand the original words
kōhănîm · Hebrew Noun
Individuals set apart by God for the service of the sanctuary and the ministry of sacrifice; in the new covenant, this language often signifies the universal priesthood of believers or the restoration of worship roles under God.
lĕwiyyim · Hebrew Noun
Members of the tribe of Levi set apart by God for duties related to the Tabernacle and Temple, representing those devoted to service and administrative care in the presence of God.
This verse offers a profound promise of inclusion, looking beyond the limitations of the Levitical system to a future where even Gentiles can serve as priests and Levites in God's spiritual temple. It speaks to a radical expansion of God's people and His worship, transforming the understanding of sacred service.
c. 587-586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem, destroyed Solomon's Temple, and deported much of the Jewish population into exile. This event marked a devastating loss of national sovereignty and religious center.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
After conquering Babylon, Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This initiated the period of Second Temple Judaism.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem was dedicated, though it was a more modest structure than Solomon's original Temple. This marked a restoration of sacrificial worship but with diminished glory.
c. 2nd Century BC
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt arose against Hellenistic oppression, leading to a rededication of the Temple and a period of Jewish independence. This era saw a renewed emphasis on religious purity and distinctiveness.
c. 1st Century AD
Roman Rule and Temple Period
Judea came under Roman rule, with the Second Temple remaining the center of Jewish religious life and identity. Tensions between Jewish factions and Roman authorities were increasingly present.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman legions under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem, including the Second Temple, in the aftermath of the First Jewish Revolt. This event ended the sacrificial system and profoundly reshaped Jewish religious practice.
This passage echoes Isaiah's promise by calling believers a 'royal priesthood' and 'holy nation,' directly linking the idea of spiritual service to all God's people, not just a select lineage.
Revelation 1:6This verse, like Isaiah 66:21, speaks of believers being made priests and kings to God. It highlights the ultimate fulfillment of this spiritual elevation for all who are in Christ.
Exodus 19:6This earlier passage from Exodus established the concept of Israel as a priestly kingdom. Isaiah 66:21 looks forward, expanding this privilege to include Gentiles, signifying a broader inclusivity in God's service.
Isaiah 61:6This preceding verse in Isaiah speaks of Gentiles being called 'priests of the LORD' and 'ministers of our God.' Isaiah 66:21 further solidifies this expansion of priestly roles beyond the traditional Levitical line.
pulpitIsaiah 66:21: "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."
Verse 21. - And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites; literally, and I will also take of them unto the priests and unto the Levites; i.e. I will add to the existing body of priests and Levites, who are pro-sumably Jews, fresh members from the newly converted Gentiles. The existence of a sacerdotal order, with distinctions of ranks, in the Church of the redeemed, is implied, and the gracious…
clarkeIsaiah 66:21: "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."
And for Levites - For ללוים laleviyim, fifty-nine MSS., (eight ancient), have וללוים velaleviyim, adding the conjunction ו vau, which the sense seems necessarily to require: and so read all the ancient versions. See Joshua 3:3 , and the various readings on that place in Kennicott's Bible.
The astonishing promise here is that God will elevate Gentiles to positions previously reserved only for the Israelite tribe of Levi and the line of Aaron. This verse dismantles ethnic and religious barriers, revealing God's future plan to include all who turn to Him in His service, regardless of their origin.
This verse concludes a magnificent vision of God's redeemed people, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant community. Following God's promise to create new heavens and a new earth, where all flesh will come to worship Him, this statement clarifies that even those once considered outsiders will now serve in sacred roles. This signifies a radical expansion of God's presence and an ultimate fulfillment of His promises beyond the boundaries of physical lineage.
This verse concludes a magnificent vision of God's redeemed people, emphasizing the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant community. Following God's promise to create new heavens and a new earth, where all flesh will come to worship Him, this statement clarifies that even those once considered outsiders will now serve in sacred roles. This signifies a radical expansion of God's presence and an ultimate fulfillment of His promises beyond the boundaries of physical lineage.
"And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the LORD." — The astonishing promise here is that God will elevate Gentiles to positions previously reserved only for the Israelite tribe of Levi and the line of Aaron. This verse dismantles ethnic and religiou…
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Last reviewed October 2026