Isaiah 66:23
From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes the regularity and universal nature of future worship, not a literal adherence to Old Testament festivals. This means observing new moons and Sabbaths are examples of a consistent, ongoing devotion that "all flesh" will participate in, signifying a complete transformation of humanity's relationship with God.
This prophecy concludes with a vision of the future, contrasting God's ultimate victory with the eternal fate of his enemies. Isaiah describes a new earth where all humanity, across all times and places, will worship the Lord with joyous regularity. Immediately following this glorious scene, the prophet shifts to depict the final, horrifying destruction awaiting those who rebelled against God.
Isaiah 66:23 speaks of new moons and Sabbaths, but does this mean we still observe these specific Jewish holy days? What's the deeper meaning?
The prophet Isaiah is using familiar Old Testament worship patterns – the monthly new moon festivals and the weekly Sabbath – to describe a future reality.
A New Kind of Worship
While these specific observances were tied to the Old Covenant and the nation of Israel, Isaiah's vision points beyond them. The key isn't which specific days are kept, but the frequency and universality of worship.
Isaiah's prophecy ends with a breathtaking vision of 'all flesh.' What does this truly mean for the reach of God's worship?
This final verse of Isaiah is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate plan for humanity – a world united in worship.
A Universal Invitation
The phrase 'all flesh' is incredibly significant. It moves beyond the narrow confines of national or ethnic identity to encompass all of humanity.
Understand the original words
ḥōdesh · Hebrew Noun
A monthly festival in the Old Testament, representing the consecration of time and the renewal of the community's dedication to God.
shabbāt · Hebrew Noun
A divinely ordained day of rest, set apart as holy to commemorate God's creative work and His covenantal relationship with His people; it serves as a sign of dedication and cessation from labor.
bāsār · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for all human beings; it emphasizes humanity's common fragility, mortality, and dependence upon the Creator.
hishtahawah · Hebrew Verb
The act of bowing down or prostrating oneself in reverence; it is the outward expression of acknowledging God's worthiness, sovereignty, and holiness.
This verse speaks of a future, universal worship that transcends the specific rituals of the Old Covenant, echoing the hope for restoration and a new spiritual reality that Isaiah envisioned.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah prophesies during turbulent times
Isaiah delivers prophetic messages during a period of significant political and military upheaval in the ancient Near East, including the Assyrian threat.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Judeans, leading to a profound crisis of faith and identity.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking a significant turning point.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated, symbolizing the renewed presence of God and the restoration of worship.
c. 400 BC - 100 BC
This passage echoes Isaiah's vision by describing a future time when nations will ascend to Jerusalem annually to worship the Lord, highlighting the universal nature of future worship.
Psalm 65:2This psalm speaks of prayers being heard and vows being fulfilled in Jerusalem, reflecting the theme of people from all nations coming to worship and find solace in God's presence.
John 4:23-24Jesus explains that true worship is no longer tied to a specific location like Jerusalem or a mountain but is offered in spirit and truth, resonating with the idea of worship becoming a universal, spiritual reality as prophesied by Isaiah.
Hebrews 4:9-10This passage discusses the 'Sabbath rest' that remains for God's people, connecting the perpetual worship described in Isaiah to a deeper spiritual rest and fulfillment found in Christ.
Revelation 21:22-27The description of the New Jerusalem, where there is no temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, and where nations walk in its light, offers a powerful New Testament parallel to Isaiah's vision of universal worship.
barnesIsaiah 66:23: "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."
And it shall come to pass - As the prophet closes the book and winds up his whole prophecy, he directs the attention to that future period which had occupied so much of his attention in vision, when the whole world should be acquainted with the true religion, and all nations should worship Yahweh. Of such a book there could be…
pulpitIsaiah 66:23: "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."
Verse 23. - From one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another. Not that "new moons" and "sabbaths" will continue to be observed, for "new moons" have already lapsed, and "sabbaths" too will lapse when life is one perpetual sabbath passed in the worship of God. The phrase, used by the prophet is intended to express…
The verse emphasizes the regularity and universal nature of future worship, not a literal adherence to Old Testament festivals. This means observing new moons and Sabbaths are examples of a consistent, ongoing devotion that "all flesh" will participate in, signifying a complete transformation of humanity's relationship with God.
This prophecy concludes with a vision of the future, contrasting God's ultimate victory with the eternal fate of his enemies. Isaiah describes a new earth where all humanity, across all times and places, will worship the Lord with joyous regularity. Immediately following this glorious scene, the prophet shifts to depict the final, horrifying destruction awaiting those who rebelled against God.
This prophecy concludes with a vision of the future, contrasting God's ultimate victory with the eternal fate of his enemies. Isaiah describes a new earth where all humanity, across all times and places, will worship the Lord with joyous regularity. Immediately following this glorious scene, the prophet shifts to depict the final, horrifying destruction awaiting those who rebelled against God.
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Post-Exilic Period and Jewish Diaspora
Judaism continues to evolve, with Jewish communities spreading throughout the diaspora, maintaining their worship and traditions.
c. 1st Century AD
Jesus teaches about worship
Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman about a new era of worship that transcends geographical locations, emphasizing worship in spirit and truth.
c. 1st Century AD— this verse
The Church's early worship practices
Early Christians gather regularly for worship, breaking bread, and teaching, often described using Old Testament worship terminology.
"From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the LORD." — The verse emphasizes the regularity and universal nature of future worship, not a literal adherence to Old Testament festivals. This means observing new moons and Sabbaths are examples of a consi…
