Isaiah 2:3

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

And many {H7227} people {H5971} shall go {H1980} and say {H559}, Come {H3212} ye, and let us go up {H5927} to the mountain {H2022} of the LORD {H3068}, to the house {H1004} of the God {H430} of Jacob {H3290}; and he will teach {H3384} us of his ways {H1870}, and we will walk {H3212} in his paths {H734}: for out of Zion {H6726} shall go forth {H3318} the law {H8451}, and the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} from Jerusalem {H3389}.

Many peoples will go and say, "Come, let's go up to the mountain of ADONAI, to the house of the God of Ya'akov! He will teach us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Tziyon will go forth Torah, the word of ADONAI from Yerushalayim.

And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.

Commentary

Isaiah 2:3 paints a vivid prophetic picture of a future time when nations will eagerly seek the Lord, drawn to Jerusalem as the global center of divine truth and instruction. This verse, part of an overarching vision of peace and righteousness, highlights humanity's innate yearning for guidance and God's promise to provide it abundantly.

Context

This verse is found at the beginning of Isaiah's prophecy, specifically within Isaiah 2:1-5, which describes a glorious future for Zion and Jerusalem. It speaks to a time beyond the immediate political and social turmoil of ancient Judah, looking forward to a Messianic era or the "last days" when God's reign will be universally recognized. Interestingly, this passage is almost identical to Micah 4:2, suggesting a shared prophetic tradition and emphasizing the importance of this vision of universal peace and divine teaching.

Key Themes

  • Universal Pilgrimage to Zion: The prophecy describes "many people" (nations, Gentiles) eagerly journeying to "the mountain of the LORD" and "the house of the God of Jacob" (Jerusalem). This signifies a future global recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire to learn His ways. It speaks to a time when spiritual truth, not political power, will draw the world, leading to a new spiritual order.
  • Divine Instruction and Transformation: The primary purpose of this pilgrimage is to be taught by God Himself: "he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." This indicates a deep hunger for righteousness and a commitment to obey divine law, leading to a transformed world where peace prevails, as foretold in Isaiah 2:4, where swords are beaten into plowshares.
  • Jerusalem as the Source of Truth: The phrase "for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem" establishes Jerusalem as the spiritual capital of the world in this future age. From this holy city, God's divine principles and revelation will emanate, guiding all of humanity. This echoes the concept of Jerusalem as the starting point for the spread of the Gospel in the New Testament, as seen in Acts 1:8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "mountain of the LORD" (har Yahweh in Hebrew) is a powerful metaphor throughout the Old Testament, often symbolizing God's presence, authority, and the place where He meets with His people. It refers specifically to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where the Temple stood. The parallelism between "the law" (torah) and "the word of the LORD" (davar Yahweh) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's revelation, encompassing both His commands and His spoken truth that will guide the nations.

Practical Application

While Isaiah 2:3 points to a future eschatological reality, it offers profound lessons for today. It reminds us of:

  • The Enduring Power of God's Word: Just as nations will seek God's law in the future, His word remains the ultimate source of truth and guidance for our lives now. We are called to delve into scripture to learn His ways.
  • The Call to Seek God: We are encouraged to actively pursue knowledge of God's ways and commit to walking in His paths, trusting in His teaching to lead us rightly. This seeking is a personal and communal journey.
  • Hope for a Transformed World: This prophecy instills hope for a future where peace, justice, and divine wisdom will govern all nations, reminding us of God's ultimate plan for humanity and creation, a vision also found in Revelation 21:24 regarding the New Jerusalem, where the kings of the earth bring their glory into it.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 50:4

    In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

  • Jeremiah 50:5

    They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Luke 24:47

    And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 51:4

    ¶ Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.

  • Isaiah 51:5

    My righteousness [is] near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.