Isaiah 25:6

KJV

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in this mountain {H2022} shall the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} make {H6213} unto all people {H5971} a feast {H4960} of fat things {H8081}, a feast {H4960} of wines on the lees {H8105}, of fat things {H8081} full of marrow {H4229}, of wines on the lees {H8105} well refined {H2212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On this mountain ADONAI-Tzva'ot will make for all peoples a feast of rich food and superb wines, delicious, rich food and superb, elegant wines.

Berean Standard Bible

On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine.

American Standard Version

And in this mountain will Jehovah of hosts make unto all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 25:6 paints a vivid prophetic picture of a magnificent, lavish feast prepared by the LORD of hosts on His holy mountain for all peoples. This divine banquet symbolizes the abundant blessings, ultimate peace, and complete satisfaction that will characterize God's eschatological kingdom, where every need is met with unparalleled richness and purity, signifying His triumph over death and sorrow and the universal scope of His salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 25 is a hymn of praise and triumph, following a section (chapters 24-27) often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" due to its eschatological themes. Chapter 24 describes God's judgment on the earth, leading to desolation and fear. Chapter 25 then shifts dramatically, celebrating God's righteous character and His ultimate victory over chaos and death. Verse 6 specifically introduces the central image of this victory: a divine feast. This joyous anticipation of God's future kingdom stands in stark contrast to the preceding descriptions of judgment, signifying a transition from divine wrath to divine restoration and blessing. The verses immediately following (Isaiah 25:7-8) further elaborate on the benefits of this kingdom, including the removal of the veil of mourning and the swallowing up of death forever.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a grand feast was a common cultural motif in the ancient Near East, symbolizing prosperity, peace, covenant affirmation, and the power and generosity of a king. Kings would host banquets to celebrate victories, solidify alliances, or demonstrate their wealth and benevolence. In this context, God, as the supreme King, is depicted hosting a banquet of unparalleled splendor, far exceeding any earthly celebration. The "mountain" often refers to Mount Zion or Jerusalem, which was historically the spiritual and political center of Israel. This setting for the feast implies that God's ultimate reign will emanate from His dwelling place, extending His blessings universally. The concept of "fat things" and "wines on the lees" speaks to the highest quality of provisions, indicating a society where resources are abundant and life is flourishing, a stark contrast to the scarcity and hardship often experienced by the people of Israel under oppression.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, showcasing God's limitless capacity and desire to satisfy His people. The richness of the food and wine symbolizes spiritual and material fullness in His presence. Secondly, the phrase "unto all people" highlights the theme of **Universal Salvation and Inclusion**, a radical concept for its time, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant community, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament. Thirdly, the feast is a profound expression of **Eschatological Hope and Messianic Fulfillment**, pointing forward to the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom, often referred to as the Messianic Banquet (cf. [Matthew 8:11](/matthew/8-11 "Matthew 8:11 - Many will come from East and West")). Finally, the setting "in this mountain" reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereign Reign and Triumphant Victory** over all enemies, including death itself, as elaborated in [Isaiah 25:7-8](/isaiah/25-7 "Isaiah 25:7-8 - The Lord will swallow up death forever").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mountain (Hebrew, _har'_):** (H2022) Refers to a literal mountain or range of hills, but often used figuratively in prophetic literature to denote a place of divine presence, authority, or a kingdom. In this context, it specifically points to Mount Zion, symbolizing God's dwelling place and the center from which His universal kingdom and blessings will extend. It signifies stability, prominence, and the sacred space where God's ultimate victory is declared and celebrated.
* **feast (Hebrew, _mishteh'_):** (H4960) Derived from a root meaning "to drink," this word primarily refers to a drinking party or, by implication, a banquet or general feast. It conveys an event of celebration, joy, and abundant provision. Here, it signifies a grand, celebratory meal, emphasizing the communal joy and lavish hospitality of God, providing complete satisfaction for all who partake.
* **refined (Hebrew, _zâqaq'_):** (H2212) A primitive root meaning "to strain," "extract," or "clarify." It describes the process of purification, making something clear and pure, often used for metals or liquids. When applied to wine, it indicates a vintage that has been meticulously purified, free from sediment and impurities, resulting in the highest quality, most potent, and flavorful drink. This highlights the unparalleled excellence and perfection of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in this mountain":** This phrase establishes the geographical and theological setting for the divine event. "This mountain" is understood as Mount Zion, God's holy dwelling place, symbolizing the center of His universal reign and the place where His ultimate redemptive purposes will be fulfilled. It signifies a place of security, holiness, and divine presence.
* **"shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people":** This identifies the host of the feast as "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), emphasizing His supreme power, sovereignty over all creation (including armies and heavenly bodies), and His covenant faithfulness. Crucially, the invitation is extended "unto all people," indicating a universal scope that transcends ethnic or national boundaries, inviting Gentiles alongside Israel to partake in God's salvation.
* **"a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees":** This describes the nature and quality of the banquet. "Fat things" (Hebrew: *shemen*, related to oil/richness) refers to the choicest, richest, and most succulent foods, symbolizing the most excellent and abundant provision. "Wines on the lees" (Hebrew: *shemer*) refers to wine that has been aged on its sediment, a process that enhances its flavor, body, and potency, signifying a wine of superior quality and maturity. The repetition emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and richness.
* **"of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined":** This further intensifies the description of the feast's unparalleled quality. "Full of marrow" (Hebrew: *mâchâh*) implies the richest, most nourishing, and delectable parts of the food, signifying ultimate satisfaction and vitality. "Well refined" (Hebrew: *zâqaq*) describes the wine as perfectly clarified and purified, free from any impurities, indicating the highest possible standard of excellence and purity. Together, these phrases paint a picture of a feast that offers complete and utter delight, sustenance, and perfection.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 25:6 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a grand banquet. The descriptions of "fat things full of marrow" and "wines on the lees well refined" engage the senses, allowing the reader to almost taste and experience the lavishness. This feast serves as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** for God's ultimate salvation, His abundant blessings, and the joy of His eternal kingdom. It symbolizes not merely physical food and drink, but spiritual nourishment, peace, and communion with God. The **Repetition** of "a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees" emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and the dual nature of the provisions (food and drink). The entire description can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, using exaggerated language to convey the unparalleled and unimaginable glory and richness of God's future provision, transcending any earthly experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement about God's character and His eschatological plan. It reveals a God who is not only powerful and just but also incredibly generous and hospitable, desiring to share His abundance with humanity. The feast signifies the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive work, where all suffering, sorrow, and death are overcome, and His people enter into a state of perfect peace, joy, and communion with Him. The universal invitation underscores God's inclusive love, breaking down barriers and extending salvation to "all people," a foundational truth for understanding the New Covenant. This future banquet is the ultimate expression of God's covenant faithfulness, promising complete satisfaction and an eternal dwelling in His presence.

* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"): This New Testament passage speaks of the "marriage supper of the Lamb," a direct fulfillment and expansion of the Old Testament prophetic banquet imagery, signifying the ultimate union of Christ and His Church.
* [Matthew 8:11](/matthew/8-11 "Matthew 8:11 - Many will come from East and West"): Jesus Himself speaks of many coming from east and west to recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, echoing the universal invitation to God's eschatological feast.
* [Luke 14:15](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15 - The Parable of the Great Banquet"): Jesus' parable of the great banquet further illustrates the universal invitation to God's kingdom, and the consequences for those who refuse it, emphasizing the readiness of God's provision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 25:6 offers a powerful vision of hope and assurance for believers today. In a world often marked by scarcity, conflict, and despair, this prophecy reminds us of God's ultimate plan for abundance, peace, and joy. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, anchoring our hope not in fleeting earthly pleasures but in the glorious reality of God's coming kingdom. This vision should inspire profound gratitude for God's boundless generosity and His inclusive love that extends to all humanity. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives: are we living in anticipation of this feast, and are we actively inviting others to partake in the good news of God's salvation? The promise of pure, refined provision encourages us to seek spiritual nourishment of the highest quality, found only in Christ, and to trust in God's perfect provision for every aspect of our lives, knowing that He desires to satisfy us fully and eternally.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of a lavish feast challenge your understanding of God's generosity and provision?**
* **In what ways does the "universal invitation" to "all people" impact your view of evangelism and mission?**
* **How does the promise of ultimate satisfaction at God's feast shape your desires and priorities in the present life?**
* **What "fat things" and "refined wines" (spiritual blessings) do you currently experience in your relationship with God, and how do they point to the greater feast to come?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "this mountain" in Isaiah 25:6?**

Answer: "This mountain" primarily refers to Mount Zion, which is Jerusalem. In prophetic literature, Mount Zion often symbolizes God's holy dwelling place, the center of His worship, and the seat of His universal kingdom. Its significance here is twofold: it is the place where God's glorious presence is manifested, and from which His ultimate victory and blessings will extend to "all people," signifying that salvation and the establishment of His kingdom will originate from His chosen city, ultimately encompassing the entire world. It represents the stability and permanence of God's reign.

**What do "fat things" and "wines on the lees well refined" symbolize?**

Answer: These phrases symbolize the ultimate quality, abundance, and purity of God's provision in His eschatological kingdom. "Fat things" (Hebrew: *shemen*) refer to the richest, choicest, and most succulent foods, representing the most excellent and satisfying spiritual and material blessings. "Wines on the lees" (Hebrew: *shemer*) refers to wine aged on its sediment, which enhances its flavor and potency, indicating a mature, high-quality vintage. "Well refined" (Hebrew: *zâqaq*) further emphasizes that this wine is perfectly clarified and pure, free from any impurities. Together, they represent a feast of unparalleled richness, delight, and perfection, signifying complete satisfaction and joy in God's presence, free from any blemish or lack. This imagery points to the fullness of life found in God's kingdom, as described in passages like [Psalm 23:5](/psalm/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - My cup overflows").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 25:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The lavish feast prepared by the LORD of hosts is realized in the person and work of Christ, who is the true bread of life and the living water, offering eternal sustenance and satisfaction. Jesus's ministry was marked by invitations to a spiritual feast, from His miraculous feeding of the multitudes (e.g., [Matthew 14:13-21](/matthew/14-13 "Matthew 14:13-21 - Feeding the Five Thousand")) that foreshadowed abundant provision, to His parables of banquets that illustrate the kingdom of God (e.g., [Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet")). The "fat things full of marrow" and "wines on the lees well refined" are embodied in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, which provides the richest spiritual nourishment and purification for all who believe. He is the one who truly takes away the "veil" of death and sorrow, as prophesied in [Isaiah 25:7-8](/isaiah/25-7 "Isaiah 25:7-8 - The Lord will swallow up death forever"), by conquering death through His resurrection (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")). Ultimately, the universal invitation to "all people" is fulfilled through Christ's Great Commission, calling people from every nation to partake in the salvation He offers (cf. [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The eschatological vision of this feast culminates in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" (cf. [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where Christ, the Lamb of God, is the host and the central figure, and His redeemed people from every tribe and tongue will feast in eternal communion with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:11

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Jeremiah 31:12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Jeremiah 31:13

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Zechariah 9:16

And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they [shall be as] the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Zechariah 9:17

For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.