Isaiah 66:21

KJV

And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will also take {H3947} of them for priests {H3548} and for Levites {H3881}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will also take cohanim and L'vi'im from them," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“And I will select some of them as priests and Levites,” says the LORD.

American Standard Version

And of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:21 is a profound prophetic declaration within the concluding chapter of Isaiah, unveiling God's expansive and inclusive plan for the eschatological age. It foretells a radical shift in divine selection for sacred service, where individuals from "all nations" (mentioned in the preceding verses) will be chosen by the Lord to serve as priests and Levites. This astonishing promise signifies the dismantling of traditional ethnic and tribal barriers to worship and service, pointing towards a future where God’s redemptive reach extends universally, incorporating formerly excluded peoples into the most intimate aspects of His covenant community and temple service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:21 stands as a climactic declaration within the final chapters of the book, which are often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66). These chapters focus on themes of judgment for the unrighteous, comfort for the faithful, and the glorious future restoration of God's people and creation. Specifically, verses 18-20 of chapter 66 set the immediate stage for this verse, describing God's intention to gather "all nations and tongues" and bring them to Jerusalem. They will witness His glory, and from them, some will bring offerings to the Lord, much like the Israelites brought offerings. The promise in verse 21, therefore, is the astonishing capstone to this vision of universal inclusion: not only will Gentiles come to worship, but some will be consecrated for roles previously restricted by Mosaic Law to specific Israelite lineages. This radical inclusion underscores the transformative nature of the new heavens and new earth prophesied in [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the roles of "priests" (Hebrew: *kohanim*) and "Levites" (Hebrew: *levi'im*) were strictly hereditary, reserved exclusively for descendants of Aaron (for the priesthood) and the tribe of Levi (for various temple services). This system was foundational to the Mosaic Covenant and the functioning of the Tabernacle and later, the Temple. The idea of "foreigners" or Gentiles serving in these sacred capacities would have been utterly revolutionary and even scandalous to the traditional Israelite understanding. The Book of Isaiah itself was compiled over centuries, with the final chapters likely addressing a post-exilic community grappling with identity, temple worship, and the inclusion of non-Israelites. This prophecy, therefore, challenges the prevailing ethnocentric views of the time, suggesting a future where God's covenant blessings and service extend far beyond the confines of national Israel, signaling a radical redefinition of God's chosen people and the nature of worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Inclusivity**, demonstrating God's boundless grace and His intention to incorporate people from "all nations" into His intimate service. This shatters the traditional ethnic and tribal barriers to the priesthood, foreshadowing a more universal scope of salvation. Secondly, it points towards a **Universal Priesthood**, where the privilege of sacred service is extended beyond a select few, anticipating the New Testament concept of all believers forming a "royal priesthood" as seen in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"). Thirdly, it carries significant **New Covenant Implications**, hinting that the ceremonial law and the specific requirements of the Old Covenant priesthood would be transcended in a future era. This implies a shift from a lineage-based access to God to one based on divine election and faith, paving the way for the New Covenant established through Christ. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Transformation**, as this promise is part of God's ultimate plan for a renewed creation where His kingdom extends to all corners of the earth, and His people are drawn from every tongue, tribe, and nation, as envisioned in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - Multitude from Every Nation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate act of selection, choosing, or receiving. In this context, it emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in actively choosing and appointing individuals from among the nations, not based on their lineage or prior qualification, but purely by His divine will and purpose. It conveys a sense of divine appropriation and commissioning.
* **priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** Literally meaning "one officiating," this term refers to the hereditary class responsible for mediating between God and humanity through sacrifices, teaching, and leading worship in ancient Israel. The use of this term for Gentiles highlights the radical nature of God's future plan, indicating that individuals from non-Israelite backgrounds will be granted access to and authority within the most sacred offices of divine service.
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lêvîyîy'_):** Patronymically derived from Levi, this term refers to the descendants of Levi who were designated for various forms of sacred service in the Tabernacle and Temple, assisting the priests, maintaining the sanctuary, and serving as musicians and gatekeepers. Their inclusion alongside priests further underscores the complete integration of Gentiles into all levels of sacred service, signifying a dismantling of the Old Covenant's restrictive, tribal-based service system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will also take of them":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the active agent ("I will..."). The phrase "of them" refers directly back to the "all nations and tongues" mentioned in the preceding verses (Isaiah 66:18-20). This signifies God's sovereign choice to select individuals from among the Gentiles, indicating a deliberate and inclusive act that transcends the traditional boundaries of the Israelite covenant community. It is a divine initiative, not a human achievement.
* **"for priests [and] for Levites":** This is the astonishing core of the prophecy. It declares that God will appoint these chosen Gentiles to roles that were strictly hereditary and exclusive to the descendants of Aaron (for priests) and the tribe of Levi (for Levites) under the Mosaic Law. This signifies a radical redefinition of sacred service and access to God's presence, moving beyond ethnic or familial lineage to a new basis of divine election and purpose. The inclusion of both categories indicates a full integration into the highest and most comprehensive forms of temple service.
* **"saith the LORD.":** This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy. It emphasizes that this radical and seemingly impossible future is not a human speculation but a direct declaration from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. This divine seal guarantees the fulfillment of this unprecedented promise of universal inclusion and service.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:21 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as it foretells a future event that radically alters established religious norms. This prophecy functions as a declaration of God's ultimate plan for universal salvation and inclusion. There is also a strong element of **Paradox** or **Subversion of Expectations**, given the strict Old Testament laws regarding the exclusive roles of priests and Levites. The idea of Gentiles fulfilling these roles would have been counter-intuitive and shocking to the original audience, highlighting God's sovereign freedom to transcend human limitations and expectations. Furthermore, the verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the New Covenant era where the spiritual priesthood of all believers in Christ becomes a reality, fulfilling the spirit of this prophecy in a new and profound way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:21 stands as a pivotal Old Testament prophecy that profoundly shapes our understanding of God's redemptive plan, revealing His heart for all humanity. It dismantles the notion of an exclusive, ethnically-bound covenant, demonstrating that God's ultimate purpose is to draw people from every nation into intimate relationship and sacred service. This verse provides a crucial bridge between the Old and New Covenants, illustrating how the particularism of Israel's election was always intended to culminate in universal inclusion. It underscores the theological truth that God's grace is not limited by human lineage or tradition but extends to all whom He chooses, transforming them for His purposes. This radical inclusivity foreshadows the global scope of the Gospel and the church as a multi-ethnic body.

* [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")
* [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Redeemed from Every Tribe and Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:21 challenges us to broaden our understanding of God's boundless grace and His inclusive nature. It reminds us that God's call to service is not limited by our background, ethnicity, or past, but by His sovereign choice and equipping. For believers today, this verse affirms our identity as part of a "royal priesthood" in Christ, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and lives dedicated to His service. It encourages us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that God is actively gathering and empowering people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to participate in His redemptive work. This truth should inspire us to break down any remaining barriers of prejudice or exclusion within our communities and to actively seek out and affirm the gifts and callings of all who are in Christ, knowing that God delights in using the most unexpected individuals for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaiah 66:21 challenge your preconceived notions about who God chooses for His service?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy encourage you about God's inclusive nature and His heart for all nations?**
* **Considering the New Testament concept of a "royal priesthood," how can you more fully live out your calling to sacred service in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 66:21 mean that the Old Testament sacrificial system will be reinstated with Gentiles as priests?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply a literal reinstatement of the Old Testament sacrificial system with Gentiles officiating. Instead, it should be understood prophetically and symbolically. The Old Covenant system, with its specific priesthood and sacrifices, found its ultimate fulfillment and completion in Jesus Christ, who became the perfect and final sacrifice and our eternal High Priest (as elaborated in [Hebrews 7-10](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7-10 - Christ's Superior Priesthood and Sacrifice")). Isaiah's prophecy points to a radical inclusion of Gentiles into the most intimate forms of worship and service, which is realized in the New Covenant through the spiritual priesthood of all believers. In Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")), and all who believe are brought near to God, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, good works, and lives dedicated to Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Thus, the prophecy signifies a universal call to sacred service and intimacy with God, not a return to obsolete ceremonial laws.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:21 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant, where Jesus Christ inaugurates a new spiritual reality that transcends the limitations of the Old Testament priesthood and temple. Christ, as the ultimate and eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")), has opened access to God for all humanity, not through lineage or ritual, but through His perfect sacrifice on the cross. This prophecy of Gentiles serving as "priests and Levites" is realized in the New Testament concept of the church as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), composed of believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Through Christ, the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile has been broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")), and all who are in Him are made fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, Isaiah's vision of universal sacred service is not a return to Old Covenant forms but a glorious foretelling of the spiritual priesthood of all believers in Christ, who now offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and lives dedicated to God, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

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

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Revelation 1:6

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 61:6

But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: [men] shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 5:10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 20:6

Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.