Isaiah 66:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that from {H1767} one new moon {H2320} to another {H2320}, and from {H1767} one sabbath {H7676} to another {H7676}, shall all flesh {H1320} come {H935} to worship {H7812} before {H6440} me, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Every month on Rosh-Hodesh and every week on Shabbat, everyone living will come to worship in my presence," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me,” says the LORD.

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:23 presents a breathtaking eschatological vision, prophesying a future era—often understood as the new heavens and new earth—where universal and perpetual worship will be directed toward the LORD. This climactic declaration envisions all humanity, transcending national and ethnic boundaries, regularly gathering in unified adoration to acknowledge God's supreme sovereignty and glory. It underscores the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, culminating in a global outpouring of devotion and reverence before the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66 serves as the climactic conclusion to the entire prophetic book of Isaiah, bringing its grand themes to a powerful crescendo. This chapter stands in stark contrast, depicting God's righteous judgment upon the rebellious while simultaneously unveiling His glorious restoration and abundant blessings for the faithful remnant. Verse 23 specifically builds upon the majestic prophecies of a [new heavens and a new earth](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - Prophecy of New Creation"), emphasizing radical renewal and the intimate dwelling of God among His people. The immediate preceding verses describe God's active role in gathering all nations to Jerusalem ([Isaiah 66:18](/isaiah/66-18 "Isaiah 66:18 - God Gathers All Nations")) and sending His glory to the Gentiles through the faithful survivors who proclaim His name ([Isaiah 66:19](/isaiah/66-19 "Isaiah 66:19 - God Sends Survivors to the Nations")). Thus, Isaiah 66:23 portrays the ultimate, glorious outcome of this divine gathering: a unified, global, and perpetual worship of the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah spans centuries, addressing various periods including the Assyrian threat, the Babylonian exile, and the anticipation of restoration. The references to "new moon" and "sabbath" in this verse are deeply embedded in the ancient Israelite religious calendar and covenant practices. These were divinely ordained times for communal worship, sacrificial offerings, and sacred rest under the Mosaic Covenant, serving as foundational pillars of Israel's relationship with God (e.g., [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the LORD")). By employing these familiar temporal markers, the prophet signifies a profound expansion of these sacred rhythms. No longer confined to the nation of Israel, these patterns of devotion are now applied to "all flesh," pointing to a future where the entire world will participate in structured, perpetual adoration, echoing the universal scope of God's redemptive plan that transcends ethnic and national distinctions.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 66:23 encapsulates several profound themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. The central theme is **Universal Worship**, where the exclusive worship of Yahweh by Israel expands dramatically to encompass "all flesh," signifying a global acknowledgment of God's supreme sovereignty. This is intrinsically linked to **Eschatological Hope**, providing a vivid vision of the ultimate future where God's kingdom reigns supreme, righteousness prevails, and perfect peace is established, standing in stark contrast to the judgments described earlier in the chapter. The verse also powerfully highlights **God's Sovereignty and Glory**, as the LORD is the singular, undisputed object of this universal adoration, affirming His ultimate authority and majesty over all creation, a truth echoed in passages like [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory"). Finally, it touches upon **Continuity and Transformation** of covenant practices, as the familiar rhythms of new moons and Sabbaths are re-envisioned for a new, universal context, suggesting that while the forms of worship may adapt and be fulfilled, the essence of dedicated, communal worship endures perpetually.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** From H1320, this term refers to the physical body, a person, or humanity in general. In this context, "all flesh" signifies every living human being, emphasizing the comprehensive and universal scope of the worship described. It moves beyond ethnic or national boundaries to include all of humankind, underscoring the inclusivity of God's ultimate redemptive plan.
* **new moon (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** From H2320, this term refers to the beginning of a month, marked by the appearance of the new moon. In ancient Israel, new moons were significant religious festivals, often involving special sacrifices and assemblies ([Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11-15 "Numbers 28:11-15 - Offerings for the New Moon")). Its inclusion here alongside the Sabbath indicates a regular, cyclical, and continuous pattern of worship, suggesting that devotion to God will be a perpetual rhythm in the future age.
* **worship (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** From H7812, this primitive root means "to depress," "prostrate," or "bow down," especially in homage to royalty or God. It conveys an act of humble reverence, submission, and adoration. The use of this verb here emphasizes that the coming of "all flesh" before the LORD is not merely a physical gathering but a profound act of spiritual submission and heartfelt adoration, acknowledging God's supreme majesty and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass,"**: This introductory phrase is a common prophetic idiom, signaling a future event that is certain to occur, often with divine orchestration. It sets a tone of prophetic assurance and the inevitability of God's unfolding plan, indicating a divinely guaranteed future reality.
* **"that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another,"**: This clause specifies the *frequency* and *regularity* of the worship. By referencing two key temporal markers of Israelite religious life—the monthly new moon festival and the weekly Sabbath—the prophet conveys a continuous, unending, and rhythmic pattern of devotion. It implies that worship will be a perpetual, cyclical reality in the eschatological age, not an occasional or sporadic event, but an ingrained, constant rhythm of life.
* **"shall all flesh come to worship before me,"**: This is the core declaration of the verse, highlighting the *scope* and *purpose* of the gathering. "All flesh" signifies humanity in its entirety, transcending all ethnic, national, or geographical distinctions. They will "come" (a verb often implying pilgrimage or approach to a sacred place) to "worship" (to prostrate oneself in adoration and submission) before the LORD. This signifies a universal recognition and adoration of God's sovereignty, a global pilgrimage of humble reverence.
* **"saith the LORD."**: This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy. It underscores that this is not merely a human hope or speculation, but a direct declaration from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, guaranteeing its fulfillment and demonstrating His ultimate power and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominently evident in the "new moon" and "sabbath," which, while rooted in specific Old Covenant observances, here transcend their original ceremonial limitations to symbolize a future of perpetual, rhythmic, and universal worship. The phrase "all flesh" is a powerful example of **Synecdoche**, where a part (flesh, referring to the physical body) represents the whole (all humanity), emphasizing the comprehensive and inclusive nature of this future worship, embracing every human being. The repetition of "from one... to another" ("from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another") creates both **Parallelism** and a distinct **Rhythm**, underscoring the continuous, unending, and cyclical nature of the worship that will characterize the new creation. Finally, the entire verse functions as a climactic **Prophetic Vision**, painting a vivid, hopeful, and divinely guaranteed picture of God's ultimate triumph and the universal acknowledgment of His glory, serving as a glorious capstone to Isaiah's extensive eschatological prophecies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:23 offers a breathtaking glimpse into God's ultimate redemptive purpose: the establishment of a kingdom where His glory is universally acknowledged and perpetually worshipped. This vision transcends the immediate context of Israel's restoration, pointing to a time when the distinction between Jew and Gentile is overcome in a unified, global act of adoration. It profoundly affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to drawing all peoples to Himself. The continuity of "new moon" and "sabbath" rhythms, now applied globally, suggests that while the ceremonial law may find its fulfillment in Christ, the principle of setting aside dedicated, regular time for God's worship remains eternally valid and foundational to the life of the redeemed. This verse provides immense hope for a future where peace, righteousness, and perfect communion with God prevail, serving as the glorious culmination of all divine history and the ultimate realization of God's desire for a people who worship Him in spirit and truth.

* [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worship in Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Worshipping")
* [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Bows to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:23 is not merely a distant prophecy but a living word that profoundly impacts our present worship and mission. It calls us to live with an eschatological imagination, understanding that our current acts of worship, whether corporate or individual, are but a foretaste of a glorious, universal symphony of praise that will one day encompass all humanity. This vision should inspire a deep sense of purpose and urgency in our evangelistic and missionary endeavors, reminding us that every soul brought to Christ is a participant in this grand future, contributing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's global design. It challenges us to broaden our perspective beyond our immediate communities, embracing God's passionate heart for all nations and actively contributing to the fulfillment of this universal worship through prayer, giving, and going. Furthermore, it offers immense comfort and assurance, especially in times of spiritual decline, widespread unbelief, or personal struggles, knowing that God's ultimate plan will not be thwarted and His glory will indeed fill the earth, securing a future of perfect and unending worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of "all flesh" worshipping the LORD challenge my current understanding of worship and mission, particularly regarding inclusivity and global scope?**
* **In what practical ways can I, as an individual or as part of a faith community, live out the reality of universal and perpetual worship today, anticipating the future?**
* **How does the certainty of this future worship strengthen my faith and provide hope amidst present difficulties, spiritual struggles, or the apparent slowness of God's kingdom advance?**

### FAQ
**Does Isaiah 66:23 mean that Old Testament ceremonial laws like the Sabbath will be reinstated in the future?**

Answer: Not necessarily in their original ceremonial form. The mention of "new moon" and "sabbath" in [Isaiah 66:23](/isaiah/66-23 "Isaiah 66:23 - Universal Worship") is generally understood not as a literal reinstatement of Old Covenant ritual law for all nations, but rather as a symbolic representation of regular, perpetual, and dedicated worship. These were familiar rhythms of devotion for Isaiah's original audience, signifying sacred time set apart for God. In the eschatological context, they symbolize an unending, cyclical pattern of worship that will characterize the new creation, where all humanity will consistently gather to honor God. The New Testament emphasizes that Christ is the fulfillment of the Sabbath (e.g., [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Christ is the Substance")), and worship in the new covenant is spiritual and true, not bound by specific days or locations ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Therefore, the verse points to the *principle* of continuous, universal worship, rather than a return to specific ceremonial observances.

**Who is meant by "all flesh" in this prophecy?**

Answer: "All flesh" (Hebrew: _bâsâr_) in [Isaiah 66:23](/isaiah/66-23 "Isaiah 66:23 - Universal Worship") refers to all humanity, without exception. This is a crucial aspect of the prophecy, indicating that the worship of the LORD will no longer be confined to the nation of Israel but will encompass people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This universal scope aligns with other Old Testament prophecies that speak of the Gentiles coming to worship the God of Israel (e.g., [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20-23 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Nations Seek the LORD")) and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's vision of the Church, composed of believers from all backgrounds, and the eschatological gathering before God's throne ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the redemptive work and future reign of Jesus Christ. The glorious vision of "all flesh" coming to worship the LORD is ultimately realized through the gospel, by which people from every nation, tribe, and language are reconciled to God through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating [one new humanity in Himself](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall"). The universal worship prophesied here anticipates the day when [every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Bows to Jesus"), to the glory of God the Father. In the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme, the continuous worship symbolized by "new moon" and "sabbath" will be a perpetual reality, as the redeemed from every generation and nation will forever [serve God and the Lamb](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse, God and Lamb Reign"). Thus, Isaiah's glorious vision is not merely a general hope for humanity but a specific promise fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus, the one through whom all creation will ultimately render perfect adoration to the Triune God.

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

Ezekiel 46:1

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

Ezekiel 46:6

And in the day of the new moon [it shall be] a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish.

Psalms 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Colossians 2:16

¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:

Colossians 2:17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Zechariah 14:16

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Isaiah 1:13

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.