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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 66:15-24

These verses, like the pillar of cloud and fire, have a dark side towards the enemies of God's kingdom and all that are rebels against his crown, and a bright side towards his faithful loyal subjects. Probably they refer to the Jews in captivity in Babylon, of whom some are said to have been sent thither for their hurt, and with them God here threatens to proceed in his controversy; they hated to be reformed, and therefore should be ruined by the calamity (Jer. 24:9); others were sent thither... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests ,.... That is, of the Gentiles, the brethren brought as an offering to the Lord; and therefore must respect Gospel times, when the Aaronic priesthood would be changed and cease, which admitted not of Gentiles, nor any of any other tribe in Israel, but the tribe of Levi; nor is this to be understood of the spiritual priesthood common to all believers, 1 Peter 2:5 since of those converted Gentiles brought, not all, but only some of them, would be... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 66:21

And for Levites - For ללוים laleviyim , fifty-nine MSS., (eight ancient), have וללוים velaleviyim , adding the conjunction ו vau , which the sense seems necessarily to require: and so read all the ancient versions. See Joshua 3:3 , and the various readings on that place in Kennicott's Bible. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 66:15-24

The manifestation of Jehovah. I. IT IS A MANIFESTATION IN FIRE . Very common is the representation of this coming by or in the element of fire. Its associations are of judgment , vengeance—devouring fire ( Psalms 50:3 ). So it is associated with the pestilence ( Habakkuk 2:5 ). It consumes God's enemies ( Psalms 97:3 ). Nor can we deny that such representations do in part enter into Christianity ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8 ; Hebrews 10:27 ; 2 Peter 3:7 ; cf. also ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 66:19-23

A vision of the future. From these verses, which present us with a glowing vision of future triumph and blessedness, we learn— I. THAT GOD MAY CALL US TO UNWELCOME BUT EXCELLENT SERVICE . The Jews could not have anticipated, nor would they have desired, such a disposition of themselves, and such a use of their powers as is indicated in the nineteenth verse. It was strange to their thought, alien to their sympathy. Yet it was a most admirable service, with which they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 66:19-24

THE FINAL CONDITION OF THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMED ON EARTH . When the enemies of God have been consumed, there shall go out from the Church missionaries, who shall convert the distant Gentiles, and unite them, and the Jews who dwell among them, into a single body of worshippers, which shall inhabit the new Jerusalem on equal terms, and join continually in a common worship of Jehovah. The awful destruction of the wicked, and their eternal sufferings, shall at the same time... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites; literally, and I will also take of them unto the priests and unto the Levites ; i.e. I will add to the existing body of priests and Levites, who are pro-sumably Jews, fresh members from the newly converted Gentiles. The existence of a sacerdotal order, with distinctions of ranks, in the Church of the redeemed, is implied, and the gracious declaration is made that the privilege of furnishing members to both ranks of the order... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for priests - I will give to them an honorable place in my public service; that is, I will make them ministers of religion as if they were priests and Levites. This cannot be taken literally - because the priests and Levites among the Jews were determined by law, and by regular genealogical descent, and there was no provision for substituting any in their place. But it must mean that under the condition of things described here, those who should be brought from the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 66:21

Isaiah 66:21. I will also take of them for priests and for Levites God will find among the converted Gentiles those who, though they are not of the tribe of Levi, yet shall do the true work of the priests and Levites. They shall minister in holy things, preside in the religious assemblies, teach the people, and bless in the name of the Lord. They shall be stewards of the mysteries of God, as the priests and Levites were under the law; angels or messengers of the churches, pastors... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 66:7-24

New people and a new age (66:7-24)Usually there is a long period of development before a group of people becomes a nation, but the new nation Israel will appear suddenly and unexpectedly, like a baby born before the due date (7-9). As with the birth of a baby, there is much rejoicing over the birth of the new nation (10-11). The ‘baby’ grows strong and active because God is the one who nourishes it. Under the controlling hand of God, Israel prospers (12-14).While Israel enjoys God’s blessings,... read more

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