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.
Universal worship is promised: "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." The Hebrew midei-chodesh bechodsho umidei shabbat beshabbato (from new moon in its time, from sabbath in its time) suggests regular, continuous worship—monthly and weekly cycles. "All flesh" (kol-basar) emphasizes comprehensive participation—everyone worships. This is extraordinary: earlier "all flesh" faced judgment (v.16); now "all flesh" worships! The distinction between elect and reprobate is assumed—only the redeemed "all flesh" worship. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the consummated kingdom where all the elect worship God perpetually (Revelation 7:15, 22:3). The new moon and sabbath language uses old covenant worship terminology to describe new covenant reality—continuous, corporate worship of all believers. The regularity (monthly, weekly) suggests ongoing, not merely occasional, worship. This is believers' eternal activity: glorifying and enjoying God forever through worship.
Historical Context
Under the old covenant, new moon and sabbath observances were significant worship times (Numbers 10:10, 28:11-15, Isaiah 1:13). Israelites gathered regularly for worship. This prophecy looked beyond physical Jerusalem and temporal observances to eternal worship in God's presence. The early church gathered weekly (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) for worship, continuing the pattern. Throughout church history, believers have maintained regular corporate worship. Complete fulfillment comes in the consummated kingdom where worship is perpetual (Revelation 4:8, 7:15). The new moon and sabbath references aren't mandating old covenant observances but using familiar language to describe regular, ongoing worship of all believers in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
How does the promise of perpetual worship describe the believer's eternal destiny and delight?
What does 'all flesh' worshiping indicate about the final distinction between elect and reprobate?
How should anticipation of eternal worship shape our present worship priorities and practices?
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Analysis & Commentary
Universal worship is promised: "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." The Hebrew midei-chodesh bechodsho umidei shabbat beshabbato (from new moon in its time, from sabbath in its time) suggests regular, continuous worship—monthly and weekly cycles. "All flesh" (kol-basar) emphasizes comprehensive participation—everyone worships. This is extraordinary: earlier "all flesh" faced judgment (v.16); now "all flesh" worships! The distinction between elect and reprobate is assumed—only the redeemed "all flesh" worship. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the consummated kingdom where all the elect worship God perpetually (Revelation 7:15, 22:3). The new moon and sabbath language uses old covenant worship terminology to describe new covenant reality—continuous, corporate worship of all believers. The regularity (monthly, weekly) suggests ongoing, not merely occasional, worship. This is believers' eternal activity: glorifying and enjoying God forever through worship.