Isaiah 66:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 66:21
21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 66 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, mercy, holiness. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 66:21
21 And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD.
Analysis
An astonishing promise: "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." The Hebrew megam mehem eqach lakohanim lalviyyim means God will select from these Gentile converts to serve as priests and Levites—previously exclusive Jewish roles. This demolishes ethnic privilege in God's kingdom. Under the old covenant, only Aaronic descendants could be priests, only Levites could serve in the temple. God promises to select Gentiles for these roles. From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies the new covenant's universal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9, Revelation 1:6, 5:10). All believers—Jew and Gentile—become priests unto God through Christ. The Levitical priesthood is abolished (Hebrews 7:11-19), replaced by Christ the High Priest and all believers as royal priests offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15-16). This verse emphasizes the radical equality of Jews and Gentiles in the new covenant—no ethnic or hereditary advantage, only grace through faith in Christ.
Historical Context
Under the old covenant, priestly service was strictly hereditary and ethnic. Gentiles were excluded from priesthood and most temple areas. This prophecy was revolutionary—promising Gentile priests! The early church grappled with its implications (Acts 15, Galatians, Ephesians). The New Testament reveals fulfillment: all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), there is neither Jew nor Greek in Christ (Galatians 3:28), and Gentile believers serve in gospel ministry alongside Jewish believers. Throughout church history, leadership has increasingly included converts from all ethnicities. Complete fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem where all the redeemed, from every nation, serve as priests before God forever (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 22:3).
Reflection
- How does Gentile inclusion in priesthood demonstrate the radical nature of new covenant grace?
- What does universal priesthood mean for all believers' worship and service?
- How should the elimination of ethnic privilege in God's kingdom shape the church's practice?
Word Studies
- Priest: כֹּהֵן (Kohen) H3548 - Priest
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 61:6
- Parallel theme: Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:5, 2:9, Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:6