Isaiah 2:1-5
Chapter 2
1
Zion, Center of the Eschatological Kingdom
The vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz, concerning Judah and Jerusalem.2
In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be set over the highest mountains and tower over the hills.
3
All the nations shall stream to it, saying, “Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways, and we may walk in his paths. For the teaching comes from Zion, and from Jerusalem the word of the Lord.
4
He will rule over the nations and settle disputes for many people. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not raise sword against nation; they will no longer train for war.
5
O nation of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”
Commentaries
Zion, Center of the Eschatological Kingdom.
Two recurring themes in Isaiah converge here: the Temple of Jerusalem as the sole one in Israel and the universal reach of salvation. At the end of time, after the instability and wars common in his eighth-century B.C. era, God Himself will establish the Temple on Mount Zion as his dwelling place and a pilgrimage site for all people. Everyone will learn from the Lord how to be at peace because “law” or “instruction” will eliminate violence among nations (cf. Mi 4:1-3). There will be a new people of God made up of the faithful remnant of Israel and all nations drawn by the Lord’s presence, walking according to the word. The “light of the Lord” (5) shines forth from the Temple’s tabernacle (cf. Ez 43:1-5).