Isaiah’s 1 detailed Israel’s condition in the prophet’s own time. From the dark picture of Zion as a forsaken shed in the midst of desolation and as an unfaithful wife, the prophet turns to the future and sees Zion glorified above all cities and nations. The prophet declares, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it” (Isaiah 2:2). What do some of these specific phrases in this prophecy mean?
This great kingdom will come to pass “in the last days.” The “last days” are defined in the New Testament as the Christian era or dispensation (Acts 2:17; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3). Acts 2:16 and Hebrews 1:2 especially indicate that we are living in the “last days,” so they are not reserved for some mysterious, unknown time in the future. The problem of a lot of people is that they do not take advantage of the “last days” and obey Christ. They do not fear the judgment of God or even plan for it.
“The mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains.” The symbolism of a mountain represents the government, and God’s government will be established over all the kingdoms of this world (cp. Daniel 2:35, 45). It will not be the USA or the PRC, but God. The word “Zion” in the next verse came to be used in prophecy to refer to the spiritual Zion to come. It is elevated above other mountains and hills pictures the prominence it will attain in the of the Messiah. The dwelling place of God among His redeemed people is where God’s people find security and peace.
The Gentiles (“nations”) and Jews (“people”) will do God’s will; justice and peace will reign. “Shall” demands that when God says it will happen, it will happen. God’s word is sure and steadfast and speaks with certainty. No wickedness or evil would stop God from establishing His kingdom (cp. Matthew 6:10). “Above the hills” addresses the supremeness of God. God’s ways will be praised instead of the wicked’s ways. The powers of the world are no longer “mountains” but “hills.” God conquered them through Christ when He led captive a host of captives (Ephesians 4:8). God be thanked for His glorious kingdom!
Kyle Campbell
