On Isa 56:6-8:
Some Gentiles will work right alongside the Jewish people in serving
and loving the name of the LORD (v. 6). This is exactly the kind of equality we
would expect among those in the New Covenant. However, it would have been an
unthinkable partnership in Isaiah’s day. Gentiles will be brought to
Jerusalem’s mountain, being made joyful in the temple as they offer sacrifices.
These offerings are distinctly said to be acceptable on the LORD’s altar. In
that day, the temple will be known as a house of prayer for every nation (v.
7). This level of participation in temple ordinances is quite astonishing.
There is no other time in history in which Gentiles could make legitimate
sacrifices in the temple. Sacrifices were previously not even acceptable from
an Israelite who was not also a Levite (cf. Deut 33:10). Recall that when Saul
attempted a sacrifice, God removed his throne (1 Sam 13:9–14). King Uzziah was
struck with leprosy because he offered incense to the LORD (2 Chr 26:18–21).
Because Gentile sacrifices have not yet been accepted, it can only be that they
will be so in the future. Previously, you were either born a Levite or you were
not. During the Millennium, God will make new priests and Levites (Isa 66:21).
He will not only ingather the dispersed of Israel but will add to them
ingathered Gentiles (v. 8). Ezekiel placed this final ingathering of the Jews
and their inclusion in the New Covenant shortly before he covered the future
sacrifices (Ezek 36:24–27). Isaiah’s narrative on temple sacrifices complements
Ezekiel’s remarkably well, assuring us that the prophets agree. (Matthew Bryce
Ervin, One Thousand Years with Jesus: The Coming Messianic Kingdom [Eugene,
Oreg.: Resource Publications, 2017], 108)
On Isa 19:18-21:
The five cities represent the whole of Egypt in the millennial day of
the LORD. All of the inhabitants will speak Hebrew, the language of the
Promised Land (v. 18). The City of Destruction, likely called so on account of
the blood previously spilled there, is referred to as the City of the Sun in
the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Targumim, and some other manuscripts. This is
Heliopolis, a city where sacrifices used to be made to the sun-god Ra. In the
Millennium an altar will be erected, not for Ra, but for the LORD God (v. 19).
The altar will serve as a tribute and memorial to the LORD out of gratitude for
him sending Egypt a Savior, the Messiah Jesus (v. 20). This follows the pattern
of Abraham and Joshua building altars to the LORD out of appreciation and commitment
to him (Gen 12:8; Josh 24:26–27), and that of Jacob raising a stone pillar in
honor of his covenant with God (Gen 28:18–22). The LORD will reveal himself to
the Egyptians and they will come to personally know him. They will worship
their Creator with sacrifices and offerings (v. 21). A city that was once
dedicated to offering sacrifices to a false god will be repurposed for the
offering of sacrifices to the one true God. The Egyptians will not make these
offerings to point to what the Savior will do, but out of remembrance for what
he has done. (Ibid., 108-9)
