Isaiah 2:1 – 2:4

Isaiah speaks to many things as concerns his fellow Israelites. His focus in Chapter 2 says much about not only Israel’s future but the future in this world …and one might include “this world and universe.” As believers, we are to reflect Jesus just as the moon reflects the sun’s brilliance. The moon has no light of its own and neither do we. Israel was supposed to be that light on the hillside. A light to the world. (see Isaiah 49:3; Exodus 19:6)

Isaiah begins chapter 2 by prophesying about Judah and Jerusalem. Verse number 2 begins, “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days…” The latter days? Isaiah wrote in the 700’s B.C. yet he speaks of a very distant time yet to come [Isaiah 11:4-9]. A time of absolute justice. A time referred to as the Millennial Reign of Jesus. Micah 4:1 also refers to this time yet to come.

But, what are the last days? The wording here might be a bit confusing. It sounds or reads like the end. The end of days? This is a good time to rid our minds of what we know as days or time since both were created in Genesis 1:5. Too often our minds associate the last days with some type “end to all things.” This is partially true. Revelation 21:5 states, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, God said to the Apostle John, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” The last days refer to the end of the old with the beginning of the new.

• Isaiah 2:4 is where we find the statement “They shall beat their swords into plowshares.” During the reign of the Messiah, there will be no more war. There will still be conflicts between nations and individuals, but they will be justly and decisively resolved by the Messiah and those who reign with Him. He, “Jesus Christ”, shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people. This probably conflicts with many peoples’ thoughts of the millennial reign and those who believe we are already in it. Yes, there will still be people, decision making, conflict, nations, and some form of rivalries. The difference? True justice will be served and conflict resolved. Both verses speak about Israel, but from different perspectives. Isaiah 49:3 focuses on Israel’s purpose as a servant of God and the display of God’s glory. 

Exodus 19:6 emphasizes the covenant relationship and the special status of Israel as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This was God’s intent when He made them His people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As our title for this paper states: Punishment for sin as [the] preparation for glory, is the constant theme in Isaiah. We as people will move from this world to His (God’s) new setting for life, land, universe, and atmosphere. We will gradually rise above, or better said, return to God’s original Adam and Eve setting but without the influence of evil, sin, and Satan. The punishment and preparation for glory, Heaven [Revelation 21].

Rev. Dr. Jstark – 2025