Isaiah 2:3
Verse
Context
The Mountain of the House of the LORD
2In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.
Sermons
Art KatzArt KatzArt Katz
Mike BickleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To the house - The conjunction ו vau is added by nineteen of Kennicott's, thirteen of De Rossi's MSS., one of my own, and two editions, the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, Arabic, and some copies of the Targum; And to the house. It makes the sentence more emphatic. He will teach us of his ways - Unless God grant a revelation of his will, what can we know? We will walk in his paths - Unless we purpose to walk in the light, of what use can that light be to us? For out of Zion shall go forth the law - In the house of God, and in his ordinances only can we expect to hear the pure doctrines of revelation preached. 1. God alone can give a revelation of his own will. 2. We must use the proper means in order to know this will. 3. We should know it in order to do it. 4. We should do it in order to profit by it. 5. He who will not walk in the light when God vouchsafes it, shall be shut up in everlasting darkness. 6. Every man should help his neighbor to attain that light, life, and felicity: "Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And peoples in multitude go and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; let Him instruct us out of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." This is their signal for starting, and their song by the way (cf., Zac 8:21-22). What urges them on is the desire for salvation. Desire for salvation expresses itself in the name they give to the point towards which they are travelling: they call Moriah "the mountain of Jehovah," and the temple upon it "the house of the God of Jacob." Through frequent use, Israel had become the popular name for the people of God; but the name they employ is the choicer name Jacob, which is the name of affection in the mouth of Micah, of whose style we are also reminded by the expression "many peoples" (ammim rabbim). Desire for salvation expresses itself in the object of their journey; they wish Jehovah to teach them "out of His ways," - a rich source of instruction with which they desire to be gradually entrusted. The preposition min (out of, or from) is not partitive here, but refers, as in Psa 94:12, to the source of instruction. The "ways of Jehovah" are the ways which God Himself takes, and by which men are led by Him - the revealed ordinances of His will and action. Desire for salvation also expresses itself in the resolution with which they set out: they not only wish to learn, but are resolved to act according to what they learn. "We will walk in His paths:" the hortative is used here, as it frequently is (e.g., Gen 27:4, vid., Ges. 128, 1, c), to express either the subjective intention or subjective conclusion. The words supposed to be spoken by the multitude of heathen going up to Zion terminate here. The prophet then adds the reason and object of this holy pilgrimage of the nations: "For instruction will go out from Zion, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem." The principal emphasis is upon the expressions "from Zion" and "from Jerusalem." It is a triumphant utterance of the sentiment that "salvation is of the Jews" (Joh 4:22). From Zion-Jerusalem there would go forth thorah, i.e., instruction as to the questions which man has to put to God, and debar Jehovah, the word of Jehovah, which created the world at first, and by which it is spiritually created anew. Whatever promotes the true prosperity of the nations, comes from Zion-Jerusalem. There the nations assemble together; they take it thence to their own homes, and thus Zion-Jerusalem becomes the fountain of universal good. For from the time that Jehovah made choice of Zion, the holiness of Sinai was transferred to Zion (Psa 68:17), which now presented the same aspect as Sinai had formerly done, when God invested it with holiness by appearing there in the midst of myriads of angels. What had been commenced at Sinai for Israel, would be completed at Zion for all the world. This was fulfilled on that day of Pentecost, when the disciples, the first-fruits of the church of Christ, proclaimed the thorah of Zion, i.e., the gospel, in the languages of all the world. It was fulfilled, as Theodoret observes, in the fact that the word of the gospel, rising from Jerusalem "as from a fountain," flowed through the whole of the known world. But these fulfilments were only preludes to a conclusion which is still to be looked for in the future. For what is promised in the following v. is still altogether unfulfilled.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If the curse foretold against Israel has been literally fulfilled, so shall the promised blessing be literal. We Gentiles must not, while giving them the curse, deny them their peculiar blessing by spiritualizing it. The Holy Ghost shall be poured out for a general conversion then (Jer 50:5; Zac 8:21, Zac 8:23; Joe 2:28). from Jerusalem-- (Luk 24:47) an earnest of the future relations of Jerusalem to Christendom (Rom 11:12, Rom 11:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And many people shall go and say,.... This is a prophecy of the numerous conversions among the Gentiles in the latter day, and agrees with Zac 8:20 and even the author of the old Nizzachon (p) interprets it of the gathering of the people to the Messiah. Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; the church of Christ, so called; See Gill on Isa 2:2. This expresses the concern that truly gracious souls have for the house of God, and his worship in it; they go up to it, considering it both as their duty and their privilege; and which they do frequently and constantly, with much spiritual pleasure, though sometimes with difficulty, finding their account in it, and knowing it is for the glory of God; and not content with so doing themselves, they encourage others to do so likewise; either professors of religion with them, who are negligent and backward through a spirit of slumber and slothfulness on them; through lukewarmness, coldness, and leaving their first love; through an over love to the world, and the things of it; and through a vain conceit of themselves, as being as knowing as their teachers, or wiser than they: or else such who have made no profession, who are quite ignorant of divine things, these they endeavour to bring with them, out of love to their souls, that they may be under the means of grace, in order to their conversion; and such as are inquiring the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, these they encourage to join with them in holy fellowship; and in all they set an example by a constant attendance themselves; they do not stir them up to go alone, either one or other, but propose to go with them. See Psa 122:1. and he will teach us of his ways: that is, the Lord the God of Jacob, the covenant God and Father of his church and people, who often in this prophecy go by the name of Jacob; he is the teacher, and there is none teacheth like him; and happy are they who are taught of God, and who have heard and learnt of the Father, and come to Christ: he taught men by his Son, when here on earth; who was a teacher that came from God, taught the way of God in truth, and with authority, as the Scribes and Pharisees did not: and then by his Spirit, sent after him to teach all things, and bring all things to remembrance; and since by his apostles and ministers, who have gifts, and a commission to teach men; though all human teachings are of no avail, without a divine blessing, unless accompanied with the anointing, which teacheth all things; and which will be abundantly bestowed in the latter day, when all the children of Zion, and that come to the house of the Lord, will be taught of God. Kimchi says, the teacher here is the King Messiah; the "us" to be taught are Gentiles, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, whom Christ, under the Gospel dispensation, has given his ministers a commission to teach; and here design such as are humble souls, and sensible of their ignorance, and who know something of Christ, and believe in him; yet, as they know but in part, they desire to know more. The things taught them are the "ways" of the Lord; his ways of love, grace, and mercy, in the salvation of men; the steps he took in eternity towards it, by consulting and contriving the best method of it, forming it in his Son, and agreeing with him in covenant about it, and choosing the persons in him he designed to save: and also his goings forth in time, by sending his Son into this world, to obtain salvation for them, and his Spirit into their hearts, to apply it to them; likewise the ways which he prescribes and directs his people to walk in, such as the ordinances of the Gospel, and every path of duty: and the place where these are taught is the church of God, and to this school all that desire to learn should go; and there is ever something more and more of these ways to be learnt; for they are not all learnt at once, only part of his ways; and it is but a small portion, we know of these in the present state, which God has taken in order to bring about our salvation. And we will walk in his paths; in Christ, the way, by faith, and in all his ordinances and paths of duty, according to the rule of his word; in imitation of him, and as he walked; in a dependence on his wisdom, grace, and strength, continuing therein; for walking is a progressive motion, and designs a series and course of obedience and perseverance in it: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; by which is meant the law or doctrine of the Messiah, Isa 42:4 for the Hebrew word signifies any doctrine, and so the evangelical one, the law or doctrine of faith, of justification by faith in Christ's righteousness, Rom 3:27 together with all other doctrines of the same kind; called the "word of the Lord", which the Lord Christ is the author, preacher, sum, and substance of; the word of righteousness, peace, reconciliation, life, and salvation by him. This first began according to his commission and direction to be preached at Jerusalem, and from thence it went forth into all the world; and it is in Zion, in the church of God, it is now preached, and will be more clearly and fully in the latter day; and so is an argument and an encouraging reason to engage persons to go up thither and hear it. (p) Apud Wagenseil. Tela ignea, p. 29.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3 Human society will undergo changes as people conform to God’s revelation and follow his ways and paths. • Judah received the revelation (teaching . . . word) but did not obey it (1:10-15); however, the nations will be ready to do God’s will.
Isaiah 2:3
The Mountain of the House of the LORD
2In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Commanded of God
By Art Katz2.4K55:13CommandmentsISA 2:3MIC 4:2ZEC 12:10MAT 24:21ACT 3:21ROM 11:25REV 11:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of the last days and the events that will unfold. He highlights the need for the church to be aware and engaged with these truths, rather than being indifferent or focused on shallow things. The speaker also discusses the phenomenon of genocide and how it is a satanic hatred directed not only against Jews but also other groups. He connects the restoration of Israel with the coming of the Lord and the establishment of his rule in Jerusalem, as prophesied in Acts 3:21 and other biblical passages.
Israel and Church
By Art Katz2.0K1:11:21IsraelISA 2:3MAT 25:31ROM 11:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the ideological issue surrounding the present state of Israel. He contrasts two statements: "Never again" and "we are cut off, we are without hope." The first statement reflects human defiance and confidence in man's ability to prevent another Holocaust, while the second statement expresses ultimate dejection and a sense of hopelessness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of love, particularly how the church should love the least of Jesus' brethren. He references Matthew 25, where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on their treatment of the least of his brethren. The sermon concludes with the speaker praising the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, acknowledging that language cannot fully express the mystery of God.
Span-02 Overview of the Last Days
By Art Katz1.8K1:23:39Last DaysISA 2:3MAT 6:33ACT 1:9ROM 11:30EPH 3:4EPH 3:61PE 2:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the high calling of God in Christ Jesus and the privilege it is to fulfill it. He highlights the revelation of the mystery of Christ, which was not known in previous ages but is now revealed to the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the significance of the Gentiles being brought near to God through the blood of Jesus and becoming fellow heirs with the Jews. He encourages believers to embrace their calling and be willing to bear opposition and engage in spiritual warfare to bring others to God. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a conversation with a rabbi and emphasizes the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and trusting Him to provide for all needs.
Finn-04 Restoration of Israel in the Last Days
By Art Katz1.8K57:32RestorationISA 2:3ISA 6:9ISA 55:11ISA 66:8JER 30:7MAT 10:39ROM 11:11In this sermon, the speaker, who is a Jew from New York City, shares his personal journey of living in a remote location in North America. He explains that he was led by the word of the Lord to establish an end time teaching center to provide refuge for Jews in the United States during the time of Jacob's trouble. The speaker emphasizes the urgency of preparing for the coming calamity in Israel and encourages the audience to join a conference tour in Jerusalem to discuss this topic. He also mentions sending out copies of his message to biblical commentators and leaders for their input.
Finn-05 the Mystery of Israel & the Church
By Art Katz1.8K57:10MysteryPSA 2:6ISA 2:3ISA 61:3MAT 6:33MAT 25:34ACT 17:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of preaching the word of God and its impact on both time and eternity. He prays for a righteous community that is willing to sacrifice and serve others, especially the persecuted. The speaker references Matthew 25, where Jesus speaks about the judgment of nations based on their treatment of the least of these. He highlights the importance of caring for the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, as it determines the eternal status of nations. The sermon concludes with a question about believing in God's covenant to David and the patriarchs.
Ger-02 Israel's Coming Calamity
By Art Katz1.7K58:46GermanPSA 51:17ISA 2:3ISA 53:2JER 23:6JER 30:7EZK 18:20MAT 25:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Jacob's trouble, a time of great tribulation that will affect all nations. The speaker emphasizes that no nation will be exempt from this reality and that God will sift Jacob through the nations and sift the nations through Jacob. The sermon also highlights the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, as the Lord will judge the nations based on how they treated the least of his brethren. The speaker connects the present state of Israel to the story of Jacob, describing it as a supplanting and usurping of something that was originally possessed by Esau. The sermon concludes with a plea for moral strength and courage to face the coming reality and to be a refuge and source of understanding for the Jewish people.
02 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 3-4
By Mike Bickle281:27:31The Beauty of the LordEnd Times ProphecyPSA 45:2ISA 2:3ISA 3:1ISA 4:2ISA 33:17HAG 2:7ZEC 6:12MAT 24:12JUD 1:15REV 19:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the interconnected message of Isaiah chapters 2, 3, and 4, highlighting God's promise of glory, the consequences of Israel's sin, and the eventual restoration. He encourages listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for understanding key points relevant to the end-time church, focusing on the beauty of the Lord and the importance of recognizing sin and judgment. Bickle stresses that the beauty of Jesus will be revealed in the midst of trials, and that God's mercy extends even to those who have resisted Him. The sermon calls for a response to the beauty of the Lord, urging believers to embrace His leadership and prepare for the coming glory.
The Millennial Kingdom: Jesus' 1,000-Year Reign on Earth
By Mike Bickle2343:45Millennial KingdomEnd TimesPSA 110:6ISA 2:3ISA 9:7ISA 61:4ISA 64:1MAT 24:30JHN 15:16EPH 1:9HEB 12:26REV 20:4Mike Bickle discusses the Millennial Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of correcting common false assumptions about Jesus' 1,000-year reign on Earth. He explains that this period will be characterized by Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, affecting all aspects of life, and that the natural realm will not be suspended but will continue to function alongside the supernatural. Bickle highlights the need for a paradigm shift in understanding the continuity between the current age and the Millennial Kingdom, stressing that social improvements will be gradual and require human involvement. He also clarifies misconceptions about the second coming and the rapture, asserting that they are distinct events. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to engage with Scripture to reshape their understanding of the end times.
The Day of Power
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23ECC 8:4ISA 2:3ISA 29:181CO 1:302TI 3:5J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual conditions of the professing church, highlighting the dangers of general slumber, ignorance, hypocrisy, perversion, and rebellion. He emphasizes the need for God's intervention to open the ears of the deaf to hear His words and to enlighten the eyes of the blind to see His truth. Philpot describes the characteristics of the meek, who find joy in the Lord, and the poor among men, who rejoice in the Holy One of Israel, as those exempted from the general woe pronounced against the unfaithful. He encourages self-reflection on whether one aligns with the deaf, blind, meek, and poor among men, who are blessed by God's grace and mercy.
Move on to Fullness in God
By David Wilkerson0GraceSpiritual GrowthGEN 19:16GEN 19:19PSA 48:1ISA 2:3ROM 5:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the grace of God in rescuing Lot from Sodom, illustrating how God intervened when Lot was powerless to save himself. The sermon highlights God's love and mercy, urging believers to escape to His presence, represented by the mountain, rather than lingering in sin or fear. Wilkerson warns against the dangers of not fully embracing God's deliverance, as seen in Lot's eventual downfall after hesitating to move on to fullness in God. The message encourages believers to trust in God's promises and seek His holiness without delay. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of moving forward in faith and not allowing past struggles to hinder spiritual growth.
An Interlude: Zionism
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0GEN 12:3DEU 30:1PSA 147:2ISA 2:3ISA 51:11JER 16:5JER 23:5MIC 4:7ZEC 8:3Arno Clemens Gaebelein discusses the significant Jewish national revival towards the end of the Nineteenth Century, focusing on the revival of Jewish Nationalism and the movement towards establishing a homeland in Palestine. He highlights the historical events, key figures like Dr. Theodor Herzl, and the challenges faced in the journey towards a Jewish state. Gaebelein emphasizes the importance of understanding the conditions outlined in the Old Testament Scriptures for the true fulfillment of Israel's Hope, stressing the need for a whole-hearted return to the Lord and the role of the Messiah in bringing about Israel's blessing and glory.
Take Up the Challenge
By Alexander Maclaren0PSA 84:11ISA 2:31CO 13:13EPH 4:131JN 4:8The Desert Fathers preach about the supreme trinity of virtues - faith, hope, and love, with an emphasis on the greatest being love, as God Himself embodies it. They use analogies like a ray, light, and circle to describe the unity and radiance of these virtues, highlighting their divine nature and transformative power. The sermon delves into the perilous task of speaking about divine love, cautioning against the dangers of expatiating on God without proper reverence and understanding. The virtues of love, dispassion, and adoption are compared to light, fire, and flame, forming a unified power that leads to divine knowledge and union with God.
Why Mount Zion?
By George Warnock0ZionUnity in ChristPSA 87:1PSA 132:13ISA 2:3ZEC 8:23MAT 5:141CO 15:46EPH 2:13HEB 7:17HEB 12:22REV 21:2George Warnock emphasizes the significance of Mount Zion as a divine union of king and priest, exemplified in David, and the establishment of a structure that embodies both authority and worship. He explains that God's intention is to create a people who experience deep fellowship with Him and can manifest His power to the nations. Warnock further explores the original meaning of Zion, asserting that God's plan is to transition His people from earthly to heavenly realities, ensuring that both natural Israel and Gentiles are included in this divine promise. He highlights that true peace will only be achieved when all come together in Christ, breaking down barriers and uniting as one new man. Ultimately, Zion represents the unfolding of God's eternal purpose for His people.
He Will Teach His Ways
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JOB 34:32PSA 46:10PRO 19:27ISA 2:3JAS 1:22Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of seeking God's teaching and guidance in order to walk in His ways and paths, acknowledging our need to learn from Him and be directed by His wisdom. She highlights the significance of silent listening to God rather than focusing on ourselves, encouraging actions over mere words and appearances. Tileston stresses the value of putting into practice the knowledge we already possess, rather than constantly seeking new knowledge. She underscores the essence of staying focused on God, loving and obeying Him in our hearts, as a greater pursuit than eloquent speech or vast knowledge.
Israel's Restoration
By Art Katz0Israel's RestorationThe Church's RoleISA 2:3JER 30:7MAT 5:14JHN 17:21ROM 9:3ROM 11:252CO 5:17GAL 3:28EPH 3:10REV 21:24Art Katz emphasizes the critical importance of Israel's restoration in the context of God's eternal purposes, arguing that the Church's neglect of this issue has led to its spiritual decline. He draws on the writings of David Baron to illustrate the profound connection between the Church and Israel, highlighting that the redemption of Israel is central to God's glory and the Church's mission. Katz asserts that true spirituality requires a deep identification with God's heart for Israel, urging believers to embrace their calling to sacrificially support the Jewish people. He warns against a shallow, cultural Christianity that lacks the depth of understanding necessary to engage with the spiritual realities of the last days. Ultimately, Katz calls for a transfigured Church that embodies the wisdom of God through its relationship with Israel, demonstrating His glory to the world.
Iii. the Jerusalem Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer02SA 7:16PSA 137:5ISA 2:3ISA 62:6JER 3:17Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of Jerusalem in the Scriptures, emphasizing its role as the abiding city where Jehovah's everlasting kingdom will be established. Despite Jerusalem's past destruction and desolation, biblical prophecy points to its future restoration and importance in God's plan. The Word of God reveals that Jerusalem will once again be a center of praise and righteousness, drawing all nations to the name of the LORD. The current events surrounding Jerusalem and Judaea being in the hands of those committed to their restoration align with biblical prophecies about the city's future.
Exposition on Psalm 48
By St. Augustine0GEN 1:6PSA 47:1ISA 2:3JER 10:11JHN 1:111TI 3:15St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the Church of Christ as the firmament, symbolizing strength and resistance to worldly temptations. He emphasizes the importance of praising and acknowledging the greatness of the Lord, especially in the city of God, where His presence is known and His glory proclaimed. The sermon delves into the unity of believers from different backgrounds, symbolized by the mountains of Zion, and the transformation of those once in darkness to become part of the city of the great King. St. Augustine also highlights the mercy of God received by a chosen people amidst a larger population, urging them to embrace the might of Zion and set their hearts on love and righteousness.
Come Ye, and Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual AscentCommunion with GodISA 2:3MAT 6:25C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of rising above the troubles of the world to experience the spiritual heights of communion with God. He warns that the cares of life and the lure of wealth can stifle our spiritual growth, urging believers to cut away these distractions through a deeper relationship with the Lord. Spurgeon uses the metaphor of climbing mountains to illustrate the refreshing and invigorating experience of seeking God, contrasting it with the stagnant existence in the valleys of earthly concerns. He calls for divine assistance to break free from the chains of anxiety and fear, encouraging believers to elevate their spirits and engage in communion with the Most High. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to leave behind their earthly burdens and ascend to a place of joy and blessedness in God's presence.
What Ought We to Be About in God in the Last Days?
By Art Katz0Church and IsraelLast DaysGEN 12:3ISA 2:3ISA 35:10JER 31:7EZK 36:37MIC 4:2ACT 3:21ROM 11:15EPH 3:10REV 2:26Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the prophetic word in the Last Days, focusing on Israel's ultimate redemption through a Church that embodies resurrection power and self-sacrifice. He warns that the Church must prepare for its role in Israel's restoration, which is intertwined with the Lord's return as Deliverer and King. Katz highlights the importance of a remnant Church that resists apostasy and false teachings, while being a beacon of hope for the Jewish people during tribulation. The message calls for a cruciform lifestyle and a commitment to living out the truth of God's word, as the Church faces opposition from dark forces. Ultimately, the Church's character and unity will reflect the validity of its message in these critical times.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To the house - The conjunction ו vau is added by nineteen of Kennicott's, thirteen of De Rossi's MSS., one of my own, and two editions, the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, Arabic, and some copies of the Targum; And to the house. It makes the sentence more emphatic. He will teach us of his ways - Unless God grant a revelation of his will, what can we know? We will walk in his paths - Unless we purpose to walk in the light, of what use can that light be to us? For out of Zion shall go forth the law - In the house of God, and in his ordinances only can we expect to hear the pure doctrines of revelation preached. 1. God alone can give a revelation of his own will. 2. We must use the proper means in order to know this will. 3. We should know it in order to do it. 4. We should do it in order to profit by it. 5. He who will not walk in the light when God vouchsafes it, shall be shut up in everlasting darkness. 6. Every man should help his neighbor to attain that light, life, and felicity: "Come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
"And peoples in multitude go and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; let Him instruct us out of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." This is their signal for starting, and their song by the way (cf., Zac 8:21-22). What urges them on is the desire for salvation. Desire for salvation expresses itself in the name they give to the point towards which they are travelling: they call Moriah "the mountain of Jehovah," and the temple upon it "the house of the God of Jacob." Through frequent use, Israel had become the popular name for the people of God; but the name they employ is the choicer name Jacob, which is the name of affection in the mouth of Micah, of whose style we are also reminded by the expression "many peoples" (ammim rabbim). Desire for salvation expresses itself in the object of their journey; they wish Jehovah to teach them "out of His ways," - a rich source of instruction with which they desire to be gradually entrusted. The preposition min (out of, or from) is not partitive here, but refers, as in Psa 94:12, to the source of instruction. The "ways of Jehovah" are the ways which God Himself takes, and by which men are led by Him - the revealed ordinances of His will and action. Desire for salvation also expresses itself in the resolution with which they set out: they not only wish to learn, but are resolved to act according to what they learn. "We will walk in His paths:" the hortative is used here, as it frequently is (e.g., Gen 27:4, vid., Ges. 128, 1, c), to express either the subjective intention or subjective conclusion. The words supposed to be spoken by the multitude of heathen going up to Zion terminate here. The prophet then adds the reason and object of this holy pilgrimage of the nations: "For instruction will go out from Zion, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem." The principal emphasis is upon the expressions "from Zion" and "from Jerusalem." It is a triumphant utterance of the sentiment that "salvation is of the Jews" (Joh 4:22). From Zion-Jerusalem there would go forth thorah, i.e., instruction as to the questions which man has to put to God, and debar Jehovah, the word of Jehovah, which created the world at first, and by which it is spiritually created anew. Whatever promotes the true prosperity of the nations, comes from Zion-Jerusalem. There the nations assemble together; they take it thence to their own homes, and thus Zion-Jerusalem becomes the fountain of universal good. For from the time that Jehovah made choice of Zion, the holiness of Sinai was transferred to Zion (Psa 68:17), which now presented the same aspect as Sinai had formerly done, when God invested it with holiness by appearing there in the midst of myriads of angels. What had been commenced at Sinai for Israel, would be completed at Zion for all the world. This was fulfilled on that day of Pentecost, when the disciples, the first-fruits of the church of Christ, proclaimed the thorah of Zion, i.e., the gospel, in the languages of all the world. It was fulfilled, as Theodoret observes, in the fact that the word of the gospel, rising from Jerusalem "as from a fountain," flowed through the whole of the known world. But these fulfilments were only preludes to a conclusion which is still to be looked for in the future. For what is promised in the following v. is still altogether unfulfilled.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If the curse foretold against Israel has been literally fulfilled, so shall the promised blessing be literal. We Gentiles must not, while giving them the curse, deny them their peculiar blessing by spiritualizing it. The Holy Ghost shall be poured out for a general conversion then (Jer 50:5; Zac 8:21, Zac 8:23; Joe 2:28). from Jerusalem-- (Luk 24:47) an earnest of the future relations of Jerusalem to Christendom (Rom 11:12, Rom 11:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And many people shall go and say,.... This is a prophecy of the numerous conversions among the Gentiles in the latter day, and agrees with Zac 8:20 and even the author of the old Nizzachon (p) interprets it of the gathering of the people to the Messiah. Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; the church of Christ, so called; See Gill on Isa 2:2. This expresses the concern that truly gracious souls have for the house of God, and his worship in it; they go up to it, considering it both as their duty and their privilege; and which they do frequently and constantly, with much spiritual pleasure, though sometimes with difficulty, finding their account in it, and knowing it is for the glory of God; and not content with so doing themselves, they encourage others to do so likewise; either professors of religion with them, who are negligent and backward through a spirit of slumber and slothfulness on them; through lukewarmness, coldness, and leaving their first love; through an over love to the world, and the things of it; and through a vain conceit of themselves, as being as knowing as their teachers, or wiser than they: or else such who have made no profession, who are quite ignorant of divine things, these they endeavour to bring with them, out of love to their souls, that they may be under the means of grace, in order to their conversion; and such as are inquiring the way to Zion, with their faces toward it, these they encourage to join with them in holy fellowship; and in all they set an example by a constant attendance themselves; they do not stir them up to go alone, either one or other, but propose to go with them. See Psa 122:1. and he will teach us of his ways: that is, the Lord the God of Jacob, the covenant God and Father of his church and people, who often in this prophecy go by the name of Jacob; he is the teacher, and there is none teacheth like him; and happy are they who are taught of God, and who have heard and learnt of the Father, and come to Christ: he taught men by his Son, when here on earth; who was a teacher that came from God, taught the way of God in truth, and with authority, as the Scribes and Pharisees did not: and then by his Spirit, sent after him to teach all things, and bring all things to remembrance; and since by his apostles and ministers, who have gifts, and a commission to teach men; though all human teachings are of no avail, without a divine blessing, unless accompanied with the anointing, which teacheth all things; and which will be abundantly bestowed in the latter day, when all the children of Zion, and that come to the house of the Lord, will be taught of God. Kimchi says, the teacher here is the King Messiah; the "us" to be taught are Gentiles, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, whom Christ, under the Gospel dispensation, has given his ministers a commission to teach; and here design such as are humble souls, and sensible of their ignorance, and who know something of Christ, and believe in him; yet, as they know but in part, they desire to know more. The things taught them are the "ways" of the Lord; his ways of love, grace, and mercy, in the salvation of men; the steps he took in eternity towards it, by consulting and contriving the best method of it, forming it in his Son, and agreeing with him in covenant about it, and choosing the persons in him he designed to save: and also his goings forth in time, by sending his Son into this world, to obtain salvation for them, and his Spirit into their hearts, to apply it to them; likewise the ways which he prescribes and directs his people to walk in, such as the ordinances of the Gospel, and every path of duty: and the place where these are taught is the church of God, and to this school all that desire to learn should go; and there is ever something more and more of these ways to be learnt; for they are not all learnt at once, only part of his ways; and it is but a small portion, we know of these in the present state, which God has taken in order to bring about our salvation. And we will walk in his paths; in Christ, the way, by faith, and in all his ordinances and paths of duty, according to the rule of his word; in imitation of him, and as he walked; in a dependence on his wisdom, grace, and strength, continuing therein; for walking is a progressive motion, and designs a series and course of obedience and perseverance in it: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; by which is meant the law or doctrine of the Messiah, Isa 42:4 for the Hebrew word signifies any doctrine, and so the evangelical one, the law or doctrine of faith, of justification by faith in Christ's righteousness, Rom 3:27 together with all other doctrines of the same kind; called the "word of the Lord", which the Lord Christ is the author, preacher, sum, and substance of; the word of righteousness, peace, reconciliation, life, and salvation by him. This first began according to his commission and direction to be preached at Jerusalem, and from thence it went forth into all the world; and it is in Zion, in the church of God, it is now preached, and will be more clearly and fully in the latter day; and so is an argument and an encouraging reason to engage persons to go up thither and hear it. (p) Apud Wagenseil. Tela ignea, p. 29.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:3 Human society will undergo changes as people conform to God’s revelation and follow his ways and paths. • Judah received the revelation (teaching . . . word) but did not obey it (1:10-15); however, the nations will be ready to do God’s will.