Isaiah 66:18 – “And I, because of what they have done and what they have planned, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory.”

Isaiah 66:18 is a powerful verse about God’s plan to reveal His glory to all nations. It shows that God’s justice and mercy are universal, extending beyond Israel to include people from every language and culture.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse begins with God addressing the actions and intentions of people. “What they have done and what they have planned” refers to the sin, rebellion, and idolatry of humanity. Despite this, God declares His intention to gather people from all nations and languages to witness His glory.

The act of gathering highlights God’s sovereign power and His desire for unity among His creation. By inviting all nations, God demonstrates that His glory and salvation are not limited to a single group but are meant for the whole world. This verse points forward to a time when people from every background will recognize and worship Him as the one true God.

Historical Context

Isaiah 66 was written during a time when Israel had turned away from God’s commands and faced judgment through exile and destruction. Yet, God’s promises of restoration went beyond Israel. While the Jewish people were central to His covenant, God’s ultimate plan was to use them to bless all nations (Genesis 12:3).

This verse looks ahead to a future where God’s glory will be recognized universally, fulfilling His promises to Israel and extending His reach to the ends of the earth.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Universal Plan: This verse reveals that God’s purpose extends to all nations and languages. His kingdom is inclusive, welcoming all who seek Him.
2. God’s Sovereignty: The gathering of people from all over the world demonstrates God’s control over history and His ability to fulfill His promises.
3. The Revelation of God’s Glory: The ultimate purpose of this gathering is to reveal God’s glory, showing His power, holiness, and love to all people.

Literary Analysis

Isaiah 66:18 contrasts human sinfulness (“what they have done and what they have planned”) with God’s redemptive action (“I am about to come and gather”). The movement from judgment to inclusion emphasizes God’s mercy and His desire to bring restoration.

The phrase “all nations and languages” emphasizes the global scope of God’s plan. The repetition of “they will come and see my glory” underscores the central theme of the verse: God’s desire to reveal Himself to humanity.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

1. Psalm 86:9 – “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.” This echoes the idea of all nations gathering to see God’s glory.
2. Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This connects Isaiah 66:18 to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ.
3. Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus’ Great Commission reflects the global scope of God’s kingdom described in Isaiah 66:18.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Isaiah 66:18 reminds Christians that God’s plan is for all people, regardless of nationality or background. It challenges believers to embrace the mission of sharing God’s glory with others and welcoming people from diverse cultures and languages into His kingdom.

This verse also offers hope. Despite human sinfulness, God’s desire is to gather and redeem, not to reject. It reassures believers that His purpose is to bring people together to experience His glory.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse. Even though humanity has rebelled against Him, He chooses to gather people from all nations to reveal His glory. His love is not exclusive or limited—it reaches to the ends of the earth.

God’s willingness to gather people despite their sinfulness reflects His grace and mercy. He desires restoration and relationship, not separation or destruction.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah 66:18. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He opened the way for people from all nations to come to God.

1. John 12:32 – Jesus says, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” This reflects God’s desire to gather all nations to see His glory.
2. Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth,” continuing the mission of Isaiah 66:18.
3. Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus brings unity to all people, fulfilling God’s plan to gather them into His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge you to see God’s plan as inclusive and global?
2. In what ways can you share God’s glory with people from different backgrounds or cultures?
3. How does the promise of God’s gathering offer hope in a divided world?
4. What does it mean to you that God desires to reveal His glory to all nations and languages?
5. How can Jesus’ example and mission inspire you to participate in God’s plan for the world?

Isaiah 66:18 is a powerful reminder of God’s global purpose and His desire to reveal His glory to all people. Through Jesus Christ, this promise is fulfilled, inviting believers to join in His mission of sharing the good news and welcoming all nations into His kingdom.