God’s reign will overshadow all earthly powers and heavenly lights in magnificence.
The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, And His glory will be before His elders” (v.23). This vision pictures a time when even the brightest celestial bodies pale in comparison to the majesty of the LORD. Isaiah, who lived and prophesied between roughly 740-681 B.C., often spoke of the coming judgment and ultimate restoration of the earth. In this verse, he shows that all creation, from the heavens to humanity, will recognize the supremacy of God when He fully establishes His reign.
The phrase, “For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem” (v.23), emphasizes the geographic and historical significance of this location. Mount Zion is a hill in the city of Jerusalem, the capital of ancient Israel, and has long been associated with God’s divine presence. The name “Zion” also became synonymous with the spiritual center of God’s kingdom, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described as ruling with authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Jerusalem itself has been the focal point of many scriptural events and prophecies, culminating in the New Testament recognition of Jesus’ work there (Luke 9:51).
Isaiah further underscores that, “His glory will be before His elders” (v.23), indicating that those given special responsibility or leadership will also witness the radiance of the LORD’s presence. It highlights a moment of universal acknowledgment, where earthly distinctions fade before the majesty of God. This anticipation of divine glory resonates throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament’s depiction of the new creation where no other source of light is needed in the presence of His full glory (Revelation 21:23).
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Isaiah 24:23 meaning
The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Then the moon will be abashed and the sun ashamed, For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, And His glory will be before His elders” (v.23). This vision pictures a time when even the brightest celestial bodies pale in comparison to the majesty of the LORD. Isaiah, who lived and prophesied between roughly 740-681 B.C., often spoke of the coming judgment and ultimate restoration of the earth. In this verse, he shows that all creation, from the heavens to humanity, will recognize the supremacy of God when He fully establishes His reign.
The phrase, “For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem” (v.23), emphasizes the geographic and historical significance of this location. Mount Zion is a hill in the city of Jerusalem, the capital of ancient Israel, and has long been associated with God’s divine presence. The name “Zion” also became synonymous with the spiritual center of God’s kingdom, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described as ruling with authority over heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18). Jerusalem itself has been the focal point of many scriptural events and prophecies, culminating in the New Testament recognition of Jesus’ work there (Luke 9:51).
Isaiah further underscores that, “His glory will be before His elders” (v.23), indicating that those given special responsibility or leadership will also witness the radiance of the LORD’s presence. It highlights a moment of universal acknowledgment, where earthly distinctions fade before the majesty of God. This anticipation of divine glory resonates throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament’s depiction of the new creation where no other source of light is needed in the presence of His full glory (Revelation 21:23).