Isaiah 66:21

And I will also take of them for Priestes and for Leuites, saith the Lord. Isaiah 66:21 (KJV)

Throughout the book of Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, delivering messages of judgment, restoration, and hope to the people of Israel and the surrounding nations. His prophecies include warnings of exile, the promise of deliverance, and predictions of the Messiah’s coming. In Isaiah 66, the chapter preceding verse 21, God speaks about true worship and His choice of dwelling place. He emphasizes that He does not reside in man‑made temples but dwells with the contrite and humble in spirit, desiring a heartfelt, obedient worship that reflects a genuine relationship with Him.

Isaiah 66:21 represents a significant development in the understanding of the priesthood and Levitical service. Traditionally the priesthood was limited to the descendants of Levi, especially Aaron’s line. This verse introduces a new concept: God will take people from among the Israelites scattered among the nations and set them as priests and Levites. The phrase “take of them” refers to those brought from the diaspora, as described in the preceding verse (Isaiah 66:20). At the same time, some interpreters see the passage as pointing toward a broader inclusion beyond the traditional lineage, extending covenantal blessings to Gentiles and anyone who demonstrates faith and obedience. This aligns with the wider theme of Isaiah, which repeatedly speaks of God’s gathering of His people from exile and His intention to include all who turn to Him in His redemptive plan.

For believers today, the passage carries several spiritual implications. First, it underscores God’s desire for a diverse, unified, worship‑ful community. The promise of inclusion reminds us that salvation is not confined to a particular ethnic group or lineage; in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one. The New Testament teaches that all believers belong to a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), called to represent God and minister to others. Second, the emphasis on heartfelt worship challenges us to pursue inner transformation rather than merely external rituals. Authentic worship should be marked by gratitude, obedience, and humility. Overall, Isaiah 66:21 invites the church to embrace the inclusiveness of God’s redemptive plan, recognizing that He calls people from every background to be part of His chosen priesthood and to live lives of genuine worship and service to Him.