JOHN COPIC

Isaiah chapter 2 describes a vision that looks beyond the troubles of Judah to a future time when God’s truth will reach the whole world. The prophet Isaiah first spoke about the sin and rebellion of his people, but he also gave a message of hope. In this new chapter, Isaiah turns to what he calls “the latter days,” when the “mountain of the Lord” would rise above all others. This is not about a physical mountain but a spiritual truth: God’s kingdom will be lifted up as the place where all nations find instruction and peace.

Isaiah says that people from every nation will say, “Let us go to the mountain of the Lord.” In other words, they will seek the knowledge of God and desire to walk in His ways. Christians understand this as a picture of the gospel spreading throughout the world. After Jesus came, the message of salvation began in Jerusalem and moved outward to all nations. The early church, first made up of Jewish believers, grew to include Gentiles from many lands. Men like Paul and Titus helped establish churches that carried on the mission of Christ, teaching others and raising new leaders. This fulfilled Isaiah’s image of people flowing toward God’s mountain, not in a physical sense, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah also spoke about peace among nations. He wrote that people would beat their swords into plowshares and no longer train for war. The prophet’s words are carved on a wall at the United Nations, expressing humanity’s longing for peace. Yet history shows that human efforts alone cannot end conflict. Wars have filled every century, and peace treaties often fail. The problem lies in the human heart. The belief that people are naturally good ignores the truth of human sin. Real peace does not come from politics or power. Real truth comes from Christ, who brings peace between God and man.

Isaiah’s vision continues with a warning against pride and false gods. The people of Judah had filled their land with wealth, horses, and idols. They trusted in what their own hands had made. Isaiah mocked this foolishness: a man cuts down a tree, uses part of it for firewood, and with the rest makes an idol to worship. Such worship is empty and blind. The Bible teaches that idols are nothing, though evil spirits may stand behind them.

The prophet also spoke about the coming “day of the Lord.” This day will bring judgment on pride and idolatry. Those who exalt themselves will be brought low, and only the Lord will be lifted up. People will try to hide from His glory and throw away their idols, realizing too late how worthless they were. The “day of the Lord” will be a day of fear for those who reject God, but a day of rest and joy for those who belong to Him. For believers, it marks the beginning of eternal peace in the new heavens and the new earth.

Human pride cannot stand before God. Wealth, power, and idols, whether of gold or self, will all pass away. True security is found only in the Lord. Those who turn to Him find forgiveness and peace that no nation or ruler can give.

As Isaiah told us: The time will come when the Lord alone is worshipped, and all idols will vanish. Until then, believers are called to walk in His light, trust His Word, and share His message of salvation with the world.

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Ephesians 2:14