On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations. 8 He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the Lord has spoken. 9 On that day it will be said: “Indeed, this is our God; we looked to him, and he saved us! This is the Lord to whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
God will provide a lavish banquet for all peoples on Mount Zion, God’s dwelling place and the spiritual center of His kingdom (cf. Isa 2:2-4). The image of a lavish banquet signifies divine generosity, abundance, and fellowship. This feast represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to all nations, emphasizing the universal nature of salvation (cf. Isa 49:6; Eph 2:13-18). The imagery of a divine feast brings to mind Psalm 23:5, "You set a table before me in front of my enemies," signifying God's protection and provision.
The "veil" and "web" represent the universal alienation of all peoples from God due to sin, ignorance, and death. Humanity's fall into sin veiled the direct knowledge and relationship with God (Gen 3:8; Rom 3:23). This veil encompasses all peoples, underscoring the universal scope of salvation. Isaiah anticipates the ultimate removal of barriers between God and humanity. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at Christ’s death (Matt 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier through His sacrificial act. Paul also speaks of the veil removed in Christ (2 Cor. 3:15-16) and the "veil" of Christ's flesh, through which believers gain access to the Father (Heb. 10:20).
Christ’s resurrection provides the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, as His victory over sin and death ushers in the new covenant and access to eternal life (cf. 1 Cor 15:54-57).
Isaiah promises that death, humanity’s greatest fear, will be swallowed up (eradicated) and the finality of death, introduced through sin (cf. Gen 3:19; Rom 5:12), will be undone. With fatherly love, The Lord God will put an end to the suffering, grief, and pain caused by sin, death, and human frailty. The shame and suffering endured by God’s people, often due to their sins, their exile, or their perceived abandonment by God, will be removed and they will be vindicated and restored. God’s promise is binding and unfailing (cf. Isa 55:11) and guaranteed by His unchanging will. The eschatological vision of Revelation 21:3-4, which promises no more tears, death, or mourning, echoes this prophecy. God’s plan will culminate at the end of time.
That “Day” points to a future time when God intervenes decisively to establish His reign, defeat evil, and vindicate His people (cf. Isa 2:11; Joel 2:31), the ultimate victory of God in history. God’s identity will be joyfully recognized by the redeemed who had placed their faith and trust in Him even in times of trial. Christ, as the fulfillment of these promises, is the embodiment of God’s salvation, which is celebrated in the heavenly banquet of Revelation 19:9. The collective rejoicing is the natural response of the redeemed to God’s salvation. The ultimate rejoicing of God's people is tied to the eschatological fulfillment of His promises.
Almighty God, we thank You for the promise of the feast You have prepared for all peoples, where death is destroyed, tears are wiped away, and Your love reigns forever. Strengthen our faith as we await the fulfillment of Your salvation. Fill our hearts with hope and joy, that we may always trust in Your unfailing word. May we one day rejoice with You in eternal life. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Sources
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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