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This concluding chapter appears to be a collection of material designed to emphasize the future well-being of Jerusalem (vv.7-16) and to issue a final warning (vv.17-24). However, it begins with a surprisingly negative attitude toward worship in the temple (vv.1-6).
The emphasis in the opening verses is on proper worship. The temple is not yet completed, only anticipated. While the temple is important, Yahweh points out that it is not necessary, for heaven is his throne. And the true worshiper is one who is humble, contrite, and obedient to God’s word.
Vv.3 and 4 are troubling. Acceptable rites (Lev 1-3) of worship are here denounced in the sharpest of terms. Perhaps something within the postexilic community of which we are not aware lies behind these stern words. Or perhaps there is an understood condemnation of superficial worship. V.5 suggests that a division existed within postexilic Judaism. It would follow that those offering sacrifices were somehow excluding the faithful (the poor) and therefore came under God’s strong condemnation.
The prophet now shifts to a vision of the future well-being of Zion (vv.7-16). He believes its glorious future is imminent, as suggested in the imagery of a birth that is not delayed by a period of labor (vv.7-9). The themes of peace and abundance are reiterated (vv.10-13). Once again the inverse themes of salvation and judgment are juxtaposed (vv.14-16). It is clear that there was deep concern about rites that were based on superstition; the prophet returns to this motif yet once again to denounce it (v.17).
The theme of vv.18-24 is the glory of God in the midst of the nations. The enduring sign of that glory will be restored Israel, some of whose people will be sent as missionaries among the nations, which will in turn bow before the God of the universe (v.23). The book of Isaiah ends with a gruesome warning against unfaithfulness (v.24).