1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?
2 For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
3 He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.
5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.
7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]? saith thy God.
10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
12 For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.
13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
14 And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.
15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
18 For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.
20 And they shall bring all your brethren [for] an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.
21 And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites, saith the LORD.
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.
Overview of Isaiah 66
Isaiah 66 serves as the concluding chapter of the Book of Isaiah, encapsulating the themes of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It reflects on the nature of true worship and the fate of those who oppose God’s will. The chapter is notable for its vivid imagery and prophetic declarations regarding both the fate of Israel and the nations.
Key Themes
- The Sovereignty of God: The chapter emphasizes God’s authority over creation and His right to judge.
- True Worship: It contrasts superficial religious practices with genuine worship that stems from a humble heart.
- Judgment and Restoration: There is a dual focus on the judgment of the wicked and the restoration of the faithful remnant.
- Inclusivity of Salvation: The chapter highlights that God’s mercy extends beyond Israel to all nations.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: God’s Sovereignty and True Worship
These opening verses declare that God is exalted and transcends the physical temple. He does not dwell in man-made structures but looks favorably upon those who are humble and contrite in spirit. This sets the tone for the chapter, emphasizing that God values the heart’s posture over ritualistic practices.
Verses 3-4: The Consequences of False Worship
Here, the text critiques those who offer sacrifices without sincerity, likening their actions to abominations. God declares that He will respond to their hypocrisy with judgment. This serves as a warning against complacency in worship and underscores the importance of authenticity in one’s relationship with God.
Verses 5-6: The Response of the Faithful
In these verses, the faithful are encouraged to rejoice despite the judgment that is coming upon the hypocrites. They are assured that their faithfulness will be recognized, and they will witness God’s vindication. The imagery of a loud voice from the temple signifies the seriousness of God’s impending judgment.
Verses 7-9: The Birth of a New Nation
This section uses the metaphor of childbirth to describe the sudden and miraculous restoration of Zion. The imagery illustrates the joy and new life that will emerge from what seemed like desolation. God’s promise to bring forth a new creation emphasizes His power to transform and renew.
Verses 10-14: Joy in Restoration
These verses depict the joy and comfort that will come to Jerusalem and her people. The imagery of a nurturing mother highlights God’s compassionate nature. The faithful are invited to rejoice in the blessings that will flow from their restored relationship with God.
Verses 15-16: The Coming Judgment
God’s judgment is portrayed through the imagery of fire and a sword, indicating the severity of His wrath against those who oppose Him. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God’s will.
Verses 17-19: The Fate of the Wicked
In these verses, the text describes the fate of those who engage in idolatry and false worship. God promises to gather all nations, indicating a universal judgment. The imagery emphasizes that no one can escape God’s scrutiny.
Verses 20-23: The Gathering of the Nations
This section presents a vision of the future where the nations will come to worship God in Jerusalem. It emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s salvation, where even those outside Israel will be welcomed into His presence. The mention of offerings from the nations signifies a new era of worship.
Verses 24: The Final Judgment
The chapter concludes with a sobering image of the fate of the wicked. The imagery of corpses serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. This final verse reinforces the theme of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God over evil.
Conclusion
Isaiah 66 encapsulates the core messages of the entire book, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, the importance of true worship, and the hope of restoration. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement, reminding readers of God’s ultimate authority and the promise of redemption for those who remain faithful.
