Isaiah 66:3-9

Hypocrisy Rebuked

3 "But he who kills an ox is like one who slays a man; He who sacrifices a lamb is like the one who breaks a dog's neck; He who offers a grain offering is like one who offers 1swine's blood; He who 2burns incense is like the one who blesses an idol. As they have chosen their 3own ways, And their soul delights in their 4abominations,
4 So I will 5choose their punishments And will 6bring on them what they dread. Because I called, but 7no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen. And they did 8evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight."
5 Hear the word of the LORD, you who 9tremble at His word: "Your brothers who 10hate you, who 11exclude you for My name's sake, Have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.' But 12they will be put to shame.
6 "A voice of uproar from the city, a voice from the temple, The voice of the LORD who is 13rendering recompense to His enemies.
7 "Before she travailed, 14she brought forth; Before her pain came, 15she gave birth to a boy.
8 "16Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once *? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.
9 "Shall I bring to the point of birth and 17not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?" says your God.

Isaiah 66:3-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 66

This chapter treats of the same things as the former, the rejection of the unbelieving Jews, and the regard had to them that did believe; the conversion of that people in the latter day; the calling of the Gentiles, and the happy state of the church in the last times. The causes of the rejection of the Jews were their unworthy notions of God, as if he was confined to the temple of Jerusalem, and to be pleased with external sacrifices, now both at an end under the Gospel dispensation; a better sacrifice being offered, and a more spiritual worship set up everywhere; which notions are considered, Isa 66:1-3, and because they were set upon their ways and works, and rejected the Gospel of Christ, they are threatened with ruin, Isa 66:3,4 and the disciples of Christ, whom they excommunicated and persecuted, have a promise of divine appearance for them, while vengeance shall be taken on their enemies, their city and temple, Isa 66:5,6, nevertheless, in the latter day, there will be a large and sudden conversion of this nation of the Jews, which is signified by the birth of them, which will be matter of great joy to all the true lovers of the interest of Christ, Isa 66:7-11 and what will add to the prosperity, joy, and comfort of the church of Christ at this time, will be the bringing in of the fulness of the Gentiles, Isa 66:12-14 at which time the vials of God's wrath will be poured out upon antichrist and his followers, Isa 66:15-17 and the chapter is concluded with a fresh account of large conversions of men of all nations, and of the union of Jews and Gentiles in one church state, which shall long remain, and be undisturbed by enemies, who will be all slain, and their carcasses looked upon with contempt, Isa 66:18-24.

Cross References 17

  • 1. Isaiah 65:4
  • 2. Leviticus 2:2; Isaiah 1:13
  • 3. Isaiah 57:17; Isaiah 65:2
  • 4. Isaiah 44:19
  • 5. Proverbs 1:31, 32; Isaiah 65:7
  • 6. Proverbs 10:24
  • 7. Proverbs 1:24; Isaiah 65:12; Jeremiah 7:13
  • 8. 2 Kings 21:2, 6; Isaiah 59:7; Isaiah 65:12; Jeremiah 7:30
  • 9. Isaiah 66:2
  • 10. Psalms 38:20; Isaiah 60:15
  • 11. Matthew 5:10-12; Matthew 10:22; John 9:34; John 15:18-20
  • 12. Luke 13:17
  • 13. Isaiah 59:18; Isaiah 65:6; Joel 3:7
  • 14. Isaiah 37:3; Isaiah 54:1
  • 15. Revelation 12:5
  • 16. Isaiah 64:4
  • 17. Isaiah 37:3

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Lit "offers a memorial of incense"
  • [b]. Lit "ill treatments"
  • [c]. Lit "travailed with"
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