Isaiah 66:1-4

Judgment and Hope

1 This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
3 But whoever sacrifices a bull is like one who kills a person, and whoever offers a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever makes a grain offering is like one who presents pig’s blood, and whoever burns memorial incense is like one who worships an idol. They have chosen their own ways, and they delight in their abominations;
4 so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring on them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”

Isaiah 66:1-4 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 15

  • 1. S 2 Chronicles 6:18; S Psalms 2:4; S Psalms 9:7; Matthew 23:22
  • 2. S 1 Kings 8:27; Matthew 5:34-35
  • 3. S 2 Samuel 7:7; John 4:20-21; Acts 7:49*; Acts 17:24
  • 4. S Isaiah 40:26; Acts 7:50*; Acts 17:24
  • 5. S Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 5:3-4; Luke 18:13-14
  • 6. S Ezra 9:4
  • 7. S Isaiah 1:11
  • 8. S Leviticus 11:7
  • 9. S Leviticus 2:2
  • 10. S Isaiah 57:17
  • 11. ver 17; S Deuteronomy 27:15; Ezekiel 8:9-13
  • 12. S Proverbs 10:24; S Isaiah 10:12
  • 13. S 1 Samuel 8:19; S Isaiah 41:28; Proverbs 1:24; Jeremiah 7:13
  • 14. 2Ki 21:2,4,6; Isaiah 59:12
  • 15. S Isaiah 65:12
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.