Isaiah 66:4

4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them, because when I called, none did answer, when I spoke, they did not hear; but they did evil before Mine eyes and chose that in which I delighted not."

Isaiah 66:4 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 66:4

I also will choose their delusions
Suffer them to approve and make choice of such persons that should delude and deceive them; as the Scribes and Pharisees, who were wolves in sheep's clothing, and through their appearance of sanctity deceived many, and by their long prayers devoured widows' houses; and as these false prophets, so likewise false Christs, many of which arose after the true Messiah was come, and was rejected by them, whom they embraced, and, by whom they were deluded and ruined, ( Matthew 7:15 ) ( 24:24 ) and will bring their fears upon them;
the things they feared; such as the sword, famine, and pestilence; and especially the Romans, who, they feared, would come and take away their place and nation, ( John 11:48 ) : because, when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not
hear;
that is, when Christ called unto the Jews, in the external ministry of the word, to come and hear him, they refused to come, nor would they suffer others to answer to this call, and hear him, and attend on his ministry; which rejection of him and his Gospel was the cause of their ruin: but they did evil before mine eyes;
openly and publicly to his face; blasphemed and contradicted his word, and despised his ordinances: and chose that in which I delighted not; their oral law, their legal sacrifices, and their own self-righteousness, as well as their immoralities.

Isaiah 66:4 In-Context

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 spoke, 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, when 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 recompense to His enemies.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.