Isaiah 66:1-6

1 The Lord saith these things, Heaven is my seat, and the earth is the stool of my feet. Which is this house, which ye shall build to me, and which is this place of my rest? (The Lord saith these things, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is this House, which ye shall build for me, yea, where is this place for my rest?/where is my resting place?)

2 Mine hand made all these things, and all these things be made, saith the Lord; but to whom shall I behold, no but to a poor man and contrite in spirit, and greatly dreading my words? (My hands made all these things, and all these things be made, saith the Lord; but to whom shall I look upon, no but one who is poor, and contrite in spirit, and who greatly feareth my words/and who hath great reverence for my words.)

3 He that offereth an ox, is as he that slayeth a man; he that slayeth a sheep, is as he that braineth a dog; he that offereth an offering, is as he that offereth swine's blood; he that thinketh on incense, is as he that blesseth an idol (he who burneth incense, is like he who blesseth an idol); they choosed all these things in their ways, and their soul delighted in their abominations.

4 Wherefore and I shall choose the scornings of them, and I shall bring to them those things which they dreaded; for I called, and none there was that answered; I spake, and they heard not; and they did evil before mine eyes, and choosed those things, which I would not. (And so I shall choose those who be mocked by them, and I shall bring to them those things which they feared; for I called, and there was no one who answered; I spoke, and they did not listen; and they did evil before my eyes, and chose those things, which I would not choose/which I did not desire.)

5 Hear ye the word of the Lord, which quake at his word; your brethren hating you, and casting (you) away for (you bear) my name, said, The Lord be glorified, and (then) we shall see (you) in your gladness; forsooth they shall be shamed. (Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye who shake at his word; your kinsmen who hate you, and who cast you away for the sake of my name, have said, Let the Lord be glorified, and then we shall see you rejoice, or be happy; so it shall be, but they shall be shamed.)

6 The voice of the people from the city, the voice from the temple, the voice of the Lord yielding a reward to his enemies. (Those cries of the people from the city, those cries from the Temple, be the sound of the Lord yielding a reward, or requiting, unto his enemies.)

Isaiah 66:1-6 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.