Isaiah 66:1-7

1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where shall remain this house that ye built unto me? and where shall remain this place of my rest?

2 For all these things my hand has made, by my hand has these things been, said the LORD; but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembles at my word.

3 He that kills an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrifices a lamb as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offers an oblation as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burns incense as if he blessed iniquity. They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations.

4 I also will choose their delusions and will bring their fears upon them because I called, and no one answered; I spoke, and they did not hear: but they did evil before my eyes and chose that which displeased me.

5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hate you, that deny you 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 of the temple, a voice of the LORD that renders recompense to his enemies.

7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

Isaiah 66:1-7 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.