Isaiahchapter 66

24 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 307 cross-references outward and receives 557 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

Heaven as Jehovah's throne and earth as his footstool opens the final chapter — what house can be built for him? He looks instead to the poor and contrite one who trembles at his word, while self-chosen sacrifices are equated with abominations. A voice of recompense sounds from the temple; Zion travails and brings forth a nation in one day, and all who love Jerusalem are called to rejoice with her, comforted "as one whom his mother comforteth." Jehovah then comes with fire and whirlwind chariots to execute judgment by fire and sword upon all flesh. Survivors are sent to Tarshish, Pul, Lud, Tubal, and Javan to declare his glory; all nations gather to the holy mountain, some taken for priests and Levites. As the new heavens and new earth remain, all flesh worships from new moon to new moon — while the corpses of the transgressors lie under undying worm and unquenched fire.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest?

2 For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.

3 He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth 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 spake, they did not hear: but they did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not.

5 Hear the word of Jehovah, ye that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is they that shall be put to shame.

6 A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Jehovah that rendereth recompense to his enemies.

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

8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? shall a nation be brought forth at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.

9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith Jehovah: shall I that cause to bring forth shut the womb? saith thy God.