1 Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest?
2 But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
3 “He who slaughters an ox is like one who kills a man;
he who sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck;
he who presents a grain offering, like one who offers pig’s blood;
he who makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.
These have chosen their own ways,
and their soul delights in their abominations;
4 I also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring their fears upon them, because when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, they did not listen; but they did what was evil in my eyes and chose that in which I did not delight.”
5 Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word: “Your brothers who hate you and cast you out for my name’s sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy’; but it is they who shall be put to shame.
6 “The sound of an uproar from the city! A sound from the temple! The sound of the Lord, rendering recompense to his enemies!”
7 “Before she was in labor she gave birth;
before her pain came upon her she delivered a son.
8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children.
9 Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?”
says the Lord;
“shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?”
says your God.
10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her;
11 that you may nurse and be satisfied from her consoling breast; that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance.”
12 For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees.
13 As one whom his mother comforts,
so I will comfort you;
you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
14 You shall see, and your heart shall rejoice; your bones shall flourish like the grass; and the hand of the Lord shall be known to his servants, and he shall show his indignation against his enemies.
15 “For behold, the Lord will come in fire,
and his chariots like the whirlwind,
to render his anger in fury,
and his rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire and by his sword the Lord will execute judgment on all flesh, and those slain by the Lord shall be many.
17 “Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.”
18 “For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,
19 And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.
20 And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord.
21 And some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites, says the Lord.
22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain.”
23 From new moon to new moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.
24 “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
The True Meaning of Isaiah 66
The book of Isaiah is attributed to the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the 8th century BCE in the kingdom of Judah. Isaiah’s writings, as one of the major prophets, provide a powerful and insightful perspective on the relationship between God and His people. Isaiah looks towards the future in this final chapter of the book, offering a glimpse of the ultimate restoration and triumph of God’s kingdom. The chapter touches on themes of judgment, salvation, and the gathering of all nations under the Lord’s rule. We will see how Isaiah’s words foreshadow the coming Messiah and the establishment of a new heavens and a new earth.
Throughout this passage, Isaiah draws upon imagery and language found in other books of the Bible, such as the creation account in Genesis and the prophetic visions of Ezekiel. Isaiah paints a comprehensive picture of God’s grand plan for His creation and His people by weaving these biblical threads together.
Isaiah 66:1-2
The verse in Isaiah 66:1-2 can be broken down into two main sections. The first section addresses the vastness and majesty of God, while the second section focuses on God’s desire for humility and contrite hearts in His followers. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the vastness of God in the first part of the verse, stating, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.”” This imagery conveys the idea of God’s sovereignty and power over all creation. It emphasizes the idea that God is not confined to any one place or limited by any human constructs. This concept echoes throughout the Bible, reminding believers of the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. It reinforces the notion that God is not contained within the physical realm but transcends it, ruling over all things from the heights of heaven to the depths of the earth.
The second part of the verse focuses on what type of worship is acceptable to God. It says, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” Here, God reveals His desire for authentic worship that stems from a heart of humility and contrition. This sentiment is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 51:17 which says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” This emphasis on humility and contrition highlights the importance of having a right posture before God, recognizing our own sinfulness and dependence on Him. It serves as a reminder that true worship is not merely external rituals or offerings, but a sincere attitude of reverence and obedience towards God.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who exemplified humility and contrition before God. King David, despite his shortcomings and sins, demonstrated a willingness to repent and seek God’s forgiveness with a humble heart. God promises in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”” This verse aligns with the message in Isaiah 66:2, emphasizing the importance of humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging our need for His mercy and grace. Isaiah 66:1-2 provides a powerful reminder of God’s infinite majesty and His desire for genuine worship rooted in humility and contrition. It challenges believers to examine their hearts and attitudes towards God, ensuring that their worship is not merely outward rituals but a reflection of inner reverence and obedience. Through the lens of these verses, we are encouraged to approach God with humility, recognizing His supremacy and our dependence on Him for forgiveness and salvation.
Isaiah 66:3-4
The verse in Isaiah 66:3-4 can be broken down into two main sections. The first section emphasizes the importance of true worship and the heart behind it, while the second section contrasts the rewards of obedience with the consequences of rebellious actions. The Lord addresses the empty religious practices of the Israelites in the first part of the verse. They were going through the motions of offering sacrifices and burning incense, but their hearts were far from God. The Lord makes it clear that He values sincere worship over ritualistic observances. This underscores the idea that outward acts of worship are meaningless if they do not stem from a genuine love and reverence for God. This message resonates throughout the Bible, with passages like Psalm 51:16-17 emphasizing the importance of a broken and contrite heart in worship.
Moving on to the second part of the verse, the contrast between obedience and disobedience is starkly presented. Those who choose to obey the Lord and tremble at His word will be blessed with His favor and presence. This echoes the recurring theme in the Bible that obedience brings blessings, while disobedience leads to consequences. The idea of trembling at God’s word speaks to a deep reverence and respect for His commands, recognizing His authority over our lives.
Conversely, those who choose to rebel against God will face judgment and be consumed by His righteous anger. The mention of fire and wrath evokes imagery of God’s judgment throughout the Bible, particularly in passages like Revelation 20:15 which speaks of the lake of fire as the fate of the wicked. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will and the consequences of turning away from Him. Isaiah 66:3-4 emphasizes the importance of obedience and reverence for God, serving as a powerful call to true and heartfelt worship. It highlights the timeless truth that God desires our sincere devotion over empty rituals and warns of the consequences of rebellion. This message is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating God’s desire for a genuine relationship with His people and the importance of living in obedience to His commands.
Isaiah 66:5-6
The verse in Isaiah 66:5-6 can be broken down into two distinct parts. The first part deals with hearers of the word, while the second part addresses those who cause conflict and persecution against God’s people.
Starting with the first part, “Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at his word,” it is evident that this is a call to those who respect and revere the word of God. These individuals are portrayed as ones who understand the power and authority of God’s word and are deeply moved by it. This reverence for the word of the Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of approaching God’s word with humility and awe. The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:161, “Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.”” This sentiment of trembling at the word of the Lord highlights the contrast between those who honor God’s word and those who reject it.
Moving on to the second part of the verse, “Your own people who hate you, and exclude you because of my name, have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy!’ Yet they will be put to shame,” a stark shift in tone is observed. Here, the focus is on those who claim to belong to God’s people but in reality, harbor hatred and animosity towards the faithful followers of God. This hypocrisy and persecution of the righteous have been prevalent throughout biblical history. One notable example is the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, where Cain’s jealousy and hatred towards Abel lead to the first murder recorded in the Bible. This consistent conflict between those who claim to serve God but act in opposition to His will serves as a cautionary tale for believers to discern true faith from mere lip service. Isaiah 66:5-6 serves as a reminder of the contrasting attitudes towards God’s word and His people. It underscores the significance of approaching the word of the Lord with reverence and humility while also cautioning against the dangers of hypocrisy and persecution within religious communities. This passage encourages believers to uphold the true essence of faith by honoring God’s word and demonstrating genuine love and support for His people, regardless of societal pressures or opposition.
Isaiah 66:7-9
Verse 7 of Isaiah 66 begins with the image of a woman in labor, which is a powerful metaphor for the birth of something new and significant. Labor pains in the Bible often represent the process of purification or the arrival of a new era. The woman in this context can symbolize the nation of Israel, which has gone through trials and tribulations but is now on the brink of something transformative. This imagery is a reminder that sometimes pain and struggle precede new growth and blessings.
When the text mentions that before she goes into labor, she gives birth, it could be interpreted as a sudden and swift delivery. This could signify a rapid change or transformation that is about to take place. The comparison to a nation being born in a single day highlights the miraculous and divine nature of this transformation. It speaks to the power of God to bring about sudden and unexpected change in the lives of individuals or nations.
The mention of a land being brought forth in a moment underscores the significance of God’s timing and sovereignty. It emphasizes that God is in control of all things, including the birth and development of nations. This can serve as a comforting reminder for believers that even in times of tumult and uncertainty, God is still at work behind the scenes, bringing about His divine purposes.
The subsequent verses further emphasize this theme of sudden transformation and new beginnings. The question posed, “Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” highlights God’s faithfulness to complete what He has started. This echoes the sentiment expressed in Philippians 1:6, where it is stated that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This reassurance can provide comfort and hope to those going through challenging times, knowing that God will see them through to the end. Isaiah 66:7-9 conveys the message of God’s faithfulness in bringing about new beginnings and transformations, even in the midst of pain and struggle. It reminds us that God is in control of all things and will fulfill His purposes in His perfect timing. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and to have faith that He will bring about new life and growth, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Isaiah 66:10-14
The verse in Isaiah 66:10-14 can be broken down into three main sections: “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her.” This passage calls for rejoicing and gladness over Jerusalem, the holy city of God. Jerusalem holds deep significance in the Bible as the center of God’s chosen people, Israel. It symbolizes the dwelling place of God and His presence among His people. The call to rejoice with Jerusalem signifies the restoration and redemption of God’s people. This theme of restoration is consistent throughout the Bible, reflecting God’s faithfulness to His promises despite the failures of His people. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of rejoicing, inviting all who love Jerusalem to join in the celebration. This communal joy reflects the unity and fellowship among believers in God’s Kingdom.
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“For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance.” This imagery evokes the nurturing and comforting role of Jerusalem towards its people. The depiction of nursing and satisfaction at her comforting breasts symbolizes the sustenance and abundance provided by God through His city. This nurturing aspect reflects God’s care and provision for His people, fulfilling their needs and satisfying their deepest longings. The overflowing abundance highlights the generosity and goodness of God, who supplies more than enough for His children. This image of God as a nurturing mother is a powerful metaphor used throughout the Bible to describe His compassion and love for His people (Isaiah 49:15; Luke 13:34).
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“For this is what the Lord says: ‘I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees.’” Here, God promises to bring peace and prosperity to Jerusalem like a never-ending river and a flooding stream. This abundance and wealth from the nations demonstrate God’s sovereignty and His ability to provide beyond human limitations. The imagery of being nursed, carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees conveys a sense of intimate care and protection offered by God to His people. This reaffirms God’s promise to bless and uphold those who trust in Him, showcasing His power to sustain and uplift His children in times of need. This verse echoes similar promises of peace and prosperity in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 46:4 and Ezekiel 47:1-12. Isaiah 66:10-14 paints a vivid picture of God’s restoration, provision, and protection for His people through the symbolic representation of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the communal rejoicing, nurturing care, and abundant blessings that God bestows upon His beloved children. The timeless message of this passage underscores God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and intimate relationship with His people, inviting them to find joy and contentment in His promises and presence.
Isaiah 66:15-17
The prophet Isaiah vividly describes a scene of divine judgement and retribution that is to come upon the wicked in this passage from Isaiah 66:15-17. Let’s identify the subject: “We.” Now, rewrite the sentence in active voice: “We will break down this powerful verse and delve into its deeper meanings for the readers.”
Verse 15 begins with, “For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.” This evocative imagery speaks of the awe-inspiring and fearsome manifestation of God’s power and judgement. The image of God coming in fire and chariots conveys a sense of divine majesty and supremacy. It serves as a stark reminder of His sovereignty and the consequences that accompany His righteousness and justice. This depiction of God’s fiery judgement echoes themes found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in Psalm 50:3 which states, “Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.”
Furthermore, the following verses, 16-17, describe the specific targets of God’s judgement: “For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many. Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go into the gardens, following one in the midst, eating pig’s flesh and the abomination and mice, shall come to an end together, declares the Lord.” Here, the text condemns those who engage in idolatrous practices and defile themselves by partaking in forbidden rituals and foods. The idea of eating pig’s flesh and abominations signifies a departure from God’s divine laws and an embrace of impurity and sin. This disobedience invites God’s wrath and results in severe consequences, as seen in the declaration that those who engage in such practices will “come to an end together.”
The underlying message in these verses is one of consequences for disobedience and a call for repentance and adherence to God’s commandments. The imagery of divine judgement in fire and sword serves as a warning to those who stray from the path of righteousness and embrace sin. It emphasizes the importance of living according to God’s will and following His laws to avoid facing His righteous anger and retribution. This message of judgement and repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reminding believers of the seriousness of their choices and the need to seek forgiveness and redemption through a life of faith and obedience.
Isaiah 66:18-21
Several important sections in Isaiah 66:18-21 hold deep significance in understanding the message being conveyed. Let’s break it down step by step:
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“And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory.”
This section begins with a declaration of God’s intention to gather people of all nations and languages to witness His glory. Here, we see God’s universal nature and His desire for all people, regardless of their background or origins, to come and witness His greatness. This inclusivity highlights the overarching message of salvation and redemption for all humanity, not just a chosen few. It speaks to the prophecy of the Messiah being a light to the Gentiles, not just to the Jews (Isaiah 42:6). -
“I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations … to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians … to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. God mentions specific nations and places to which He will send survivors as messengers in this section. This highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations and His desire for His glory to be known throughout the world. The mention of these nations also signifies the universality of God’s plan for salvation – reaching even those who have not yet heard of Him. It echoes the Great Commission in the New Testament where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
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“They will proclaim my glory among the nations. And they will bring all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord.”
This section emphasizes the role of these messengers in proclaiming God’s glory among the nations and gathering all people to worship Him. It speaks to the unity of God’s people, regardless of their backgrounds, coming together as one in worship and offering themselves to the Lord. This foreshadows the vision of the new Jerusalem in Revelation, where people from every tribe, language, and nation will worship before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9). -
“They will bring them on horses and chariots, in wagons and on mules, to Jerusalem, my Holy Mountain,” says the Lord.”
The mention of different modes of transportation in this section symbolizes the diversity of the people being gathered by God. Whether they come on horses, chariots, wagons, or mules, all are welcome in God’s presence. This serves as a reminder that God’s invitation to salvation is open to all, regardless of their social status or means of arrival. It echoes the parable of the great banquet in Luke 14, where the master sends his servants to invite everyone, both rich and poor, to the feast. God’s universal plan of salvation for all nations, languages, and peoples is underscored in Isaiah 66:18-21. It reveals His desire for all to come and witness His glory, be messengers of His truth, and unite in worshiping Him. The inclusivity and diversity depicted in these verses reflect the timeless message of God’s love and grace extended to all humanity, inviting everyone to be part of His redemptive work.
Isaiah 66:22-24
The verses in Isaiah 66:22-24 speak of a new heaven and a new earth that will endure before God. They mention that all people will come and bow down before the Lord on the Sabbath and on the new moons. This points to a universal worship of God in a perfect and eternal kingdom. This imagery foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom where all people will gather in praise and reverence before Him.
The mention of the new heavens and new earth is significant as it points towards the final restoration and renewal of all creation. This concept is reiterated in the New Testament in Revelation 21:1-5, where John also sees a new heaven and a new earth and describes the coming of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. This continuity between Isaiah and Revelation underscores the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments in conveying God’s plan for redemption and restoration.
The scene shifts in these verses to a stark reminder of the consequences for those who choose to rebel against God. The text describes how the corpses of those who have transgressed against the Lord will be visible to all, their end serving as a warning to others. The imagery of their worm not dying and their fire not being quenched signifies unending, eternal punishment. This harsh language is an echo of earlier prophetic warnings throughout Isaiah about the consequences of turning away from God and persisting in sin.
The mention of the worm that does not die and the fire that is not quenched may also allude to Jesus’ teachings on hell in Mark 9:43-48. Jesus used similar language to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. It serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of eternal separation from God for those who reject His love and grace. Isaiah 66:22-24 encapsulates the themes of restoration, worship, and judgment. It points towards a future where God’s ultimate plan of redemption will culminate in a new heaven and a new earth where His glory will be fully realized. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s offer of salvation and choosing to walk in disobedience. Through these verses, Isaiah underscores the importance of obedience, repentance, and faith in God’s promises for a future of hope and eternal communion with Him.
After Isaiah 66
The Lord had spoken of the new heavens and the new earth that He would create. He promised that the former troubles would be forgotten, and that there would be great joy and peace in the land. However, the Lord also warned that there would be those who rebelled against Him, and who would face His judgment. The reverend knew that the people would need to heed the Lord’s words carefully as the chapter drew to a close. For the path ahead was not an easy one, and only those who walked in obedience would find the true peace and fulfillment that the Lord had promised. The reverend knew that the next chapter would reveal more of the Lord’s plan, and he could only hope that the people would be ready to receive it.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.