Isaiah 66
BSB1 This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? 2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. 3 Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations. 4 So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight." 5 You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame." 6 Hear the uproar from the city; listen to the voice from the temple! It is the voice of the LORD, repaying His enemies what they deserve! 7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. 8 Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. 9 Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God. 10 Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her, 11 so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance. 12 For this is what the LORD says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you, and you will be consoled over Jerusalem." 14 When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies. 15 For behold, the LORD will come with fire— His chariots are like a whirlwind— to execute His anger with 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 many will be slain by the LORD. 17 “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD. 18 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts, am coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory. 19 I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. 20 And they will bring all your brothers from all the nations as a gift to the LORD on horses and chariots and wagons, on mules and camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the Israelites bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD." 21 “And I will select some of them as priests and Levites,” says the LORD. 22 “For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me,” declares the LORD, “so your descendants and your name will endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come to worship before Me,” says the LORD. 24 “As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind."
Study Notes — Isaiah 66
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 66
- Themes from Isaiah 66
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 66
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 66 begins with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). The chapter then contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. In Isaiah 66:7-14, the chapter describes the birth of a new nation, symbolizing the redemption of God's people. The final section of the chapter, Isaiah 66:15-24, portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Isaiah 66:2 and Isaiah 66:22.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 66 is the final chapter of the book of Isaiah, and it serves as a conclusion to the prophet's message. The chapter is part of a larger section of Isaiah that deals with the theme of God's judgment and redemption, as seen in Isaiah 65-66. The chapter also looks forward to the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
Heart Application
The chapter calls us to humility and obedience, emphasizing the importance of trembling at God's word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. We are also reminded of the promise of redemption and hope that is available to us through Christ, as seen in Isaiah 66:22 and John 1:1.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 66 is a chapter about God's judgment and redemption. The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, and it offers a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to God. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. The chapter also looks forward to the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The whole sum of our salvation is that God has embraced us with His love, and we have been made partakers of Christ. This is seen in Isaiah 66:7-14, where the chapter describes the birth of a new nation, symbolizing the redemption of God's people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: God's Sovereignty (Isaiah 66:1-4) — The chapter begins with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. This is seen in Isaiah 66:1, where God says, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool."
- The Importance of Humility (Isaiah 66:2) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word."
- The Birth of a New Nation (Isaiah 66:7-14) — The chapter describes the birth of a new nation, symbolizing the redemption of God's people. This is seen in Isaiah 66:7-14, where the chapter says, "Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child."
- God's Judgment on the Wicked (Isaiah 66:15-24) — The final section of the chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. As seen in Isaiah 66:15-24, God says, "For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire."
- Conclusion: The New Creation (Isaiah 66:22-24) — The chapter concludes with a promise of the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. As seen in Isaiah 66:22, God says, "For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me," declares the Lord, "so will your offspring and your name endure."
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. This is seen in Isaiah 66:1, where God says, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool."
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word."
- The Doctrine of Redemption
- The chapter offers a message of redemption and hope for those who turn to God, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-14 and Isaiah 66:22. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
- The Doctrine of Judgment
- The chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. As seen in Isaiah 66:15-24, God says, "For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire."
Lessons from Isaiah 66
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word."
- The Promise of Redemption — The chapter offers a message of redemption and hope for those who turn to God, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-14 and Isaiah 66:22. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
- The Doctrine of Judgment — The chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. As seen in Isaiah 66:15-24, God says, "For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire."
- The New Creation — The chapter concludes with a promise of the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. As seen in Isaiah 66:22, God says, "For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me," declares the Lord, "so will your offspring and your name endure."
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, stating that God looks to those who tremble at His word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word."
Themes from Isaiah 66
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. This is seen in Isaiah 66:1, where God says, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool."
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word."
- Redemption and Hope — The chapter offers a message of redemption and hope for those who turn to God, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-14 and Isaiah 66:22. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
- Judgment and Wrath — The chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. As seen in Isaiah 66:15-24, God says, "For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire."
- The New Creation — The chapter concludes with a promise of the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. As seen in Isaiah 66:22, God says, "For just as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, will endure before Me," declares the Lord, "so will your offspring and your name endure."
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter say about God's sovereignty and power?
- What is the importance of humility and obedience in the chapter?
- What is the promise of redemption and hope that is offered in the chapter?
- What is the scene of God's judgment on the wicked in the chapter?
- What is the conclusion of the chapter, and how does it relate to the new creation that God will bring?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: God's Sovereignty (Isaiah 66:1-4)
| Isaiah 66:1 | The chapter begins with a declaration of God's sovereignty and power, stating that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. |
| Isaiah 66:2 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. |
| Isaiah 66:3 | The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. |
| Isaiah 66:4 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, stating that God looks to those who tremble at His word. |
2. The Birth of a New Nation (Isaiah 66:7-14)
| Isaiah 66:7 | The chapter describes the birth of a new nation, symbolizing the redemption of God's people. |
| Isaiah 66:8 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, stating that God will bring forth a new nation. |
| Isaiah 66:9 | The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. |
| Isaiah 66:10 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, stating that God will bring joy and gladness to His people. |
| Isaiah 66:11 | The chapter describes the nursing of the new nation, symbolizing the care and provision of God for His people. |
| Isaiah 66:12 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of peace and prosperity, stating that God will bring peace and prosperity to His people. |
| Isaiah 66:13 | The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. |
| Isaiah 66:14 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, stating that God will bring forth a new nation. |
3. God's Judgment on the Wicked (Isaiah 66:15-24)
| Isaiah 66:15 | The chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. |
| Isaiah 66:16 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, stating that God will bring forth a new nation. |
| Isaiah 66:17 | The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. |
| Isaiah 66:18 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, stating that God will bring joy and gladness to His people. |
| Isaiah 66:19 | The chapter describes the sending of missionaries to the nations, symbolizing the spread of the gospel and the redemption of God's people. |
| Isaiah 66:20 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, stating that God will bring forth a new nation. |
| Isaiah 66:21 | The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. |
| Isaiah 66:22 | The chapter concludes with a promise of the new creation that God will bring, which is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. |
| Isaiah 66:23 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and obedience, stating that all flesh will come to worship God. |
| Isaiah 66:24 | The chapter concludes with a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 66?
The main theme of Isaiah 66 is God's judgment and redemption, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word.
What is the promise of redemption and hope in the chapter?
The chapter offers a message of redemption and hope for those who turn to God, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-14 and Isaiah 66:22. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.
What is the scene of God's judgment on the wicked in the chapter?
The chapter portrays a scene of God's judgment on the wicked, while also offering a message of hope and redemption for those who turn to Him. As seen in Isaiah 66:15-24, God says, "For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and His chariots like the whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire."
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 66:1 → Psalm 11:4 | The declaration of God's sovereignty and power in Isaiah 66:1 is similar to the declaration in Psalm 11:4, which states that God's throne is in heaven. |
| 2 | Isaiah 66:2 → Micah 6:8 | The emphasis on humility and obedience in Isaiah 66:2 is similar to the emphasis in Micah 6:8, which states that God requires us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 66:7-14 → Galatians 4:26 | The description of the birth of a new nation in Isaiah 66:7-14 is similar to the description of the new creation in Galatians 4:26, which states that the Jerusalem above is our mother. |
| 4 | Isaiah 66:15-24 → 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 | The scene of God's judgment on the wicked in Isaiah 66:15-24 is similar to the scene of God's judgment in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, which states that God will punish those who do not obey the gospel. |
| 5 | Isaiah 66:22 → 2 Peter 3:13 | The promise of the new creation in Isaiah 66:22 is similar to the promise in 2 Peter 3:13, which states that we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth. |
| 6 | Isaiah 66:1 → Acts 7:49 | The declaration of God's sovereignty and power in Isaiah 66:1 is similar to the declaration in Acts 7:49, which states that heaven is God's throne and the earth is His footstool. |
| 7 | Isaiah 66:2 → Philippians 2:5-8 | The emphasis on humility and obedience in Isaiah 66:2 is similar to the emphasis in Philippians 2:5-8, which states that Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. |
| 8 | Isaiah 66:7-14 → Hebrews 12:22-24 | The description of the birth of a new nation in Isaiah 66:7-14 is similar to the description of the heavenly Jerusalem in Hebrews 12:22-24, which states that we have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God. |
| 9 | Isaiah 66:15-24 → Revelation 20:11-15 | The scene of God's judgment on the wicked in Isaiah 66:15-24 is similar to the scene of God's judgment in Revelation 20:11-15, which states that God will judge the wicked and throw them into the lake of fire. |
| 10 | Isaiah 66:22 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The promise of the new creation in Isaiah 66:22 is similar to the promise in Revelation 21:1-4, which states that God will create a new heaven and a new earth. |
Sermons on Isaiah 66
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Sermon That Has Angered Many - Examine Yourself by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He warns against being enslaved to the things of this present |
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Birth and Death in the Christian Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares various anecdotes and observations to emphasize the importance of accepting Christ. He mentions a man who hired a harp player and was captivated |
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(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He |
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Revival (Joseph) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the harsh treatment of slaves in the past, where they were chained and made to work as human horses. He emphasizes the importance of bringi |
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A Wounded Spirit and Destroyed Life's by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing the destructive impact of neglect, negativity, and lack of compassion within families, highlighting the need for repentance, for |
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Yielding by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, Dr. Alan Redpath discusses the story of David in 1 Chronicles 21. David realizes that his sin has caused innocent people to suffer, and he falls on his face before |
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The Judgment Day by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet |
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Perils and Sorrows of a Contrite Heart by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob finds himself in a difficult situation with two wives who are arguing and accusing each other. He is |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experience of feeling distant from God and lacking spiritual understanding, comfort, and power. He emphasizes the need for individuals and |
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Biblical Assurance (Part 2) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of being truly born again and how to know if one is a genuine believer. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's lifestyle w |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 66
In his commentary on Isaiah 66, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience, stating that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. Henry also notes the promise of redemption and hope that is offered in the chapter, stating that God will bring forth a new nation and create a new heaven and a new earth. Furthermore, Henry emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience, stating that God will punish those who do not obey the gospel. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God says, "For My hand made all these things, so that all these things came into being," declares the Lord. "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Humility
Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of humility and obedience. As seen in Isaiah 66:2, God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word. This is a key characteristic of those who will be redeemed, as seen in Isaiah 66:22.
The Contrast between True and False Worship
The chapter contrasts the true worship of God with the false worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. This contrast is seen in Isaiah 66:1-4, where God declares that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool.
The Promise of Redemption
The chapter offers a message of redemption and hope for those who turn to God, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-14 and Isaiah 66:22. This promise is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:10.