Isaiah 66
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 66:1-2 1Thus says the LORD,
“Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.
Where then is a house you could build for Me?
And where is a place that I may rest?
2For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Isa 66:1 “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.
Where then is a house you could build for Me?
And where is a place that I may rest?” This is an obvious allusion to the dedicatory prayer of Solomon in 1Ki 8:27 and is again alluded to in Acts 8:47-48 .
What is difficult to know is to what historical period this relates. Some see it relating to the return from the exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, which is possible from the context. However, others say that God does not live in manmade buildings and that this refers to
1. the temple of the human body which God has made
2. the family of God, the faith seed of Abraham (Jews and Gentiles of faith, cf. Rom 2:28-29 )
3. the cosmic temple of Genesis 1, see John H. Walton, The Lost World of Genesis One
Isa 66:2 “For My hand made all these things” For “hand” see Special Topic: Hand <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/hand.html>. We learn from the NT that God's agent in creation was no one other than the pre-Incarnate Jesus Christ (cf. Joh 1:3 ; 1Co 8:6 ; Col 1:16 ; Heb 1:2 ).
▣ “But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word” God looks first at the motives and character of the human heart. YHWH knows the thoughts and intents of the heart (cf. Isa 66:18 ).
1. 1Sa 2:3 ; 1Sa 16:7 2. 1Ki 8:39 3. 1Ch 28:9 4. 2Ch 6:30 5. Psa 7:9 ; Psa 17:3 ; Psa 26:2 ; Psa 44:21 ; Psa 139:1 ; Psa 139:23 6. Pro 15:11 ; Pro 16:2 ; Pro 21:2 ; Pro 24:12 7. Jer 11:20 ; Jer 17:9-10 ; Jer 20:12 8. Luk 16:15 9. Act 1:24 ; Act 15:8 10. Rom 8:27 Jesus also knows the inner thoughts and motives of humans, see Joh 2:24-25 ; Joh 6:61 ; Joh 6:64 ; Joh 13:11 !
This same description is used of David's contrition over the sin with Bathsheba (cf. Psa 51:17 ); note Isa 57:15 ; Psa 34:18 ; Mat 5:3-4 ; Luk 18:13-14 .
This also has two titles for God's people that are very beautiful and descriptive.
1. a humble and repentant people
2. those who tremble at His word (cf. Isa 66:5 )
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 66:3-6 3”But he who kills an ox is like one who slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb is like the one who breaks a dog's neck;
He who offers a grain offering is like one who offers swine's blood;
He who burns incense is like the one who blesses an idol.
As they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,
4So I will choose their punishments
And will bring on them what they dread.
Because I called, but no one answered;
I spoke, but they did not listen.
And they did evil in My sight
And chose that in which I did not delight.”
5Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word:
“Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name's sake,
Have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.'
But they will be put to shame.
6A voice of uproar from the city, a voice from the temple,
The voice of the LORD who is rendering recompense to His enemies.
Isa 66:3-4 This shows that ritual alone is not satisfactory (cf. Isa 29:13 ; Jeremiah 7), but combined with ritual must be a humble and repentant heart. That which we do over and over again tends to become common, but in the area of faith, our motive is the key (cf. Isa 66:2 ).
Isa 66:3 “And their soul delights in their abominations” This refers to various pagan worship rites (cf. Isa 65:4 ; Isa 65:7 ; Isa 65:11 ). They loved and chose (BDB 10:3 , KB 11:9 , used three times in Isa 66:3-4 ) sin (cf. Isa 1:4 ; Isa 57:17 ; Isa 65:2 ; Isa 66:18 ; Psa 81:11-12 )!
Isa 66:4 NASB “punishments”
NKJV “delusions”
NRSV, JPSOA “mock”
TEV “disaster”
NJB “making fools of them”
REB “a willful course”
The word (BDB 76:0 , KB 176:8 ) is found only here and Isa 3:4 . KB suggests
1. acts of mischief (done by a child from the root, עולל (BDB 76:0 ) for Isa 3:4 2. ill treatment here
The NET Bible gets a meaning from עלל (BDB 76:0 ), “deal severely.”
▣ “And will bring on them what they dread” Oh my! What a terrible curse from God (cf. Pro 1:27 ; Pro 10:24 )!
▣ “Because I called, but no one answered” Here again is the repetition of the theme (cf. Isa 41:28 ; Isa 50:2 ; Isa 65:12 ).
Isa 66:5 There is a distress and tension even within the people of God (cf. Rom 9:6-8 ). The persecution of the prophets by fellow Jews is a good example of this (cf. Mat 5:10-12 ; Mat 10:22 ). Many horrible things have been done by “religious” people in God's name!
Notice how the true people of God should respond to persecution - joy (BDB 97:0 , cf. Isa 51:11 ; Isa 55:12 ; Isa 61:7 ; note Isa 66:10 which has several other words synonymous with joy.
1. be glad - BDB 162:2 . rejoice - BDB 96:5 (twice)
3. also Qal IMPERATIVE of “joy” (BDB 97:0 )
There are three commands in Isa 66:5 .
1. Hear the word of the LORD - Qal IMPERATIVE, BDB 103:3 , KB 1570:2 . Let the LORD be glorified - Qal IMPERFECT, BDB 45:7 , KB 45:5 , used in a JUSSIVE sense (the LXX translates it as PASSIVE)
3. That we may see your joy - Qal IMPERECT, BDB 90:6 , KB 15:7 , used in a COHORTATIVE sense
Isa 66:6 There has been much discussion among commentators about how this verse relates to the context. Some say it is an unknown historical event, while others say it is related directly to Isa 66:5 , which shows the judgment of prideful, unbelieving Jews.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 66:7-9 7”Before she travailed, she brought forth;
Before her pain came, she gave birth to a boy.
8Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things?
Can a land be born in one day?
Can a nation be brought forth all at once?
As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.
9Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD.
“Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb?” says your God.
Isa 66:7-13 This context refers to Zion bringing forth a nation in one day which includes Gentiles. Some see this as the return from exile, but in this event no Gentiles were included. Therefore, it must be eschatological (i.e., NT).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 66:10-17 10”Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her;
Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her,
11That you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts,
That you may suck and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.”
12For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river,
And the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream;
And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees.
13As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;
And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”
14Then you will see this, and your heart will be glad,
And your bones will flourish like the new grass;
And the hand of the LORD will be made known to His servants,
But He will be indignant toward His enemies.
15For 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.
16For the LORD will execute judgment by fire
And by His sword on all flesh,
And those slain by the LORD will be many.
17”Those who sanctify and purify themselves to go to the gardens,
Following one in the center,
Who eat swine's flesh, detestable things and mice,
Will come to an end altogether,” declares the LORD.
Isa 66:10 As a result of what YHWH has done in restoring His people to their Promised Land (i.e., Gen 12:1 ; Gen 15:16 ), the commands are
1. be joyful - Qal IMPERATIVE, BDB 97:0 , KB 1333:2 . rejoice - Qal IMPERATIVE, BDB 16:2 , KB 189:3 . be exceedingly glad - the Qal IMPERATIVE and the NOUN, BDB 96:5 , KB 96:5 Isa 66:12 The parental imagery of God's love for His people is so powerful in this verse. YHWH is described in feminine metaphors (cf. Isa 49:15 ; Isa 66:9-13 ; see Special Topic at Isa 41:2 ).
The fact that God would use “a nursing woman” to describe Himself says volumes.
SPECIAL TOPIC: WOMEN IN THE BIBLE <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/women_bible.html>
Isa 66:13 The word “comforts” (BDB 63:6 , KB 68:8 ) is used three times in this verse.
1-2. Piel IMPERFECT (twice)
3. Pual IMPERFECT
This reminds one of Isa 40:1 (Piel IMPERATIVE, twice); also note Isa 12:1 ; Isa 53:3 (twice),12,19; Isa 52:9 ; Isa 61:2 (Isa 57:18 , BDB 63:7 ). This is the theme of Isaiah 4:0-66 . YHWH has acted to forgive, forget, and restore those who trust Him and tremble at His word (Isa 66:2 ; Isa 66:5 )!
Isa 66:15-16 Notice the different metaphors used to describe YHWH's judgment.
1. fire (BDB 7:7 ; see Special Topic: Fire <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/fire.html>)
2. whirlwind (BDB 69:3 I, cf. Isa 5:28 ; Jer 4:13 )
3. His anger (BDB 6:0 I) with fury (BDB 40:4 , cf. Isa 42:25 ; Isa 51:20 ; Isa 63:3 ; Isa 63:6 )
4. His rebuke with flames of fire, cf. Isa 29:6 ; Isa 30:30 5. judgment by fire
6. His sword on all flesh, cf. Isa 65:12 Isa 66:16 “those slain by the LORD will be many” This shows that judgment will begin with the household of God. We need to remember that there are many within the Jewish community and, God help us, within the Church, who do not really know Christ Jesus, the Messiah.
Isa 66:17 “to the gardens” This seems to be a reference to a type of pagan worship (cf. Isa 65:3 ).
▣ “Following one in the center” The word translated “center” (BDB 106:3 ) is also used of the “tree of life” in Gen 3:3 . The Septuagint sees Isa 65:22 as also referring to the tree of life. Here this may refer to the Asherah poles or carved stake of Canaanite fertility worship. See Special Topic at Isa 57:5-6 .
▣ “Who eat. . .”
1. swine's flesh, cf. Isa. 69:4
2. detestable things (BDB 105:4 , cf. Lev 11:10-13 ; Lev 11:20 ; Lev 11:23 ; Lev 11:41-42 )
3. mice (BDB 74:7 , cf. Lev 11:29 )
I think the food laws of Leviticus 1:1 are not hygienic but cultic. They were meant to keep Israel from any social or religious contact with Canaanites.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Isa 66:18-24 18”For I know their works and their thoughts; the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory. 19I will set a sign among them and will send survivors from them to the nations: Tarshish, Put, Lud, Meshech, Tubal and Javan, to the distant coastlands that have neither heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they will declare My glory among the nations. 20Then they shall bring all your brethren from all the nations as a grain offering to the LORD, on horses, in chariots, in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “just as the sons of Israel bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD. 21I will also take some of them for priests and for Levites,” says the LORD.
22”For just as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I make will endure before Me,” declares the LORD,
“So your offspring and your name will endure.
23And it shall be from new moon to new moon
And from sabbath to sabbath,
All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the LORD.
24”Then they will go forth and look
On the corpses of the men
Who have transgressed against Me.
For their worm will not die
And their fire will not be quenched;
And they will be an abhorrence to all mankind.”
Isa 66:18-21 “the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues” The word “time” has been provided by Eben Ezra in his translation of the Masoretic Text. There is some confusion as to the exact setting of this verse. The VERB “know” is not in the Hebrew text.
This is a reference somehow to the gathering of the nations. They seem to come for hostile purposes against the people of God (i.e., “survivors”). But, in God's defeat of them (cf. Isa 66:24 b) some come to believe in Him. Then God sends them as a sign, Isa 66:19 (cf. Isa 11:10 ; Isa 11:12 ), to their own nations as evangelists. And, wonder of wonders - the heathen respond to the message and come back to God at Jerusalem to worship and He even makes some of them into priests and Levites (cf. Isa 66:21 ).
This section, Isa 66:19-24 , is absolutely shocking in its universal thrust. This has caused great consternation and uncertainty among the rabbis, but in context, it is obviously the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise of Gen 3:15 ; Gen 12:1-3 . See Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/YHWHs_plan.html>.
Isa 66:18 “For I know their words and their thoughts” God knows the hearts of all men. See full note at Isa 1:2 . YHWH knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart (cf. Isa 66:18 )
1. 1Sa 2:3 ; 1Sa 16:7 2. 1Ki 8:39 3. 1Ch 28:9 4. 2Ch 6:30 5. Psa 7:9 ; Psa 17:3 ; Psa 26:2 ; Psa 44:21 ; Psa 139:1 ; Psa 139:23 6. Pro 15:11 ; Pro 16:2 ; Pro 21:2 ; Pro 24:12 7. Jer 11:20 ; Jer 17:9-10 ; Jer 20:12 8. Luk 16:15 9. Act 1:24 ; Act 15:8 10. Rom 8:27 Jesus also knows the inner thoughts and motives of humans, cf. Joh 2:24-25 ; Joh 6:61 ; Joh 6:64 ; Joh 13:11 !
Isa 66:20 This is one of several texts that speak of the Gentile nations bringing gifts and offerings to Jerusalem/temple (cf. Isa 2:2-3 ; Isa 56:7 ; Psa 22:27 ; Psa 86:9 ; Jer 3:17 ; Mic 4:1-2 ).
Isa 66:22 See full note at Isa 65:17 .
The VERB “endure” (BDB 76:3 , KB 84:0 ) is used twice.
1. the new heavens and earth will endure - Qal IMPERFECT (see full note at Isa 62:2 )
2. the seed of the faithful will endure - Qal PERFECT
This word, though used often in this section of Isaiah (cf. Isa 44:11 ; Isa 46:7 ; Isa 47:12-13 ; Isa 48:13 ; Isa 50:8 ; Isa 59:14 ; Isa 61:5 ), is translated “endure” only in Isa 66:22 .
Isa 66:23 “All mankind will come to bow down before Me,” says the LORD” The VERB (BDB 100:5 , KB 29:5 ) is a rare Hishtapael (found only here). This is the obvious implication of monotheism (see Special Topic: Monotheism <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/monotheism.html>). For a full list of the universal emphasis in Isaiah see Isa 45:22 .
Isa 66:24 This is the description of the unfaithful of both Jews and Gentiles. I do not think one can build a theology of end-time punishment based on this verse. This is the possible source of Jesus' use of the word Gehenna, which means “the valley of the sons of Hinnon,” which was the garbage dump of Jerusalem. Jesus used this term to describe eternal separation from God (see Special Topic: The Dead, Where Are They? [Sheol/Hades, Gehenna, Tartarus] <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/dead_where_are_they.html>). Notice the elements of the worm that does not die and the fire that is not quenched. These are the metaphors chosen by Jesus Himself to describe the fate of those who refuse to believe in Him (cf. Mat 25:46 ).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. What is the central theme of Isaiah 6:5-66 ?
2. List the pagan worship rites of Isaiah 6:5 .
3. To whom Isa 65:1-2 refer and why?
4. What is so unique about Isaiah 6:5 which is particularly seen in Isa 66:10-11 ?
5. Why does God create a new heaven and a new earth?
6. What is the significance of Isa 66:19-23 ?
