Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Isaiah 66
Isaiah 66:2But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
This verse highlights that God, who created everything, chooses to focus His attention on the person who is humble and respects His word. It shows that our internal attitude matters more to God than our external achievements.Isaiah 66:13As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
In a beautiful and rare image, God compares His care for His people to a mother comforting her child. This emphasizes the tenderness and security found in a relationship with Him.Isaiah 66:22"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."
This passage looks forward to a permanent 'new heavens and new earth,' promising that God's people will have an eternal future and a lasting legacy.
Historical & Cultural Context
The God Who Dwells with the Humble
The chapter begins with a sharp reality check for those who think they can contain God within a physical structure. God reminds the people that the entire universe is His throne and footstool, so a man-made temple cannot truly hold Him. He contrasts this cosmic greatness with His desire to dwell with the 'contrite,' which means someone who is deeply sorry for their mistakes and wants to change. This distinguishes between those who perform religious rituals and those who truly love God.
A Nation Born in a Day
The scene then shifts to a miraculous and sudden restoration of Jerusalem, described as a woman giving birth before she even feels labor pains. This represents the speed and power with which God can bring life and hope back to a broken nation. While the rebellious face judgment for their 'abominations' - things God finds disgusting - the faithful are invited to a feast of comfort and peace. The chapter ends with a global vision where survivors travel to distant lands to tell everyone about God's greatness.
The Final Word on Worship and Destiny
In Isaiah 66:1-24, the prophet delivers a final message from God that spans from the inner heart of the individual to the farthest reaches of the globe. The setting is a time of transition where the people are looking toward a future restoration, but God warns that their hearts must be right before they can enjoy His promises.
The Heart Over the House (Isaiah 66:1-4)
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 So 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.”
Commentary:
God rejects empty religious rituals and looks for people who are humble and listen to His word.
The Miracle of Zion's Rebirth (Isaiah 66:5-11)
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."
Commentary:
God promises a sudden and miraculous restoration for those who have been persecuted for His name.
Comfort Like a Mother (Isaiah 66:12-17)
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 will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with 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."
Commentary:
God offers tender, motherly comfort to the faithful while warning of judgment for the hypocritical.
A New World and a Final Warning (Isaiah 66:18-24)
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.”
Commentary:
God will gather all nations into a new creation, but those who reject Him face a tragic end.
The Eternal Contrast Between Pride and Humility
The Nature of True Worship
This chapter reveals that worship comes from the heart, not merely from actions. God is more interested in a person's 'trembling' at His word - meaning they take Him seriously - than in the most elaborate religious ceremonies.
God's Universal Mission
Isaiah 66 shows that God's plan was never for only one group of people. He intends to send messengers to the ends of the earth so that every culture can see His glory and join His family.
The Certainty of New Creation
The passage emphasizes that God's work of renewal is as certain as the laws of nature. Just as He causes a physical birth to happen, He will surely bring about the new heavens and the new earth for His children.
Applying Isaiah's Final Vision to Your Life
According to Isaiah 66:2, you can start by cultivating a humble and contrite spirit. This means being honest with God about your flaws and approaching His Word with a genuine desire to listen and obey, rather than merely completing religious tasks.
You can look to the promise in Isaiah 66:13, where God offers to comfort you like a mother. By spending time in prayer and reflecting on His peace, which He describes as a 'river' in verse 12, you can find a sense of security that the world cannot provide.
Isaiah 66:19 suggests that those who have seen God's glory are sent to 'declare' it to others. You can apply this by sharing your own experiences of God's goodness with people in your community or supporting efforts to reach those who haven't heard His message yet.
A Humble Heart in a New World
Isaiah concludes his prophecy by declaring that God is both the transcendent Creator of the universe and the intimate Comforter of the brokenhearted. In this final chapter, God's character is fully revealed: He rejects the pride of empty religion but welcomes the humble from every nation. The message is a powerful invitation to stop relying on outward shows and instead find rest in a sincere relationship with the One who is making all things new. God's glory will be known by all, and His faithful servants will remain forever in His presence.
What This Means for Us Today
Isaiah 66 invites us to trade our pride for humility and our empty rituals for a real connection with God. It reminds us that no matter how small we feel, the Creator of the universe is looking for a heart where He can truly rest. We are called to be part of His global family, experiencing His mother-like comfort and sharing His glory with the world.
- Is there any part of your spiritual life that has become an 'empty ritual' lately?
- How can you practice being 'humble and contrite' in your prayers this week?
- Who in your life needs to hear about the 'peace like a river' that God promises?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter sets the stage by describing the 'new heavens and new earth' and the contrast between the servants of God and the rebellious.
Connections Across Scripture
Stephen quotes the beginning of Isaiah 66 to explain to the religious leaders that God does not live in temples made by human hands.
This New Testament chapter provides the ultimate fulfillment of Isaiah's vision of a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem.
Jesus echoes the theme of Isaiah 66:2 by teaching that the 'poor in spirit' are the ones who receive the kingdom of heaven.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think God uses the image of a mother's comfort in verse 13? How does that change your personal view of God's character?
- In verse 2, God says He looks to the one who 'trembles at my word.' What does that look like in a practical, everyday sense for a modern believer?
- The chapter ends with a very stark contrast between the 'new earth' and the 'dead bodies' of the rebels. Why is it important for us to see both the beauty of God's mercy and the reality of His judgment?