# Overview Isaiah Chapter 66 serves as the grand conclusion to the book of #Isaiah, encapsulating themes of judgment and salvation that run throughout the prophetic text. The chapter opens with a vivid declaration from the #Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty and the insufficiency of human-made temples, as He states, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool." This proclamation underscores God’s transcendence and the futility of ritualistic worship devoid of genuine reverence and humility. The Lord stresses that He looks upon those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word, setting a tone that contrasts with those who are rebellious and insincere in their offerings. This dichotomy anticipates the coming judgment upon the unfaithful and the vindication of the faithful, aligning with the broader prophetic themes of #judgment and #redemption. The chapter further elaborates on the fate of #Jerusalem, promising a future transformation and restoration that extends to include all nations and tongues. A vivid image is painted of the new heavens and new earth, a theme resonant with the #apocalyptic visions found in #Revelation. This eschatological vision includes the gathering of all people to witness God’s glory, with a particular focus on the inclusion of the #Gentiles in the redemptive plan. This universal invitation underscores the expansive reach of God's salvation, transcending the borders of #Israel. The final verses bring a solemn reminder of the eternal consequences of rebellion against God, with a depiction of the fate of those who oppose Him. Thus, Isaiah 66 concludes with a powerful message of hope and warning, urging readers to align with God’s purposes and participate in His glorious future. ## Theological Insights Isaiah 66 presents a profound conclusion to the book of #Isaiah, focusing on themes of divine judgment, restoration, and the ultimate hope of a new creation. This chapter is rich in theological insights, resonating with both the #OldTestament and #NewTestament understandings of God's ultimate plans for His people and the world. ### True Worship and Divine Presence The chapter opens with a declaration of God's sovereignty and transcendence, emphasizing that heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool. This imagery underscores the inadequacy of human attempts to contain God within man-made structures (Isaiah 66:1-2). Here, God values humility, contrition, and reverence over mere ritualistic worship, echoing the call for a heart-oriented worship seen in passages like [[Psalm/Psalm 51]] and [[Micah/Micah Chapter 6]]. ### Judgment and Vindication Isaiah 66 presents a dual theme of judgment against the wicked and vindication for the faithful. The imagery of childbirth in verses 7-9 captures the suddenness and inevitability of God's deliverance, aligning with the biblical motif of God's faithful intervention in history, as illustrated in the Exodus narrative ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]]). The judgment against those who persist in rebellion and idolatry (verses 3-4, 15-17) highlights the righteousness and justice of God, a theme consistent throughout the prophetic literature. ### Restoration and Hope Verses 10-14 portray the comfort and prosperity that await #Jerusalem and God's people, a vision of restoration that extends beyond immediate historical circumstances. This eschatological hope is further developed in the #NewTestament, where the new #Jerusalem signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people ([[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]]). The promise of peace like a river and the glory of the nations flowing to Jerusalem signifies the inclusive nature of God's salvation plan. ### Universal Worship In verses 18-23, Isaiah envisions a future where all nations come to worship the Lord, a theme that reflects the universal scope of God's redemptive purpose. This inclusive vision anticipates the Great Commission in the #NewTestament ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28]]), where the gospel is to be proclaimed to all nations, emphasizing God's desire for a worldwide community of worshippers. ### Final Judgment and New Creation The closing verse (Isaiah 66:24) starkly contrasts the eternal fate of the wicked with the glory of the redeemed, echoing the biblical theme of final judgment and the new creation. This duality is affirmed in other prophetic and apocalyptic writings, such as [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 12]] and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 20]], reinforcing the hope of ultimate justice and renewal. Isaiah 66 thus encapsulates the grand narrative of Scripture, pointing to God's sovereign plan to purify, redeem, and renew His creation, culminating in a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Judgment and Salvation #Isaiah 66 encapsulates the dual themes of divine judgment and salvation. These themes resonate with other prophetic writings where God promises judgment against the wicked and deliverance for the faithful. This duality is evident in the #prophetic literature of both the #OldTestament and the #NewTestament. For instance, in [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 4]], the coming day of the Lord is depicted as a time of both destruction and healing. Similarly, in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]], the new heaven and new earth represent a time of renewal and redemption for God's people. ### The Sovereignty of God In this chapter, the sovereignty of #God is a prevailing theme, emphasizing His authority over creation and human affairs. This theme is consistent with the portrayal of God throughout the Bible, such as in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 1]], where God’s creative authority is established, and in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 4]], where God’s dominion over earthly kingdoms is proclaimed. Isaiah 66 reaffirms that God’s plans will come to fruition, underscoring the idea that His will is unassailable and His purposes will prevail. ### The Inclusion of the Nations #Isaiah 66 also emphasizes the inclusion of the nations in God’s redemptive plan, a theme that echoes throughout Scripture. This is seen in the call for all nations to witness God's glory and participate in worship. This universal scope is foreshadowed in the promise to #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:3]], where all families of the earth are to be blessed through him, and it finds fulfillment in the Great Commission of [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28|Matthew 28:19-20]], where Jesus instructs His disciples to make disciples of all nations. ### Worship and True Religion The chapter highlights the theme of worship and true religion, contrasting empty rituals with genuine devotion. This is a recurrent biblical theme, as seen in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 15|1 Samuel 15:22]], where obedience is valued over sacrifice, and in [[Micah/Micah Chapter 6|Micah 6:6-8]], which calls for justice, mercy, and humility over ritual offerings. Isaiah 66 calls for a heart-oriented worship that is sincere and aligns with God’s desires. ### The Restoration of Jerusalem The restoration and transformation of #Jerusalem is a prominent theme, symbolizing hope and renewal. This theme is consistent with other prophetic visions, such as in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 8]], where Jerusalem is envisioned as a city of truth and peace, and in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]], where the New Jerusalem descends from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband. Isaiah 66 presents Jerusalem as a source of comfort and joy for God’s people, highlighting the city’s role in God’s future plans. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The New Heavens and the New Earth In [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 66|Isaiah 66:22]], the promise of a new heavens and a new earth is a prophecy that finds its fulfillment in the New Testament, notably in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21:1]]. This concept of renewal and restoration is a recurring theme throughout #Scripture, reflecting God’s ultimate plan for the redemption and renewal of creation. It signifies the completion of God’s redemptive work and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. ### The Gathering of All Nations Isaiah 66:18-19 speaks of the gathering of all nations and tongues to see God's glory. This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament with the Great Commission in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 28|Matthew 28:19-20]], where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen as the gospel spreads throughout the world, drawing people from every nation into the worship of the #Lord. ### The New Jerusalem In [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 66|Isaiah 66:10-14]], the prophecy about the joy and prosperity of #Jerusalem serves as a precursor to the vision of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21:2-4]]. This future city, where God dwells with His people, is depicted as a place of peace, joy, and eternal comfort, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision of a restored and glorified Jerusalem. ### The Judgment and Salvation Isaiah 66:15-16 presents a vision of the Lord coming in judgment, which aligns with New Testament prophecies about the return of #Christ in judgment, as seen in passages like [[2 Thessalonians/2 Thessalonians Chapter 1|2 Thessalonians 1:7-10]]. The dual themes of judgment against the wicked and salvation for the faithful are core elements of biblical prophecy, affirming God’s justice and mercy. ### The Inclusion of the Gentiles Isaiah 66:20-21 prophesies the inclusion of the #Gentiles in the priestly service of the #Lord, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through the ministry of the apostles and the early church. This inclusion is highlighted in passages such as [[Acts/Acts Chapter 10|Acts 10]], where Peter realizes that God shows no partiality, and the gospel is for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. This fulfills the promise that God's salvation would extend to all nations. ## Verses - **Isaiah 66:1** - "This is what the LORD says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place?'" - Note: See also [[Acts/Acts Chapter 7]]:49, where Stephen references this verse. - **Isaiah 66:2** - "My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word." - Note: Compare with [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 24]]:1, which speaks of God's creation and ownership of the earth. - **Isaiah 66:3** - "But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted. When such people sacrifice a bull, it is no more acceptable than a human sacrifice. When they sacrifice a lamb, it’s as though they had sacrificed a dog! When they bring an offering of grain, they might as well offer the blood of a pig. When they burn frankincense, it’s as if they had blessed an idol." - Note: See also [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 15]]:8, which speaks of the LORD detesting the sacrifice of the wicked. - **Isaiah 66:4** - "I will send them great trouble—all the things they feared. For when I called, they did not answer. When I spoke, they did not listen. They deliberately sinned before my very eyes and chose to do what they know I despise." - Note: Reference to [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 1]]:24-31, which discusses the consequences of ignoring God's call. - **Isaiah 66:5** - "Hear this message from the LORD, all you who tremble at his words: 'Your own people hate you and throw you out for being loyal to my name. “Let the LORD be honored!” they scoff. “Be joyful in him!” But they will be put to shame." - Note: Compare with [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]:10-12, where Jesus speaks of persecution for righteousness' sake. - **Isaiah 66:6** - "What is all the commotion in the city? What is that terrible noise from the Temple? It is the voice of the LORD taking vengeance against his enemies." - **Isaiah 66:7** - "Before the birth pains even begin, Jerusalem gives birth to a son." - Note: See also [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 12]]:5, which speaks of a woman giving birth to a male child. - **Isaiah 66:8** - "Who has ever seen anything as strange as this? Who ever heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a single day? Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment? But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin, her children will be born." - Note: Reference to the promise of restoration in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 37]]. - **Isaiah 66:9** - "'Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth and then not deliver it?' asks the LORD. 'No! I would never keep this nation from being born,' says your God." - **Isaiah 66:10** - "Rejoice with Jerusalem! Be glad with her, all you who love her and all you who mourn for her." - Note: See also [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 122]]:6, which speaks of praying for the peace of Jerusalem. - **Isaiah 66:11** - "Drink deeply of her glory even as an infant drinks at its mother’s comforting breasts." - **Isaiah 66:12** - "This is what the LORD says: 'I will give Jerusalem a river of peace and prosperity. The wealth of the nations will flow to her. Her children will be nursed at her breasts, carried in her arms, and held on her lap.'" - Note: Compare with [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 60]]:5-6, which speaks of abundance and prosperity. - **Isaiah 66:13** - "I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child." - **Isaiah 66:14** - "When you see these things, your heart will rejoice. You will flourish like the grass! Everyone will see the LORD’s hand of blessing on his servants—and his anger against his enemies." - **Isaiah 66:15** - "See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his swift chariots roar like a whirlwind. He will bring punishment with the fury of his anger and the flaming fire of his hot rebuke." - Note: Compare with [[2 Thessalonians/2 Thessalonians Chapter 1]]:7-8, where Paul speaks of the Lord's return in flames of fire. - **Isaiah 66:16** - "The LORD will punish the world by fire and by his sword. He will judge the earth, and many will be killed by him." - **Isaiah 66:17** - "Those who 'consecrate' and 'purify' themselves in a sacred garden with its idol in the center—feasting on pork and rats and other detestable meats—will come to a terrible end,” says the LORD." - **Isaiah 66:18** - "'I can see what they are doing, and I know what they are thinking. So I will gather all nations and peoples together, and they will see my glory.'" - **Isaiah 66:19** - "I will perform a sign among them. And I will send those who survive to be messengers to the nations—to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (who are famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to all the lands beyond the sea that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. There they will declare my glory to the nations." - **Isaiah 66:20** - "They will bring the remnant of your people back from every nation. They will bring them to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD. They will ride on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels, says the LORD." - Note: Reference to the gathering of nations in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 14]]:16. - **Isaiah 66:21** - "And I will appoint some of them to be my priests and Levites. I, the LORD, have spoken!" - **Isaiah 66:22** - "'As surely as my new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be my people, with a name that will never disappear,' says the LORD." - Note: See also [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]]:1, which speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. - **Isaiah 66:23** - "All humanity will come to worship me from week to week and from month to month." - **Isaiah 66:24** - "And as they go out, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me. For the worms that devour them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never go out. All who pass by will view them with utter horror." - Note: Compare with [[Mark/Mark Chapter 9]]:48, where Jesus refers to the undying worm and unquenchable fire.