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Isaiah 66

24 verses

TL;DR

A prophetic vision of God's judgment on idolatry and the promise of restoration for the faithful.

Summary

Isaiah 66 declares the LORD’s sovereign power, presenting Him as the heaven’s throne and the earth’s footstool and lamenting the idolatrous practices of Israel. The prophet singles out the poor and contrite who fear God’s word as the ones He will look upon. He condemns sacrificial rites that mimic human killing and calls out the people’s delight in abominations, warning that their ignorance will bring judgment. Amid this stern judgment, the chapter offers hope for Jerusalem, depicting it as a source of peace, glory, and comfort, and foretelling that all nations will come to worship there. The vision culminates in a future of new heavens and earth where God’s name and people endure, and where the righteous are rewarded while the transgressors are destroyed.

Outline
  1. 1. Judgment against idolatry and the rejection of God’s law
  2. 2. Restoration and comfort promised to Jerusalem
  3. 3. Eschatological vision of new heavens, new earth, and universal worship
Themes
Divine sovereigntyRepentance and contritionHope for restoration
Keywords
GodLORDidolatrycontriteJerusalempeacefirechariotsnew heavensnew earth
People
LORDIsraelJerusalem
Places
heavenearthJerusalemZionTarshishPulLudTubalJavannew heavensnew earth
Things
thronefootstoolriverstreamfirechariotsoxlambswineincenseabominationtree
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 66:2: Highlights God’s focus on the poor and contrite
  • Isaiah 66:15: Describes God’s coming with fire and chariots, symbolizing judgment
  • Isaiah 66:20: Calls all nations to bring offerings to Jerusalem, indicating universal worship
Questions
  • How does the passage link contrition with divine favor?
  • What role does Jerusalem play in the vision of restoration?
  • In what ways does the promise of new heavens and earth reflect biblical eschatology?
  • Why is the imagery of fire and chariots significant in the context of divine judgment?
  • How does the call to all nations for offerings to Jerusalem shape the understanding of Israel’s mission?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both severe judgment and hopeful promise