Isaiah 66 - Introduction

The Eternal Blessedness of the True Israel; the Doom of the Apostates

This chapter continues the antithesis that runs through ch. 65, carrying it onward to its eschatological issues. The connexion of ideas is frequently extremely difficult to trace, and no two critics are agreed as to where the different sections begin and end. The contents of the passage, however, may be exhibited as follows:

i. Isa 66:1-4. The chapter begins with a remarkable declaration against a formal and unspiritual ceremonial. Addressing those who contemplate the erection of a Temple in His honour, Jehovah points out how inadequate any earthly house must necessarily be to His majesty, and reminds them that the only worship acceptable in His sight is that which proceeds from a humble, contrite and reverent spirit (Isaiah 66:1). How little this condition is fulfilled by those referred to is shewn by a rapid survey of the superstitious practices which, in direct defiance of the Divine Law, they seek to combine with the service of Jehovah (Isaiah 66:3). Sentence is pronounced against them on account of their disobedience (Isaiah 66:4).

ii. Isa 66:5-9. Turning from these, Jehovah speaks to those who comply with the requirement of Isaiah 66:2, assuring them of a speedy triumph over their insolent persecutors, and announcing, under the figure of a new birth, a sudden and marvellous increase of the population of Zion.

iii. Isa 66:10-14. Peace and joy shall reign in the new Jerusalem, and those who sympathise with and mourn for her present distress are invited to share in her future consolation.

iv. Isaiah 66:15. A renewed description of the judgement (expanding the thought of Isaiah 66:6). The judgement is universal ("with all flesh"), but special emphasis is laid on the fate of the apostates so often appearing in the last two Chapter s (Isaiah 66:17).

v. Isaiah 66:18. The judgement is followed by a manifestation of Jehovah's glory to all nations (Isaiah 66:18). The survivors of the nearer nations, who have witnessed the catastrophe, shall be sent as messengers to the more distant countries (Isaiah 66:19); these shall then voluntarily bring back to Zion the dispersed Israelites (Isaiah 66:20); and from amongst them (the restored exiles or the converted heathen?) some shall be chosen as ministers of the sanctuary (Isaiah 66:21). Israel, thus reconstituted, shall be as enduring as the new heavens and earth which Jehovah is about to create (Isaiah 66:22).

vi. Isaiah 66:23. The universality of the true religion, expressed inadequately in terms of the old dispensation as a monthly and weekly pilgrimage of all nations to the sanctuary at Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:23); with a closing reference to the appalling fate reserved for the impenitent rebels against Jehovah (Isaiah 66:24).