Isaiah 66: God’s Plan Will Come to Pass

Introduction: The final chapter of the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 66),  and presents a God’s divine plan for the ultimate redemption of God’s people. This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the insignificance of human efforts without His approval, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. It contrasts the humble and contrite spirit that God favors with the rebelliousness that he rejects. Throughout the chapter, we see a vision of future hope for those who trust in God and a warning for those who do not.

I. The Worthless and the Worthy (Isaiah 66:1-6)
This section contrasts the attitudes God values with those He dislikes. The Lord declares that heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool, thus no man-made temple can contain Him (Isaiah 66:1). Instead, God looks to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 66:2). The section then condemns the hypocrisy of ritualistic sacrifices without true devotion, equating them to murder and idolatry (Isaiah 66:3). God’s response to such insincerity is clear: He will choose their punishments (Isaiah 66:4). The faithful are called to hear God’s word and take comfort that He will bring justice (Isaiah 66:5-6).

• Psalm 51:17 emphasizes the contrite heart God will not despise, mirroring the humility cherished in Isaiah 66:2.
• 1 Kings 8:27 references the vastness of God, supporting the idea that no temple can contain Him as stated in Isaiah 66:1.
• Matthew 7:21-23 warns of empty profession without true obedience, aligning with the rejection of insincere sacrifices in Isaiah 66:3.

II. The Birth of a New Nation (Isaiah 66:7-14)
Isaiah 66:7-14 shows us an astonishing image of a nation born in a day, symbolizing the swift and miraculous work of God (Isaiah 66:8). The passage calls for rejoicing over Jerusalem and promises comfort like that of a mother’s love (Isaiah 66:11-13). The Lord will extend peace and prosperity, and His power will be made known (Isaiah 66:14).

• Galatians 4:26-27 references the Jerusalem above, connecting to the rejoicing over the new Jerusalem in Isaiah 66:10.
• Revelation 21:4 speaks of God wiping away tears, much like the comfort described in Isaiah 66:13.
• Romans 8:22-23 discusses the groaning of creation for redemption, similar to the imagery of birth in Isaiah 66:8.

III. The Final Judgment (Isaiah 66:15-24)
The closing verses of Isaiah 66 depict the final judgment where God arrives with fire and chariots (Isaiah 66:15-16). His recompense will be thorough, separating the righteous from the wicked (Isaiah 66:17-18). The Lord will gather all nations and tongues, and they will witness His glory (Isaiah 66:18-19). Those who survive shall spread the knowledge of God to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 66:19). A new worshiping community will emerge from all nations (Isaiah 66:20-21). The chapter concludes with a sobering picture of the fate of the rebellious, serving as a perpetual reminder of God’s holiness (Isaiah 66:24).

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 mirrors the retributive coming of the Lord with flaming fire found in Isaiah 66:15.
• Matthew 25:31-33 describes the Son of Man’s judgment, separating people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats, akin to Isaiah 66:17-18.
• Revelation 7:9-10 portrays a multitude from every nation before the throne, reflecting the gathering of all nations and tongues in Isaiah 66:18.

Conclusion: Isaiah 66 is the conclusion to the book, showcasing God’s divine plan for history’s culmination. It contrasts the value of true humility and obedience to God with the futility of religious ritualism without heartfelt devotion. The chapter offers a vision of hope with the birth of a new Jerusalem and the promise of comfort and peace. It ends with a stern warning of the final judgment, urging the reader to seek the Lord earnestly. The chapter’s ultimate message is clear: God’s plan is unshakeable, and His salvation is available to those who approach Him with sincere hearts.