The Glory of God’s Kingdom: An In-Depth Commentary on Isaiah 66

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Isaiah 66 paints a vivid picture of the final judgment and the glorious establishment of God’s Kingdom. It contrasts true worship with empty ritualism, highlighting the importance of a humble and contrite heart before the Lord. The chapter culminates in a breathtaking vision of the New Jerusalem, a place of unparalleled peace, joy, and eternal communion with God. It underscores God’s ultimate triumph over evil and His promise of everlasting life for those who fear Him. This commentary will explore the theological depth of this chapter, drawing from Coptic Orthodox tradition, patristic wisdom, and practical applications for our daily walk with Christ. Understanding **The Glory of God’s Kingdom** is essential for preparing our hearts for His return.

Isaiah 66 serves as a powerful conclusion to the Book of Isaiah, offering a glimpse into the ultimate destiny of both the righteous and the wicked. It’s a message of judgment, but also of immense hope and the fulfilling of God’s promises. Let’s delve into each verse, exploring its rich theological implications and practical applications for our lives today, always seeking a deeper understanding of **The Glory of God’s Kingdom**.

Commentary Sections

Isaiah 66:1-2 – True Worship vs. Empty Ritual

Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. (KJV)

Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? For all these things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” says the LORD. “But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word. (NKJV)

These opening verses powerfully declare God’s transcendence and the futility of material offerings if the heart is not right. The Temple, though magnificent, is ultimately insufficient to contain the Almighty. God desires a humble, contrite spirit, one that fears and reveres His word. The geographical implication is significant. Even the vastness of the Earth, seen as a footstool, cannot contain God’s glory. The Temple in Jerusalem, meant to be a symbol of God’s presence, became a source of pride and empty ritual for many. This is a problem in our world and it calls for a modern approach to religious services. Why not use dohost.us to increase the outreach and visibility of your church?

St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies on Matthew, speaks extensively about the importance of inner transformation over outward observance. He emphasizes that God looks not at the outward appearance, but at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This concept aligns with the teaching found throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Practical Application: Examine your own heart. Are your acts of worship genuine expressions of love and reverence for God, or are they merely empty rituals performed out of habit or obligation? Seek a humble and contrite spirit, and tremble at His word.

Isaiah 66:3-4 – The Abomination of Hypocrisy

He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations. I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. (KJV)

“He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man; He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck; He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood; He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol. Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations, So I will choose their delusions, And bring their fears upon them; Because, when I called, no one answered; When I spoke, they did not hear, But they did evil before My eyes, And chose that in which I do not delight.” (NKJV)

These verses are a scathing indictment of hypocritical worship. God sees through the outward show of religious activity when the heart is far from Him. Sacrifices, meant to atone for sin, become abominations when offered without genuine repentance. This echoes the prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament, and especially resonates with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on “repentance and confession” as vital components of the spiritual life.

The deuterocanonical book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) also speaks against empty sacrifices: “To offer a sacrifice from the possessions of the poor is like murdering a son before his father’s eyes.” (Sirach 34:20, NRSV)

Practical Application: Are there areas in your life where you are engaging in outward religious practices while harboring sin or neglecting your relationship with God? Examine your motives and repent of any hypocrisy.

Isaiah 66:5-6 – Persecution and Vindication

Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that rendereth recompence to his enemies. (KJV)

Hear the word of the LORD, You who tremble at His word: “Your brethren who hated you, Who cast you out for My name’s sake, Said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, That we may see your joy.’ But they shall be ashamed.” A noise from the city, A voice from the temple, A voice of the LORD, Who fully repays His enemies. (NKJV)

Those who are faithful to God will often face persecution from those who oppose Him. However, God promises vindication and recompense for His enemies. The “voice of the Lord” speaks of divine judgment and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This is a recurring theme in Christian eschatology, particularly emphasized during Great Lent in the Coptic Church.

Practical Application: When facing persecution for your faith, remember that God sees your suffering and will ultimately vindicate you. Take comfort in His promises and remain faithful, even in the face of adversity. Remember the saints that suffer under oppression today and remember their sacrifice as a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice.

Isaiah 66:7-9 – The Birth of a Nation

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. (KJV)

“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children. Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause delivery?” says the LORD. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God. (NKJV)

This section speaks of the sudden and miraculous birth of a new nation, symbolizing the rapid growth and expansion of God’s Kingdom. It highlights God’s power to accomplish the impossible and to bring forth new life even in the midst of seemingly barren circumstances. This is often interpreted as a prophecy of the early Church and its rapid spread throughout the world.

Practical Application: Trust in God’s power to bring forth new life and growth in your own life and in the world around you. Do not be discouraged by seemingly impossible circumstances, but believe that God can accomplish anything.

Isaiah 66:10-14 – Comfort and Abundance

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the Lord shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies. (KJV)

“Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her; Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; That you may feed and be satisfied With the consolation of her bosom, That you may drink deeply and be delighted With the abundance of her glory.” For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed and be carried on her sides, And be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, And your bones shall flourish like grass; The hand of the LORD shall be known to His servants, And His indignation to His enemies. (NKJV)

These verses offer a beautiful picture of comfort, abundance, and peace that will be enjoyed in God’s Kingdom. The imagery of nursing at the breasts of Jerusalem symbolizes the nourishment and spiritual sustenance that believers receive from the Church. The “peace like a river” speaks of a constant and unwavering flow of God’s grace and love. This is a strong analogy of the joy and nourishment one feels after partaking in the Eucharist as an Orthodox believer.

Practical Application: Find comfort and sustenance in the Church and in your relationship with God. Seek His peace and allow it to flow through you like a river, bringing healing and restoration to your life.

Isaiah 66:15-16 – The Lord’s Judgment

For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many. (KJV)

For behold, the LORD will come with fire And with His chariots, like a whirlwind, To render His anger with fury, And His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword The LORD will judge all flesh; And the slain of the LORD shall be many. (NKJV)

This section describes the Lord’s dramatic and powerful judgment, conveyed through the imagery of fire and sword. This is not simply a description of physical destruction, but also a representation of the spiritual purification and separation that will occur at the end of time.

Practical Application: Acknowledge the reality of God’s judgment and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Repent of your sins and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is both just and merciful.

Isaiah 66:17-21 – Gathering of the Nations

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the Lord. For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the Lord. (KJV)

“Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, To go to the gardens After an idol in the midst, Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, Shall be consumed together,” says the LORD. “For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. I will set a sign among them; and those who escape I will send to the nations—to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the LORD out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on swift beasts, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the LORD, “As the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,” says the LORD. (NKJV)

This section highlights the gathering of all nations to witness God’s glory. Those who attempt to sanctify themselves through idolatry and forbidden practices will be judged. God will send messengers to the nations to declare His glory, and people from all over the world will be brought to Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord. This speaks of the universal scope of God’s salvation and the inclusion of Gentiles into His covenant.

Practical Application: Share the Gospel with people from all nations and backgrounds, recognizing that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Support missionaries and other evangelistic efforts to reach the unreached.

Isaiah 66:22-24 – New Heavens and a New Earth

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (KJV)

“For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the LORD, “So shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the LORD. “And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched, They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” (NKJV)

The final verses of Isaiah paint a picture of the new heavens and the new earth, a place of eternal worship and unbroken communion with God. The contrast with the fate of the wicked is stark: they will be an “abhorrence to all flesh,” their punishment unending. This reinforces the importance of choosing righteousness and fearing the Lord.

Practical Application: Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Live in anticipation of the new heavens and the new earth, where you will worship God in perfect holiness and joy for all eternity.

✨ Key Reflections ✨

Key teachings from Isaiah 66:

• True Worship: God desires a humble and contrite heart, not empty rituals.
• Hypocrisy: Outward religious practices are meaningless without genuine inner transformation.
• Persecution: Faithful believers will face opposition, but God will vindicate them.
• New Creation: God will create a new heavens and a new earth, a place of eternal peace and joy.
• Judgment: God will judge the wicked and reward the righteous.
• Universal Salvation: God desires all nations to come to Him and witness His glory.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Isaiah 66:

• Q: What does Isaiah 66 teach about the nature of true worship?

  A: It emphasizes that God desires a humble and contrite heart, not empty rituals. Outward acts of worship are meaningless without genuine inner transformation and reverence for God’s word.

• Q: How does Isaiah 66 depict the final judgment?

  A: It portrays the Lord coming with fire and sword to judge all flesh. The righteous will inherit the new heavens and the new earth, while the wicked will face eternal punishment and be an abhorrence to all flesh.

• Q: What is the significance of the “new heavens and new earth” mentioned in Isaiah 66?

  A: It represents a state of perfect holiness, peace, and unbroken communion with God. This is the ultimate destiny of believers and a place where all creation is restored to its original glory.

Conclusion

Isaiah 66 provides a powerful and profound vision of God’s ultimate triumph and the establishment of His Kingdom. It calls us to examine our hearts, to repent of hypocrisy, and to seek a genuine relationship with God. It is an essential reading, especially for those looking to understand **The Glory of God’s Kingdom**. The chapter’s message of judgment and hope resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition, reminding us to live in anticipation of the new heavens and the new earth, where we will worship God in perfect holiness and joy for all eternity. May we all strive to be found faithful in His sight, so that we may inherit the blessings He has promised to those who love Him.

Tags

Isaiah, Isaiah 66, prophecy, final judgment, new heavens, new earth, Coptic Orthodox, theology, Bible commentary, end times

Meta Description

Explore the rich theological depth of Isaiah 66 in this verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary. Uncover the meaning of true worship, final judgment, and **The Glory of God’s Kingdom**.