Introduction
A.M. 3298. B.C. 706.
This chapter is a continuation of the subject of the foregoing, and many of the expressions in it are nearly the same with those there used. If it relate at all to the different state of the good and bad among the Jews, at their return out of captivity, yet it chiefly respects the rejection of the Jews in the days of the Messiah, the conversion of the Gentiles, and the erection of the kingdom of Christ in the world. The first verse of the chapter is applied by Stephen ( Act 7:49-50 ) to the dismantling of the temple by the planting of the Christian Church, which may serve as a key to the whole chapter. We have here,
(1,) The contempt which God puts upon ceremonial services in comparison of moral duties, and an intimation of his purpose shortly to put an end to sacrifices and the whole temple service, and to reject those that adhered to them, Isaiah 66:1-4 .
(2,) The salvation which God would, in due time, work for his people, delivering them out of the hands of their oppressors, Isaiah 66:5 ; speaking terror to the persecutors, Isaiah 66:6 ; and comfort to the persecuted, with a wonderful accession of the Gentiles to them, and abundant satisfaction therein, Isaiah 66:7-14 .
(3,) The terrible vengeance which God would bring upon the enemies of his church and people, Isaiah 66:15-18 .
(4,) The happy establishment of the church upon large and sure foundations, its constant attendance on God, and triumph over its enemies, Isaiah 66:19-24 .
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