66:7-24

Back to Isaiah~

Back to Contents

New people and a new age (Isa 66:7-24) Usually there is a long period of development before a group of people becomes a nation, but the new nation Israel will appear suddenly and unexpectedly, like a baby born before the due date (Isa 66:7-9).

As with the birth of a baby, there is much rejoicing over the birth of the new nation (Isa 66:10-11).

The ‘baby’ grows strong and active because God is the one who nourishes it. Under the controlling hand of God, Israel prospers (Isa 66:12-14).

While Israel enjoys God’s blessings, enemy nations suffer. God’s people have new life, but the rebels are punished with death (Isa 66:15-16).

In particular, God’s judgment falls upon those who reject his law and engage in idolatrous rituals (Isa 66:17).

The day of God’s great intervention in history displays his glory to the people of the world, bringing destruction to some and salvation to others. Gentiles from far-off nations, together with Jews scattered in those nations, flock to Jerusalem to worship God.

No distinction is made between Jew and Gentile; all have access to the house of God, and all have equal right to worship and serve him (Isa 66:18-21).

In the new age all the redeemed join in the unending worship of God. Those who rebel against him and reject his love suffer unending punishment (Isa 66:22-24).