The Lord Looks to the Humble and Contrite
True worship flows from humility before God’s word.
Isaiah 66:1-6 (BSB)
1 This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
2 Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.
3 Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.
4 So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.”
5 You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.”
6 Hear the uproar from the city; listen to the voice from the temple! It is the voice of the LORD, repaying His enemies what they deserve!
What is the big idea of Isaiah 66:1-6?
True worship flows from humility before God’s word.
How does Isaiah 66:1-6 point to Christ?
Isaiah 66:1-6 teaches that God honors the humble who tremble at his word and rejects empty ritual. The gospel reveals that through Christ true worship is grounded in reverent obedience and renewed hearts.
Authorial Intent
To expose false worship and affirm that the LORD regards the humble who tremble at his word.
Historical Context
The people maintained temple worship while often lacking genuine devotion, reflecting a disconnect between ritual and heart obedience.
Chapter: Isaiah 66
The LORD’s Final Word: The Humble Who Tremble, the Birth of Zion, the Gathering of Nations, and the Judgment of Rebels
The LORD, whose throne is heaven and whose footstool is earth, rejects self-directed religion, looks with favor on the humble who tremble at his word, comforts Zion, gathers the nations to see his glory, establishes enduring new creation worship, and judges rebels with final severity.