Isaiah 66
The Holy Bible interpreted through Divine Principle insight and the words of True Father.
This study page completes Isaiah with chapter 66. Commentary is attached where the text strongly reflects Divine Principle themes such as God’s preference for the contrite over mere ritual, the sudden birth of Zion, the gathering of all nations, the final separation between true servants and rebels, and the enduring contrast between new creation glory and final judgment.
66:1–2 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool... but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
66:3–6 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man... yea, they have chosen their own ways... Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word...
66:7–14 Before she travailed, she brought forth... shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children... rejoice ye with Jerusalem... that ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations...
66:15–17 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind... for by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh...
66:18–21 It shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory... and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations... 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...
66:22–24 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me... 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... and they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me...
Isaiah ends by making clear that God is not contained by outward buildings or ritual forms. Divine Principle strongly resonates because Heaven looks first to the poor, contrite, and trembling heart, while false sacrifice and self-chosen ways are rejected even if clothed in religion.
The sudden birth of Zion and her children is a powerful restoration image. True Father often emphasized that after long travail Heaven can bring forth a providential people in a surprisingly swift and concentrated way once the proper condition has been laid.
The LORD comes both in judgment and in universal gathering. This strongly resonates with the providence’s final dual movement: rebellious evil is exposed and judged, while those preserved and sent out declare God’s glory among the nations and gather brethren back as an offering.
The chapter closes with the enduring new heavens and new earth, universal worship, and the lasting witness of judgment upon transgression. This strongly resonates because the final order of God includes both eternal restoration for the obedient and an everlasting warning regarding rebellion against Heaven’s word.