What does Isaiah 66:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

God would intervene with a word announcing and effecting judgment. The superficial worshippers had called for God to act ( Isaiah 66:5), and He would. They had called on Him to give them the comfort they thought He owed them (cf. Isaiah 57:18). He would give them what they deserved, but it would be judgment rather than comfort. These were enemies of His, not His true worshippers. [source][source]

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Context Summary

The prophet forecasts the advent of a new day, when places and rites would be comparatively unimportant compared with the condition of the heart, Isaiah 66:1-4. The opening words were quoted by Stephen, when announcing the substitution of spiritual worship for the effete system which it superseded. See Acts 7:48-49. What is the outward rite to God, when the spirit has fled? It was all one to Him, whether a man killed a lamb in the Temple, or broke a dog's neck on his farm. His chosen home is not in ornate temples but in contrite hearts!

The blessedness of God's people is depicted in glowing words, Isaiah 66:5-14. God will appear, to the joy of His people and the recompense of their foes. Those times will be characterized by great revivals, and souls will be easily born into the heavenly kingdom. The Jew and Gentile will meet like confluent streams in one blessed channel. But, above all, we shall become aware of the mother-side in God's nature. As one whom his mother comforteth, Isaiah 66:13. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 66

¹  The glorious God will be served in humble sincerity
⁵  He comforts the humble by showing the confusion of their enemies
⁷  With the marvelous growth
¹⁰  And the gracious benefits of the church
¹⁵  God's severe judgments against the wicked
¹⁸  The Gentiles shall have an holy church
²⁴  And see the damnation of the wicked