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. Whoever slaughters an oxIn ancient Israel, the slaughtering of an ox was a significant act of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The Hebrew root for "slaughters" (שָׁחַט, shachat) implies a ritualistic killing, often associated with temple sacrifices. However, in this context, the act is compared to murder, indicating that the ritual has become meaningless due to the heart condition of the worshiper. This highlights the importance of sincerity and righteousness over mere ritualistic observance. is like one who kills a man
This phrase starkly contrasts the intended holiness of sacrifice with the sin of murder. The Hebrew word for "kills" (נָכָה, nakah) suggests a violent act, emphasizing the gravity of the comparison. It serves as a powerful reminder that God values the heart's intent over external actions. The comparison underscores the theme that without genuine repentance and faith, religious acts are as abhorrent as grave sins. whoever sacrifices a lamb
Sacrificing a lamb was a common practice in the Jewish sacrificial system, symbolizing innocence and purity. The Hebrew term for "sacrifices" (זָבַח, zabach) denotes an offering meant to honor God. Yet, when performed without true devotion, it becomes as detestable as breaking a dog's neck, an act considered unclean and unacceptable in Jewish law. This illustrates the futility of empty rituals devoid of heartfelt worship. is like one who breaks a dog’s neck
Dogs were viewed as unclean animals in ancient Israel, and breaking a dog's neck would be an act of desecration. The Hebrew word for "breaks" (עָרַף, araph) implies a violent, disrespectful act. This comparison highlights the spiritual corruption of those who engage in religious practices without genuine faith, equating their offerings with acts of impurity and disrespect. whoever presents a grain offering
The grain offering, or "minchah" (מִנְחָה), was a tribute to God, symbolizing gratitude and dependence on Him. However, when presented insincerely, it is likened to offering pig's blood, an abomination in Jewish culture. This stark contrast serves as a warning that God desires offerings from a pure heart, not mere formalities. is like one who offers pig’s blood
Pigs were considered unclean animals, and offering their blood would be a severe violation of Jewish law. The Hebrew word for "offers" (מַקְרִיב, makriv) suggests a deliberate act of worship, yet here it is twisted into something detestable. This comparison underscores the theme that God rejects worship that is not rooted in true devotion and obedience. whoever offers frankincense
Frankincense was a valuable and fragrant offering, symbolizing prayer and worship. The Hebrew term for "offers" (מַקְטִיר, maktir) indicates a burning or incense offering. Yet, when offered insincerely, it is equated with blessing an idol, highlighting the emptiness of worship without true allegiance to God. is like one who blesses an idol
Idolatry was a grave sin in Israel, representing a direct violation of the first commandment. The Hebrew word for "blesses" (בָּרַךְ, barach) typically conveys a positive action, yet here it is twisted into an act of spiritual adultery. This comparison serves as a stark warning against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of exclusive devotion to God. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways
This phrase emphasizes human agency and the deliberate choice to follow paths contrary to God's will. The Hebrew word for "chosen" (בָּחַר, bachar) implies a conscious decision, highlighting the accountability of those who reject God's ways. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of prioritizing personal desires over divine commands. and their soul delights in their abominations
The Hebrew word for "delights" (חָפֵץ, chaphets) suggests a deep-seated pleasure or desire. This phrase indicates a willful embrace of sinful practices, described as "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah), which are detestable to God. It underscores the theme of spiritual corruption and the need for genuine repentance and transformation. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and hope. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, often the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. The people of Judah were frequently called to repentance due to their idolatry and disobedience. 3. Sacrificial SystemThe system of offerings and sacrifices established by God for the Israelites, which included offerings like oxen, lambs, and grain, intended to atone for sin and express worship. 4. IdolatryThe worship of idols or false gods, which was a persistent issue among the Israelites, leading them away from true worship of Yahweh. 5. AbominationsPractices detestable to God, often associated with idolatry and false worship, which the people of Judah were warned against. Teaching Points True Worship vs. Ritualistic ReligionGod desires genuine worship from the heart rather than empty rituals. Our religious practices should reflect a sincere relationship with Him. The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry can take many forms, not just physical idols. We must examine our lives for anything that takes precedence over God and repent. Obedience Over SacrificeObedience to God's commands is more valuable than any ritual or sacrifice. We should prioritize living according to His will. Self-ExaminationRegularly assess your spiritual practices to ensure they are rooted in love and devotion to God, not mere tradition or obligation. Delighting in God's WaysChoose to delight in God's ways rather than in practices that are abominable to Him. Seek joy in following His commands. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaiah 66:3 challenge our understanding of worship and sacrifice? Reflect on your own worship practices in light of this verse. 2. In what ways can modern Christians fall into the trap of ritualistic religion, and how can we guard against it? 3. How does the message of Isaiah 66:3 relate to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament about the heart of worship? 4. What are some "idols" in contemporary society that might distract us from true worship of God? 5. How can we practically apply the principle of "obedience over sacrifice" in our daily lives and decision-making? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:22This verse emphasizes that obedience to God is more important than sacrifice, highlighting the futility of ritual without true devotion. Micah 6:6-8These verses question the value of sacrifices without justice, mercy, and humility, aligning with Isaiah's message about the heart behind worship. Matthew 15:8-9Jesus quotes Isaiah, condemning those who honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him, reinforcing the theme of genuine worship. Hebrews 10:4-10Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which fulfills the law and prophets, including Isaiah's prophecies. People Isaiah, Israelites, Javan, Levites, Lud, Lydians, Meshech, Pul, Rosh, Tarshish, TubalPlaces Javan, Jerusalem, Lud, Pul, Tarshish, Tubal, ZionTopics Abominations, Beheadeth, Blessed, Blesses, Blesseth, Blessing, Blood, Breaketh, Breaks, Bringing, Broke, Bull, Burneth, Burns, Cereal, Chosen, Cut, Death, Delight, Delighted, Delighteth, Delights, Desires, Disgusting, Dog, Dog's, Fixed, Frankincense, Gives, Grain, Idol, Image, Incense, Iniquity, Killeth, Kills, Lamb, Makes, Maketh, Making, Meal, Meal-offering, Memorial, Memorial-offering, Mention, Neck, Oblation, Offered, Offereth, Offering, Offers, Ox, Perfumes, Pig's, Pleasure, Present, Presenteth, Presents, Puts, Sacrifices, Sacrificeth, Sign, Slaughtereth, Slaughters, Slayeth, Slays, Slew, Smiteth, Soul, Souls, Sow, Swine's, Takes, Worship, Worships, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 66:3 4615 bull
5830 delight
5918 pleasure
6616 atonement, in OT
7386 incense
7394 memorial Isaiah 66:2-3 7435 sacrifice, in OT Isaiah 66:2-4 7316 blood, OT sacrifices Isaiah 66:3-4 6103 abomination
6622 choice
8784 nominal religion Library A New Order of Priests and Levites
Think for a minute of the compass of this great promise. Evidently a high honor is here conferred. The connection leads us to see that not only a great promise but likewise a great privilege is herein implied. What is this privilege? It is that we shall be priests and Levites. Now, the priests or Levites were persons set apart to be God's peculiar property. When the firstborn were spared in Egypt, God claimed the firstborn to be his own, and he took the tribe of Levi to represent the firstborn; they …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Travailing for Souls
I. It is clear from the text, "As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children," that THERE MUST BE THE TRAVAIL before there will be the spiritual birth. Let me first establish this fact from history. Before there has fallen a great benediction upon God's people, it has been preceded by great searchings of heart. Israel was so oppressed in Egypt, that it would have been very easy, and almost a natural thing, for the people to become so utterly crushed in spirit as to submit to be hereditary …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning And what Members of the Holy Body, which is the Church...
40. And what members of the holy body, which is the Church, ought more to take care, that upon them the holy Spirit may rest, than such as profess virginal holiness? But how doth He rest, where He findeth not His own place? what else than an humbled heart, to fill, not to leap back from; to raise up, not to weigh down? whereas it hath been most plainly said, "On whom shall rest My Spirit? On him that is humble and quiet, and trembles at My words." [2157] Already thou livest righteously, already thou …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. The Universal Church. --Isa. Lxvi. 12, 23
The universal Church.--Isa. lxvi. 12, 23. Thus saith the Lord, "My Church, to thee Peace, like a river, I will send; The Gentiles, in a stream, shall see My mercy flowing without end. The isles, that never heard my fame, Nor knew the glory of my might, They shall be taught to fear my name, Call'd out of darkness into light. And it shall come to pass, that vows From sabbath unto sabbath-day, From moon to moon, in mine own house, All nations, tribes, and tongues shall pay." …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders, …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
52. Here some one will say, This is now not to write of virginity, but of humility. As though truly it were any kind of virginity, and not that which is after God, which we had undertaken to set forth. And this good, by how much I see it to be great, by so much I fear for it, lest it be lost, the thief pride. Therefore there is none that guardeth the virginal good, save God Himself Who gave it: and God is Charity. [2211] The Guardian therefore of virginity is Charity: but the place of this Guardian …
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity. Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh: …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
IN THE DUNGEON OF GIANT DISCOURAGER I feel very discouraged at times, and sometimes the spells of discouragement hang on for a long while. I wonder if I am sanctified. From unaccountable sources, bad feelings of every description depress my soul, and along with these bad feelings come doubts that cast gloom over me. I have prayed and prayed that these feelings of discouragement might leave me; but they have not done so. I despair of prayer bringing me the help I need. Really, I know not what to do. …
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is to be Worshipped.
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." There are two common notions engraven on the hearts of all men by nature,--that God is, and that he must be worshipped, and these two live and die together, they are clear, or blotted together. According as the apprehension of God is clear, and distinct, and more deeply engraven on the soul, so is this notion of man's duty of worshipping God clear and imprinted on the soul, and whenever the actions …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God;" John i. 13. The words have a dependence on what goes before, and therefore I must direct you to them for the right understanding of it. You have it thus,--"He came to his own, but his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God." In …
by John Bunyan—Miscellaneous Pieces The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
Rom. viii. 8.--"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is a kind of happiness to men, to please them upon whom they depend, and upon whose favour their well-being hangs. It is the servant's happiness to please his master, the courtier's to please his prince; and so generally, whosoever they be that are joined in mutual relations, and depend one upon another; that which makes all pleasant, is this, to please one another. Now, certainly, all the dependencies of creatures one upon …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
Psalm lxxiii. 24-28.--"Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, &c. Whom have I in heaven but thee? &c. It is good for me to draw near to God."--1 John i. 3. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."--John xvii. 21-23. "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, &c." It is a matter of great consolation that God's …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning False Ambition Versus Childlikeness.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 1-14; ^B Mark IX. 33-50; ^C Luke IX. 46-50. ^c 46 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. ^b 33 And he came to Capernaum: ^c 47 But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, ^b and when he was in the house [probably Simon Peter's house] he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way? 34 But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest. [The Lord with his disciples was …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Great Teacher
Teaching was the great business of the life of Christ during the days of his public ministry. He was sent to teach and to preach. The speaker in the book of Job was thinking of this Great Teacher when he asked--"Who teacheth like him?" Job xxxvi: 22. And it was he who was in the Psalmist's mind when he spoke of the "good, and upright Lord" who would teach sinners, if they were meek, how to walk in his ways. Ps. xxv: 8-9. And he is the Redeemer, of whom the prophet Isaiah was telling when he said--He …
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements.
There is another evil and distemper which believers are subject to, and that is a case of fainting through manifold discouragements, which make them so heartless that they can do nothing; yea, and to sit up, as if they were dead. The question then is, how such a soul shall make use of Christ as in the end it may be freed from that fit of fainting, and win over those discouragements: for satisfaction to which we shall, 1. Name some of those discouragements which occasion this. 2. Show what Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Links Isaiah 66:3 NIVIsaiah 66:3 NLTIsaiah 66:3 ESVIsaiah 66:3 NASBIsaiah 66:3 KJV
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