Isaiah 66:1-13 ▼

1 This is what the LORD {YHWH} 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 {YHWH}. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit {ruach}, 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 {YHWH}: “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 {YHWH}, repaying His enemies what they deserve!

7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy.

8 Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.

9 Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD {YHWH}. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God {Eloheka}.

10 Be glad for Jerusalem (city of peace) and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,

11 so that you⁺ may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you⁺ may drink deeply and delight yourselves in her glorious abundance.

12 For this is what the LORD {YHWH} says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flowing stream; you⁺ will nurse and be carried on her arm, and bounced upon her knees.

13 As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you⁺, and you⁺ will be consoled over Jerusalem (city of peace).”