Isaiah 66:1-13 ▼

1 This is what the LORD says: |Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house that you would build for me, and where will my resting place be?

2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came into being,| declares the LORD. |But this is the one to whom I will look favorably: to the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my message.

3 |Whoever slaughters an ox is just like one who kills a human being; whoever sacrifices a lamb is just like one who breaks a dog's neck; whoever makes a grain offering is just like one who offers pig's blood; and whoever makes a memorial offering of frankincense is just like one who blesses an idol. Yes, these have chosen their own ways, and they take delight in their contaminated actions.

4 Therefore I, too, will choose harsh treatment for them, and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they didn't listen; but they did what I consider to be evil, and chose what doesn't please me.|

5 |Hear this message from the LORD, you who tremble at his words: |Your own brothers who hate you and exclude you because of my name have said: 'Let the LORD be glorified; he will see your joy,' yet it is they who will be put to shame.

6 |Listen to that uproar in the city! Listen to that noise from the Temple! It is the sound of the LORD paying back retribution to his enemies!

7 |Before she goes into labor she gives birth; before her pains come upon her she has delivered a son.

8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? And who ever sees such things? Can a country be born in a single day, or can a nation be brought forth in a single moment? Yet no sooner was Zion in labor than she delivered her children.

9 Am I to open the womb and not deliver?| asks the LORD. |And when I bring to delivery, am I to close the womb?| asks your God.

10 |Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be happy for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in gladness, all you who mourn over her,

11 so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her consoling breasts, and so that you may drink deeply and take delight from her glorious bosom.|

12 This is what the LORD says: |See, I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; and you will nurse, and you will be carried on her hip, and bounced upon her knees.

13 Like a child whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem.