Isaiah 66:1-8 ▼

1 This is what the LORD says: |The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I will rest?

2 My hand made them; that is how they came to be,| says the LORD. I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respect what I have to say.

3 The one who slaughters a bull also strikes down a man; the one who sacrifices a lamb also breaks a dog's neck; the one who presents an offering includes pig's blood with it; the one who offers incense also praises an idol. They have decided to behave this way; they enjoy these disgusting practices.

4 So I will choose severe punishment for them; I will bring on them what they dread, because I called, and no one responded, I spoke and they did not listen. They did evil before me; they chose to do what displeases me.|

5 Hear the word of the LORD, you who respect what he has to say! Your countrymen, who hate you and exclude you, supposedly for the sake of my name, say, |May the LORD be glorified, then we will witness your joy.| But they will be put to shame.

6 The sound of battle comes from the city; the sound comes from the temple! It is the sound of the LORD paying back his enemies.

7 Before she goes into labor, she gives birth! Before her contractions begin, she delivers a boy!

8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen this? Can a country be brought forth in one day? Can a nation be born in a single moment? Yet as soon as Zion goes into labor she gives birth to sons!