Isaiah 66:1-9 ▼

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.