Isaiah:66

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* Verse 1-4 - The Jews gloried much in their temple . But what satisfaction can the Eternal Mind take in a house made with men 's hands ? God has a heaven and an earth of his own making , and temples of man 's making ; but he overlooks them , that he may look with favour to him who is poor in spirit and serious , self-abasing and self-denying ; whose heart truly sorrows for sin : such a heart is a living temple for God . The sacrifice of the wicked is not only unacceptable , but a great offence to God . And he that now offers a sacrifice after the law , does in effect set aside Christ 's sacrifice . He that burns incense , puts contempt upon the incense of Christ 's intercession , and is as if he blessed an idol . Men shall be deceived by the vain confidences with which they deceive themselves . Unbelieving hearts , and unpurified consciences , need no more to make them miserable , than to have their own fears brought upon them . Whatever men put in the place of the priesthood , atonement , and intercession of Christ , will be found hateful to God . * Verse 5-14 - The prophet turns to those that trembled at God 's word , to comfort and encourage them . The Lord will appear , to the joy of the humble believer , and to the confusion of hypocrites and persecutors . When the Spirit was poured out , and the gospel went forth from Zion , multitudes were converted in a little time . The word of God , especially his promises , and ordinances , are the consolations of the church . The true happiness of all Christians is increased by every convert brought to Christ . The gospel brings with it , wherever it is received in its power , such a river of peace , as will carry us to the ocean of boundless and endless bliss . Divine comforts reach the inward man ; the joy of the Lord will be the strength of the believer . Both God 's mercy and justice shall be manifested , and for ever magnified . * Verse 15-24 - A prophetic declaration is given of the Lord 's vengeance on all enemies of his church , especially that of all antichristian opposers of the gospel in the latter days . Ver . mhcc @Isaiah:66:19 ,20 , @ Verse 19 ,20 , -, set forth the abundance of means for conversion of sinners . These expressions are figurative , and express the plentiful and gracious helps for bringing God 's elect home to Christ . All shall be welcome ; and nothing shall be wanting for their assistance and encouragement . A gospel ministry shall be set up in the church ; they would have solemn worship before the Lord . In the last verse the nature of the punishment of sinners in the world to come is represented . Then shall the righteous and wicked be separated . Our Saviour applies this to the everlasting misery and torment of impenitent sinners in the future state . To the honour of that free grace which thus distinguishes them , let the redeemed of the Lord , with humility , and not without holy trembling , sing triumphant songs . With this affecting representation of the opposite states of the righteous and wicked , characters which include the whole human race , Isaiah concludes his prophecies . May God grant , for Christ 's sake , that our portion may be with those who fear and love his name , who cleave to his truths , and persevere in every good work , looking to receive from the Lord Jesus Christ the gracious invitation , Come , ye blessed of my Father , inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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