Chapter Summary

Blessings of the coming universal Kingdom.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 66

1. God had Solomon build the temple but verse 1 of Isaiah 66 God asks, “Where is a house you could build for me?” (NASB1995). What is the purpose of God asking this question in verse 1 and then also, what was the purpose of the temple built by Solomon? It may be helpful to refer to Acts 7:48-50 where Isaiah 66:1-2 are quoted.
2. Evaluate the first condition listed as God looking favorably upon someone in verse 2. What does “poor” mean in this context? What does it mean to have a contrite heart? Do the two terms coincide? Why or why not? Relate this to the first of the Beatitudes listed in Matthew 5:3.
3. Evaluate the second condition listed as God looking favorably upon. What does it mean to be one who “trembles at [God's] word”? Why would this be a good posture of attitude to cultivate before God? How are you cultivating this attitude in your own life?
4. What is the significance of the 4 comparisons made in verse 3? These do not seem to appropriately coincide, why is that? What is the purpose of God making these comparisons for Isaiah to bring before the people in this prophecy?
5. In verse 4 it says that God would choose the people's punishment and bring upon them what they dread? Why would God do this?
6. In verse 4 it says, “Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen” (NASB1995). God has been “speaking” to His people for thousands of years. What is, essentially, the main way God “speaks” to His people today by which we could “hear” Him? According to Scripture, should we expect to hear audibly from God? What effect might it have on new believers if a spiritual leader told them that they should be hearing the voice of God often?
7. In verse 5 why do the “brothers” act the way they do? Who do they think they are serving when they treat them this way? Have you ever been unjustly treated by those who call themselves part of God's family? What does it feel like to be betrayed by those who claim to be part of the people of God? What have you done to try to resolve any issue you might have with someone who did this to you?
8. In the midst of a section on judgment comes verse 13 which says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted in Jerusalem” (NASB1995). Why is comfort listed in verse 13 when judgment is listed even in the very next verse? Who is being comforted? Who is being judged?
9. Isaiah 66 is speaking of future events when Isaiah writes it. Compare verse 18 with Revelation 5:9-10. What is the emotional “feel” of these two verses in Revelation 5? What are the four creatures and elders doing?
10. In the closing few verses of chapter 66 there is a stark comparison between those who choose to worship God and those who do not. Reread verses 22-24. Would you rather be among those who choose to go the route of verse 23, or would you rather be part of those who instead go the route of verse 24? What do the actions of your life point to right now, verse 23 or not?

Key Words/Phrase

Universal kingdom, v. 23.

Characters

God, Christ.

Strong Verse(s)

15, 16, 23.