¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?
Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, The heaven {H8064} is my throne {H3678}, and the earth {H776} is my footstool {H7272}{H1916}: where is the house {H1004} that ye build {H1129} unto me? and where is the place {H4725} of my rest {H4496}?
"Heaven is my throne," says ADONAI, "and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house could you build for me? What sort of place could you devise for my rest?
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest?
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Acts 17:24
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; -
Acts 7:48
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, -
Acts 7:50
Hath not my hand made all these things? -
Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: -
Matthew 5:35
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. -
1 Kings 8:27
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? -
Psalms 132:7
We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Isaiah 66:1 opens the final chapter of the prophetic book of Isaiah with a powerful declaration of God's immense sovereignty and omnipresence, challenging human perceptions of His dwelling place. This verse serves as a foundational statement, setting the stage for discussions on true worship versus outward ritualism.
Context
This verse comes at the conclusion of Isaiah's long prophecy, following chapters that speak of both judgment for disobedience and glorious restoration for the faithful. The immediate context of Isaiah 66 is a sharp contrast between those who genuinely humble themselves before God and those who rely on outward religious observance, such as building temples, while their hearts are far from Him. It serves as a strong rebuke to those who might believe God can be contained within a physical structure, regardless of its grandeur, if their lives do not reflect true devotion. This divine questioning echoes the understanding of Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the First Temple, where he acknowledged that "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee."
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew terms for "throne" (כִּסְאִי - kis'i) and "footstool" (הֲדֹם רַגְלָי - hadom raglay) are highly evocative. They are anthropomorphic expressions that vividly communicate God's total authority and majesty. The "throne" signifies supreme rule, while the "footstool" suggests that even the vastness of the Earth is merely a small platform under His feet. This imagery underscores the incomparable greatness of the LORD, making any human attempt to build a "house" for Him seem utterly futile and even presumptuous.
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 66:1 serves as a vital reminder that our worship and devotion should not be confined to physical buildings or outward religious practices alone. While gathering in churches is important, true worship extends beyond walls. God's dwelling place is not limited to a specific location but encompasses the entire universe, and He seeks to dwell in the hearts of those who sincerely seek Him. This verse encourages a focus on genuine spiritual transformation, humble obedience, and a heart that truly reveres God, rather than relying on external religious displays. It calls us to recognize God's omnipresence and to live lives that reflect His vastness and holiness, understanding that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.