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Commentary on Isaiah 66 verses 5–14
The prophet, having denounced God's judgments against a hypocritical nation, that made a jest of God's word and would not answer him when he called to them, here turns his speech to those that trembled at his word, to comfort and encourage them; they shall not be involved in the judgments that are coming upon their unbelieving nation. Ministers must distinguish thus, that, when they speak terror to the wicked, they may not make the hearts of the righteous sad. Bone Christiane, hoc nihil ad te - Good Christian, this is nothing to thee. The prophet, having assured those that tremble at God's word of a gracious look from him (Isa 66:2), here brings them a gracious message from him. The word of God has comforts in store for those that by true humiliation for sin are prepared to receive them. There were those (Isa 66:4) who, when God spoke, would not hear; but, if some will not, others sill. If the heart tremble at the word, the ear will be open to it. Now what is here said to them?
I. Let them know that God will plead their just but injured cause against their persecutors (Isa 66:5): Your brethren that hated you said, Let the Lord be glorified. But he shall appear to your joy. This perhaps might have reference to the case of some of the Jews at their return out of captivity; but nothing like it appears in the history, and therefore it is rather to be referred to the first preachers and professors of the gospel among the Jews, to whose case it is very applicable. Observe, 1. How the faithful servants of God were persecuted: Their brethren hated them. The apostles were Jews by birth, and yet even in the cities of the Gentiles the Jews they met with there were their most bitter and implacable enemies and stirred up the Gentiles against them. The spouse complains (Sol 1:6) that her mother's children were angry with her. Pilate upbraided our Lord Jesus with this, Thy own nation have delivered thee unto me, Joh 18:35. Their brethren, who should have loved them and encouraged them for their work's sake hated them, and cast them out of their synagogues, excommunicated them as if they had been the greatest blemishes, when they were really the greatest blessings, of their church and nation. This was a fruit of the old enmity in the seed of the serpent against the seed of the woman. Those that hated Christ hated his disciples, because they supported his kingdom and interest (Joh 15:18), and they cast them out for his name's sake, because they were called by his name, and called upon his name, and laid out themselves to advance his name. Note, It is no new thing for church censures to be misapplied, and for her artillery, which was intended for her defence, to be turned against her best friends, by the treachery of her governors. And those that did this said, Let the Lord be glorified; they pretended conscience and a zeal for the honour of God and the church in it, and did it with all the formalities of devotion. Our Saviour explains this, and seems to have reference to it, Joh 16:2. They shall put you out of their synagogues, and whosoever kills you will think that he does God service. In nomine Domini incipit omne malum - In the name of the Lord commences evil of every kind. Or we may understand it as spoken in defiance of God: "You say God will be glorified in your deliverance; let him be glorified then; let him make speed and hasten his work (Isa 5:19); let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Some take it to be the language of the profane Jews in captivity, bantering their brethren that hoped for deliverance, and ridiculing the expectations they often comforted themselves with, that God would shortly be glorified in it. They thus did what they could to shame the counsel of the poor, Psa 14:6. 2. How they were encouraged under these persecutions: "Let your faith and patience hold out yet a little while; your enemies hate you and oppress you, your brethren hate you and cast you out, but your Father in heaven loves you, and will appear for you when no one else will or dare. His providence shall order things so as shall be for comfort to you; he shall appear for your joy and for the confusion of those that abuse you and trample on you; they shall be ashamed of their enmity to you." This was fulfilled when, upon the signals given of Jerusalem's approaching ruin, the Jews' hearts failed them for fear; but the disciples of Christ, whom they had hated and persecuted, lifted up their heads with joy, knowing that their redemption drew nigh, Luk 21:26, Luk 21:28. Though God seem to hide himself, he will in due time show himself.
II. Let them know that God's appearances for them will be such as will make a great noise in the world (Isa 66:6): There shall be a voice of noise from the city, from the temple. Some make it the joyful and triumphant voice of the church's friends, others the frightful lamenting voice of her enemies, surprised in the city, and fleeing in vain to the temple for shelter. These voices do but echo to the voice of the Lord, who is now rendering a recompence to his enemies; and those that will not hear him speaking this terror shall hear them returning the alarms of it in doleful shrieks. We may well think what a confused noise there was in the city and temple when Jerusalem, after a long siege, was at last taken by the Romans. Some think this prophecy was fulfilled in the prodigies that went before that destruction of Jerusalem, related by Josephus in his History of the Wars of the Jews (4.388 and 6.311), that the temple-doors flew open suddenly of their own accord, and the priests heard a noise of motion or shifting in the most holy place, and presently a voice, saying, Let us depart hence. And, some time after, one Jesus Bar-Annas went up and down the city, at the feast of tabernacles, continually crying, A voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the temple, a voice against all this people.
III. Let them know that God will set up a church for himself in the world, which shall be abundantly replenished in a little time (Isa 66:7): Before she travailed she brought forth. This is to be applied in the type to the deliverance of the Jews out of their captivity in Babylon, which was brought about very easily and silently, without any pain or struggle, such as was when they were brought out of Egypt; that was done by might and power (Deu 4:34), but this by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Zac 4:6. The man-child of the deliverance is rejoiced in, and yet the mother was never in labour for it; before her pain came she was delivered. This is altogether surprising, uncommon, and without precedent, unless in the story which the Egyptian midwives told of the Hebrew women (Exo 1:19), that they were lively and were delivered ere the midwives came in unto them. But shall the earth be made to bring forth her fruits in one day? No, it is the work of some weeks in the spring to renew the face of the earth and cover it with its products. Some read this to the same purport with the next clause, Shall a land be brought forth in one day, or shall a nation be born at once? Is it to be imagined that a woman at one birth should bring children sufficient to people a country and that they should in an instant grow up to maturity? No; something like this was done in the creation; but God has since rested from all such works, and leaves second causes to produce their effects gradually. Nihil facit per saltum - He does nothing abruptly. Yet, in this case, as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth. Cyrus's proclamation was no sooner issued out than the captives were formed into a body and were ready to make the best of their way to their own land. And the reason is given (Isa 66:9), because it is the Lord's doing; he undertakes it whose work is perfect. If he bring to the birth in preparing his people for deliverance, he will cause to bring forth in the accomplishment of the deliverance. When every thing is ripe and ready for their release, and the number of their months is accomplished, so that the children are brought to the birth, shall not I then give strength to bring forth, but leave mother and babe to perish together in the most miserable case? How will this agree with the divine pity? Shall I begin a work and not go through with it? How will that agree with the divine power and perfection? Am I he that causes to bring forth (so the following clause may be read) and shall I restrain her? Does God cause mankind, and all the species of living creatures, to propagate, and replenish the earth, and will he restrain Zion? Will he not make her fruitful in a blessed offspring to replenish the church? Or, Am I he that begat, and should I restrain from bringing forth? Did God beget the deliverance in his purpose and promise, and will he not bring it forth in the accomplishment and performance of it? But this was a figure of the setting up of the Christian church in the world, and the replenishing of that family with children which was to be named from Jesus Christ. When the Spirit was poured out, and the gospel went forth from Zion, multitudes were converted in a little time and with little pains compared with the vast product. The apostles, even before they travailed, brought forth, and the children born to Christ were so numerous, and so suddenly and easily produced, that they were rather like the dew from the morning's womb than like the son from the mother's womb, Psa 110:3. The success of the gospel was astonishing; that light, like the morning, strangely diffused itself till it took hold even of the ends of the earth. Cities and nations were born at once to Christ. The same day that the Spirit was poured out there were 3000 souls added to the church. And, when this glorious work was once begun, it was carried on wonderfully, beyond what could be imagined, so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. He that brought to the birth in conviction of sin caused to bring forth in a thorough conversion to God.
IV. Let them know that their present sorrows shall shortly be turned into abundant joys, Isa 66:10, Isa 66:11. Observe, 1. How the church's friends are described; they are such as love her, and mourn with her and for her. Note, All that love God love Jerusalem; they love the church of God, and lay its interest very near their heart. They admire the beauty of the church, take pleasure in communion with it, and heartily espouse its cause. And those that have a sincere affection for the church have a cordial sympathy with her in all the cares and sorrows of her militant state. They mourn for her; all her grievances are their griefs; if Jerusalem be in distress, their harps are hung on the willow-trees. 2. How they are encouraged: Rejoice with her, and again and again I say, Rejoice. This intimates that Jerusalem shall have cause to rejoice; the days of her mourning shall be at an end, and she shall be comforted according to the time that she has been afflicted. It is the will of God that all her friends should join with her in her joys, for they shall share with her in those blessings that will be the matter of her joy. If we suffer with Christ and sorrow with his church, we shall reign with him and rejoice with her. We are here called, (1.) To bear our part in the church's praises: "Come, rejoice with her, rejoice for joy with her, rejoice greatly, rejoice and know why you rejoice, rejoice on the days appointed for public thanksgiving. You that mourned for her in her sorrows cannot but from the same principle rejoice with her in her joys." (2.) To take our part in the church's comforts. We must suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolation. The word of God, the covenant of grace (especially the promises of that covenant), the ordinances of God, and all the opportunities of attending on him and conversing with him, are the breasts, which the church calls and counts the breasts of her consolations, where her comforts are laid up, and whence by faith and prayer they are drawn. With her therefore we must suck from these breasts, by an application of the promises of God to ourselves and a diligent attendance on his ordinances; and with the consolations which are drawn hence we must be satisfied, and not be dissatisfied though we have ever so little of earthly comforts. It is the glory of the church that she has the Lord for her God, that to her pertain the adoption and the service of God; and with the abundance of this glory we must be delighted. We must take more pleasure in our relation to God and communion with him than in all the delights of the sons and daughters of men. Whatever is the glory of the church must be our glory and joy, particularly her purity, unity, and increase.
V. Let them know that he who gives them this call to rejoice will give them cause to do so and hearts to do so, Isa 66:12-14.
1.He will give them cause to do so. For, (1.) They shall enjoy a long uninterrupted course of prosperity: I will extend, or am extending, peace to her (that is, all good to her) like a river that runs in a constant stream, still increasing till it be swallowed up in the ocean. The gospel brings with it, wherever it is received in its power, such peace as this, which shall go on like a river, supplying souls with all good and making them fruitful, as a river does the lands it passes through, such a river of peace as the springs of the world's comforts cannot send forth and the dams of the world's troubles cannot stop nor drive back nor its sand rack up, such a river of peace as will carry us to the ocean of boundless and endless bliss. (2.) There shall be large and advantageous additions made to them: The glory of the Gentiles shall come to them like a flowing stream. Gentiles converts shall come pouring into the church, and swell the river of her peace and prosperity; for they shall bring their glory with them; their wealth and honour, their power and interest, shall all be devoted to the service of God and employed for the good of the church: "Then shall you suck from the breasts of her consolations. When you see such crowding for a share in those comforts you shall be the more solicitous and the more vigorous to secure your share, not for fear of having the less for others coming in to partake of Christ" (there is no danger of that; he has enough for all and enough for each), "but their zeal shall provoke you to a holy jealousy." It is well when it does so, Rom 11:14; Co2 9:2. (3.) God shall be glorified in all, and that ought to be more the matter of our joy than any thing else (Isa 66:14): The hand of the Lord shall be known towards his servants, the protecting supporting hand of his almighty power, the supplying enriching hand of his inexhaustible goodness; the benefit which his servants have by both these shall be known to his glory as well as theirs. And, to make this the more illustrious, he will at the same time make known his indignation towards his enemies. God's mercy and justice shall both be manifested and for ever magnified
2.God will not only give them cause to rejoice, but will speak comfort to them, will speak it to their hearts; and it is he only that can do that, and make it fasten there. See what he will do for the comfort of all the sons of Zion. (1.) Their country shall be their tender nurse: You shall be carried on her sides, under her arms, as little children are, and shall be dangled upon her knees, as darlings are, especially when they are weary and out of humour, and must be got to sleep. Those that are joined to the church must be treated thus affectionately. The great Shepherd gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom, and so must the under-shepherds, that they may not be discouraged. Proselytes should be favourites. (2.) God will himself be their powerful comforter: As one whom his mother comforts, when he is sick or sore, or upon any account in sorrow, so will I comfort you; not only with the rational arguments which a prudent father uses, but with the tender affections and compassions of a loving mother, that bemoans her afflicted child when it has fallen and hurt itself, that she may quiet it and make it easy, or endeavours to pacify it after she has chidden it and fallen out with it (Jer 31:20): Since I spoke against him, my bowels are troubled for him; he is a dear son, he is a pleasant child. Thus the mother comforts. Thus you shall be comforted in Jerusalem, in the favours bestowed on the church, which you shall partake of, and in the thanksgivings offered by the church, which you shall concur with. (3.) They shall feel the blessed effects of this comfort in their own souls (Isa 66:13): When you see this, what a happy state the church is restored to, not only your tongues and your countenances, but your hearts shall rejoice. This was fulfilled in the wonderful satisfaction which Christ's disciples had in the success of their ministry. Christ, with an eye to that, tells them (Joh 16:22), Your heart shall rejoice and your joy no man taketh from you. Then your bones, that were dried and withered (the marrow of them quite exhausted), shall recover a youthful strength and vigour and shall flourish like a herb. Divine comforts reach the inward man; they are marrow and moistening to the bones, Pro 3:8. The bones are the strength of the body; those shall be made to flourish with these comforts. The joy of the Lord will be your strength, Neh 8:10.
So, then, the Holy Spirit is the river, and the abundant river, which according to the Hebrews flowed from Jesus in the lands, as we have received it prophesied by the mouth of Isaiah. This is the great river that flows always and never fails. And not only a river but also one of the copious stream and overflowing greatness, as also David said, “The stream of the river makes glad the city of God.”
(Verse 12) For thus says the Lord: Behold, I will incline upon her like a river of peace, and like a torrent overflowing with the glory of the nations, whom you will nurse at your breast; they shall be carried on your side, and cuddled on your knees. LXX: For thus says the Lord: Behold, I will incline towards them like a river of peace, and like a overflowing torrent of the glory of the nations. Their little ones shall be carried on shoulders, and cuddled on knees. After Jerusalem has been rebuilt by the Apostles and restored to its former state, once its children and inhabitants have been comforted by the abundance of milk and have reached the delights of truth, through which we come to the glory of God, then the Lord will incline upon it a river of peace, of which we have often spoken: The river of God is filled with water (Psalm 64:10). And the rush of the river makes the city of God glad (Ps. 45:5); so that when peace possesses all things, and the wars of the nations cease, of which Scripture says, Scatter the nations that desire wars (Ps. 68:32), the torrent of God's teachings may irrigate the fields of the believers. Then his children, or the little ones (as the LXX translated), will be carried on shoulders and receive consolation on the knees. On shoulders, about which it was said in the earlier prophecy and which Jacob curses his son Issachar with: For he has placed his shoulder to work (Gen. 49:15), and he is called a farmer. For it is through excessive sweat and toil that we reach the abundance of fruits. Hence, it is said to Zion through Jeremiah: Put your heart upon your shoulders (Jerem. XXIV, 7), so that he may understand the Lord's commandments, imitating Him of whom it is written: Jesus began to do and to teach (Act. I, 1), so that faith may not be idle, but may run towards the reward through works. However, I have briefly explained the meaning of knees and bosoms above, and now Abraham can teach us by his example, in whose bosom Lazarus finds rest, and all who come from the East and the West will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
This struggle is the correction of noble good deeds in them. For their sweat is profitable, and they have youth-like endurance in order to gain not an earthly possession but rather so that they become filled with graces from God and are satisfied in every desire. To these he makes this promise, “Like infants at the breast you will be filled by the breasts of consolation.” Since Isaiah has previously compared the figure of a woman with the new Zion, he remains in this way of speaking and compares this comfort with that of the breasts and milk of the Holy Spirit. For in the Song of Songs it says, “Your breasts are better than wine.” … And Scripture calls Christ “glory,” for the psalmist says about him, “to prepare glory in our land.” This entrance is the mystery of the economy in the flesh. Being God by nature, he became man through his incarnation and in such manner came into the world. Those feed on the precise message of faith concerning him, and they learn in what way the glory, that is, Christ came into the world. And directly connected to this, the divine prophet speaks of his clear appearance in the flesh, taking on Christ’s voice as he says, “I will descend on them as a river of peace, and as a spring I will wash over the glory of the nations.”
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:12 culminates the prophetic book with a magnificent vision of God's abundant peace and glory extended to Zion, encompassing the nations. The Lord promises an inexhaustible flow of comprehensive well-being and honor, likened to mighty, life-giving rivers. This divine provision is accompanied by profoundly tender, maternal imagery, depicting God's people being nurtured, carried, and cherished with intimate affection and security, symbolizing the deep comfort and unwavering care that will characterize the restored and expanded relationship between God and His beloved community.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:12 is exceptionally rich in Imagery and Simile, painting vivid pictures to convey profound theological truths. The primary similes, "peace to her like a river" and "the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream," powerfully communicate the immense, continuous, and life-sustaining nature of God's blessings. These comparisons draw on familiar natural phenomena (rivers and streams) that signify abundance, vitality, and prosperity in the ancient world, making the divine promise tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the verse employs profound Anthropomorphic Imagery (or more specifically, Theological Metaphor and Personification) by portraying God's care through human, specifically maternal, nurturing actions: "then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees." While the immediate preceding context (Isaiah 66:7-11) personifies Zion as the mother, the depth of this intimate imagery of being nursed, carried, and dandled ultimately points to the ultimate source of this comfort and affection—God Himself. This evokes a deep sense of security, unconditional love, and joyful intimacy between the divine and His cherished people, highlighting God's tender, parental heart.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 66:12 stands as a profound testament to God's boundless grace and His expansive redemptive plan, which transcends the boundaries of a single nation. The promise of peace "like a river" signifies not merely the absence of conflict but a comprehensive, overflowing state of shalom—wholeness, prosperity, and divine well-being that is inexhaustible and life-giving. This vision of abundant peace and the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" foreshadows the universal scope of God's kingdom, where people from every nation will be drawn to Him, bringing their unique contributions and receiving His tender care. The maternal imagery underscores the deeply personal and nurturing nature of God's relationship with His people, assuring them of His intimate comfort and unwavering provision. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the blessings of God's kingdom are extended to all who believe, irrespective of their ethnic background, and where believers experience the profound peace and nurturing love of God as their Father.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:12 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for believers today, reminding us of the lavish and tender nature of God's love. In a world often characterized by turmoil, uncertainty, and division, the promise of peace "like a river" assures us that God's shalom is not a fleeting emotion or a temporary cessation of conflict, but a deep, continuous, and all-encompassing reality available to those who trust in Him. This divine peace provides an unshakable stability and security, flowing steadily even amidst life's most turbulent storms. The imagery of being nursed, carried, and dandled speaks to the intimate, personal, and profoundly affectionate care that God extends to each of us. It invites us to rest fully in His loving embrace, knowing that He cherishes us as His beloved children, providing for our every need and delighting in our presence. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" broadens our perspective, reminding us of the global scope of God's redemptive work and calling us to participate actively in His mission to draw people from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His family, sharing the boundless peace and comfort we have so richly received.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "her" in this verse, and why is the imagery so maternal?
Answer: "Her" primarily refers to Zion, which represents Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of God. In the immediate literary context of Isaiah 66, Zion is personified as a mother who miraculously gives birth to a nation (Isaiah 66:7-8) and then nurses and comforts her children (Isaiah 66:11). This maternal imagery is deeply significant because it conveys the most tender, intimate, and nurturing form of care imaginable. It beautifully illustrates God's profound compassion, unwavering provision, and joyful affection for His people, much like a loving mother cherishes, protects, and delights in her infant. It emphasizes security, sustenance, and unconditional love, highlighting the depth and intimacy of God's relationship with His chosen ones.
How does this prophecy of peace and Gentile inclusion relate to the New Testament?
Answer: This prophecy finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Church. The "peace like a river" foreshadows the spiritual peace that Christ brings, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and through His atoning work on the cross, believers are reconciled to God and experience a profound inner shalom (Romans 5:1). The "glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream" is a clear prefigurement of the gospel's expansion to all nations. In the New Testament, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is broken down in Christ, and all who believe, regardless of their ethnic background, become part of God's spiritual Israel, the Church (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11-22). The "glory" of the Gentiles is their conversion, their worship, and their spiritual gifts brought into the kingdom of God, fulfilling Isaiah's grand vision of a universal people of God.
What is the spiritual significance of the "river" and "stream" imagery in this context?
Answer: The imagery of a "river" and "flowing stream" is profoundly significant, particularly in the arid ancient Near East where water was synonymous with life, blessing, and prosperity. Spiritually, it signifies abundance, continuity, and an inexhaustible supply of divine grace. Peace "like a river" implies a vast, deep, and ever-flowing shalom that is not temporary or shallow but pervasive and enduring. It speaks to God's continuous outpouring of well-being, prosperity, and spiritual vitality upon His people. Similarly, the "glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream" suggests a continuous and powerful influx of honor, spiritual riches, and people from all nations into God's kingdom. It speaks to the dynamic and expansive nature of God's redemptive work, promising a future where His blessings are poured out without measure, bringing life, flourishing, and spiritual abundance to all who are part of His restored community.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:12, with its magnificent promise of peace like a river and the glory of the Gentiles flowing into Zion, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the peace promised, for He is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile through His cross, thereby creating one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16). The "river" of peace that flows is ultimately the Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, bringing life, comfort, and shalom to all who believe, as beautifully foreshadowed in the living water imagery of John 7:38. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "glory of the Gentiles" is realized in the global Church, which is Christ's body. Through His Great Commission, the gospel has gone out to all nations, drawing people from every tongue, tribe, and people group into His kingdom, bringing their unique gifts and worship as "glory" to Him (Matthew 28:19-20; Revelation 7:9-10). The tender, nurturing care depicted in the verse—being nursed, carried, and dandled—is perfectly mirrored in Christ's compassionate, pastoral heart for His flock. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His lambs in His arms and gently leads those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11). In Him, believers find ultimate security, intimate comfort, and boundless provision, experiencing the very love of God that Isaiah prophesied would be extended to His cherished people.