Isaiah 66:3

He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine's blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

He that killeth {H7819} an ox {H7794} is as if he slew {H5221} a man {H376}; he that sacrificeth {H2076} a lamb {H7716}, as if he cut off {H6202} a dog's {H3611} neck {H6202}; he that offereth {H5927} an oblation {H4503}, as if he offered swine's {H2386} blood {H1818}; he that burneth {H2142} incense {H3828}, as if he blessed {H1288} an idol {H205}. Yea, they have chosen {H977} their own ways {H1870}, and their soul {H5315} delighteth {H2654} in their abominations {H8251}.

Those others might as well kill a person as an ox, as well break a dog's neck as sacrifice a lamb, as well offer pig's blood as offer a grain offering, as well bless an idol as burn incense. Just as these have chosen their ways and enjoy their disgusting practices,

Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.

He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations:

Isaiah 66:3 delivers a powerful and scathing rebuke of insincere worship, highlighting God's abhorrence for religious rituals performed without a righteous heart. This verse underscores the divine principle that outward acts of devotion are meaningless, or even offensive, when divorced from genuine faith and obedience.

Context

This verse is found in the final chapter of the book of Isaiah, which concludes with themes of judgment for the wicked and restoration for the faithful. Leading up to this, Isaiah 66 speaks of God's dwelling place not being confined to a physical temple, but rather with the humble and contrite (Isaiah 66:1-2). Against this backdrop, verse 3 vividly portrays the depth of Israel's spiritual corruption, where even actions commanded by the Law (like offering sacrifices) become detestable due to the people's sinful attitudes and practices. It's a prophetic indictment against ritualism without relationship, a common theme in the prophets (e.g., Isaiah 1:11-15, Amos 5:21-24).

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy in Worship: The core message is that God despises religious acts performed by those whose hearts are far from Him. The sacrifices, though prescribed by the Mosaic Law, are likened to abhorrent pagan practices (killing a man, cutting off a dog's neck, offering swine's blood, blessing an idol) because of the worshiper's defiled state and wicked intentions. This highlights the critical importance of a contrite spirit and obedience over mere ritual.
  • God's Rejection of Empty Rituals: The verse makes it clear that God does not simply ignore insincere worship; He actively detests it. The actions described are not just ineffective; they are an offense, revealing a profound misunderstanding of God's nature and requirements for true devotion.
  • Choosing One's Own Ways: The latter part of the verse, "Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations," diagnoses the root problem: a deliberate choice to follow self-will and sinful desires rather than God's commands. This rebellious heart posture renders any outward religious observance utterly meaningless and offensive.

Linguistic Insights

The term "abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah) used here is significant. It often refers to things that are morally repugnant to God, particularly in the context of idolatry, pagan practices, and severe moral offenses (e.g., in Deuteronomy 18:9-12 regarding pagan rituals). By associating legitimate sacrifices with such detestable acts, Isaiah emphasizes the severity of Israel's spiritual decline and how their heart condition transformed acts of worship into acts of rebellion.

Practical Application

Isaiah 66:3 serves as a timeless warning for all who seek to worship God. It reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). For contemporary believers, this means:

  • Sincerity is Paramount: Our prayers, offerings, church attendance, and acts of service must stem from genuine love for God and a desire to obey Him, not from obligation, tradition, or a desire for human recognition.
  • Beware of Hypocrisy: Engaging in religious activities while harboring unconfessed sin or living in disobedience to God's Word is offensive to Him. True worship flows from a life surrendered to Christ.
  • Heart Over Ritual: God desires a broken and contrite spirit and obedience far more than any external ritual or performance.

This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our worship and obedience are true reflections of our devotion to God, rather than empty religious exercises.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Proverbs 15:8

    ¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.
  • Amos 5:21

    ¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.
  • Amos 5:22

    Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept [them]: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
  • Isaiah 1:11

    To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.
  • Isaiah 1:15

    And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
  • Leviticus 2:2

    And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:
  • Isaiah 65:12

    Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.

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