I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.
I also will choose {H977} their delusions {H8586}, and will bring {H935} their fears {H4035} upon them; because when I called {H7121}, none did answer {H6030}; when I spake {H1696}, they did not hear {H8085}: but they did {H6213} evil {H7451} before mine eyes {H5869}, and chose {H977} that in which I delighted {H2654} not.
so I will enjoy making fools of them, and bring on them the very things they fear. For when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not hear. Instead they did what was evil in my sight and chose what did not please me."
So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.”
I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not.
-
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. -
Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; -
2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger. -
Proverbs 10:24
¶ The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. -
2 Kings 21:2
And he did [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. -
Jeremiah 7:13
And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the LORD, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; -
Proverbs 1:31
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Isaiah 66:4 delivers a powerful statement of divine judgment against those who reject God's call and choose paths displeasing to Him. This verse highlights God's sovereign response to human rebellion, where the consequences of disobedience are precisely tailored to the nature of the sin.
Context of Isaiah 66:4
This verse concludes the book of Isaiah, which often oscillates between prophecies of judgment and restoration. Chapter 66, in particular, contrasts the true worshippers of God with those who engage in outward religious rituals but whose hearts are far from Him. It speaks to God's ultimate plan for a new heaven and new earth, but first addresses the separation and judgment of the unfaithful. The "them" in this verse refers to those described earlier in the chapter who choose their own ways, practice abominable rituals, and are not truly humble or reverent towards God's word.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "I also will choose their delusions" comes from the Hebrew word ta'alulim (תַּעֲלוּלִים), which can denote wantonness, caprice, or even mockings. In this context, it suggests that God will allow or even orchestrate them to fall into their own self-chosen foolish and destructive ways, or perhaps send a strong delusion as a judgment for their rejection of truth, as seen in other biblical texts. Similarly, "will bring their fears upon them" (from Hebrew megorot, מְגוֹרוֹת) implies that the very terrors or dreadful things they sought to avoid, or the consequences of their actions, will inevitably befall them. The phrase "chose [that] in which I delighted not" underscores the deliberate and conscious rejection of God's will and His desires for their lives, emphasizing their culpability.
Related Scriptures
This verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's voice. The idea of God's call going unanswered echoes sentiments found elsewhere, such as in Proverbs 1:24-27, where wisdom calls out but is rejected, leading to calamity. The concept of God allowing people to fall into their own chosen ways, or even sending a strong delusion because they "chose [that] in which I delighted not," resonates with passages like Romans 1:28, which describes God giving people over to a debased mind because they did not like to retain Him in their knowledge.
Practical Application
Isaiah 66:4 serves as a timeless warning for all generations. It highlights the critical importance of genuine obedience and a receptive heart towards God's word, rather than mere outward religious observance. For believers today, it underscores the need to actively listen to God's guidance, seek His will, and align our choices with His delight. Ignoring God's calls or choosing paths contrary to His revealed will can lead to spiritual blindness and unwelcome consequences. The verse reminds us that God is just and that our choices have eternal implications, urging us to choose wisely and pursue what genuinely pleases Him.