Isaiah 66:6

KJV

A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

A voice {H6963} of noise {H7588} from the city {H5892}, a voice {H6963} from the temple {H1964}, a voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068} that rendereth {H7999} recompence {H1576} to his enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That uproar in the city, that sound from the temple, is the sound of ADONAI repaying his foes what they deserve.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear the uproar from the city; listen to the voice from the temple! It is the voice of the LORD, repaying His enemies what they deserve!

American Standard Version

A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Jehovah that rendereth recompense to his enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 66:6 presents a dramatic and climactic declaration of God's impending judgment, portrayed as a powerful, audible manifestation emanating from the very heart of His dwelling and the city. This divine pronouncement signifies a decisive and overwhelming act of retribution, where the Lord Himself intervenes to render full recompense to His adversaries, ensuring the ultimate vindication of His righteousness and the establishment of His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 66:6 serves as a powerful climax within the final chapter of Isaiah, which oscillates between promises of future glory for the faithful remnant and stern warnings of judgment for the rebellious. The preceding verses (/isaiah/66-1-5 "Isaiah 66:1-5 - God's Disdain for Superficial Worship") establish God's disdain for superficial worship and His favor upon the humble and contrite, contrasting those who choose their own ways and delight in abominations with those who tremble at His word. The "voice of noise" and "voice from the temple" in verse 6 directly follow God's declaration that He will choose "their delusions" and bring their "fears upon them" (/isaiah/66-4 "Isaiah 66:4 - God's Judgment on Disobedience"), emphasizing that the judgment described is a direct consequence of their disobedience. Following this verse, the chapter shifts to the miraculous birth of Zion's children and the gathering of all nations to Jerusalem, highlighting that this judgment clears the way for the glorious future of God's people and the new creation (/isaiah/66-7-24 "Isaiah 66:7-24 - The New Jerusalem and Final Consummation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah 66 is set against the backdrop of the post-exilic period, or at least anticipates conditions and attitudes prevalent during that time. The emphasis on the temple (or its future rebuilding) and the city of Jerusalem is significant. For the returning exiles, the temple represented the presence of God and the center of their national and religious identity. However, there were divisions and false worship practices, as highlighted in (/isaiah/66-3-4 "Isaiah 66:3-4 - Condemnation of Defiled Sacrifices"), where God condemns those who offer defiled sacrifices and choose their own ways. The concept of God's voice emanating from the temple or Jerusalem would have been understood as a divine decree or a manifestation of His power, similar to how the Law was given from Sinai. The "recompense to his enemies" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine justice, where gods were expected to uphold order and punish those who disrupted it, particularly those who opposed the divine will or His chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Judgment and Retribution** is central, emphasizing God's active and personal involvement in executing justice against those who oppose Him. The "voice of the LORD" is not merely a pronouncement but an active force of judgment, ensuring accountability for rebellion. Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that He is ultimately in control of history and destiny, and His will, whether in blessing or judgment, will be perfectly accomplished. The sound from the city and temple signifies an inescapable, momentous event, showcasing God's overwhelming authority. Thirdly, the theme of **Holiness and Separation** is reinforced, as God's judgment is directed towards "his enemies," those who have defiled themselves and rejected His ways, thereby distinguishing them from the faithful remnant who tremble at His word, as described in [Isaiah 66:2](/isaiah/66-2 "Isaiah 66:2 - God's Regard for the Humble"). This act of judgment prepares the way for the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, a vision found throughout [Isaiah 65-66](/isaiah/65 "Isaiah 65-66 - New Heavens, New Earth, and Final Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. In this context, it signifies not merely an audible sound but a powerful, authoritative utterance that carries inherent force and action. The repetition of "voice" three times amplifies its significance, indicating a momentous, unavoidable divine declaration that is both heard and experienced.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** Probably from יָכֹל (in the sense of capacity); a large public building, such as a palace or temple; palace, temple. Here, it specifically refers to the sacred dwelling place of God in Jerusalem. The sound emanating from the temple underscores the divine origin and sacred authority of the judgment, signifying that it comes directly from God's presence and is an act of His holy justice.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** From גָּמַל; treatment, i.e. an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital; [phrase] as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward. It denotes a full and just repayment or retribution, indicating that God's actions are not arbitrary but a righteous settlement for wrongdoing, a measured response to the actions of His enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A voice of noise from the city":** This phrase immediately establishes a sense of dramatic, overwhelming commotion originating from Jerusalem, the very center of Israelite life and the place where God's presence was manifested. The "noise" (Hebrew _shâʼôwn_) suggests a tumultuous uproar, a great and unsettling sound, indicating a public and undeniable event that will impact the entire urban landscape.
* **"a voice from the temple":** This clarifies the source and nature of the "voice." It is not merely human clamor but a divine utterance, specifically from the holy sanctuary where God's presence resided. This emphasizes the sacred, authoritative, and direct intervention of God Himself, signifying that the judgment is a holy act originating from His throne and His very being.
* **"a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies":** The final clause identifies the speaker as YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent, sovereign God of Israel, and explicitly states the purpose of His voice. It is a voice of active judgment, delivering full and just retribution (recompense) to those who stand in opposition to Him. This highlights the targeted nature of God's justice, directed specifically at those who have defied His will and rejected His covenant, ensuring their accountability.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 66:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Personification**, as the "voice of the LORD" is depicted not just as an audible sound but as an active agent that "rendereth recompence." This gives the voice a dynamic, almost physical quality, underscoring God's direct and forceful intervention. **Repetition** of the word "voice" three times ("A voice of noise... a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD") creates a sense of escalating intensity and emphasis, building anticipation and highlighting the momentous nature of the divine pronouncement. The phrase "voice of noise" itself is an example of **Onomatopoeia** or **Assonance**, where the sound of the words (Hebrew _qôl shâʼôwn_) mimics the tumultuous uproar it describes, drawing the reader into the chaotic scene. Furthermore, the imagery of a sound emanating from both the "city" and the "temple" is a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where these locations represent the entire people and their religious system, indicating that the judgment originates from within and impacts the whole of society and its spiritual core.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the unshakeable reality of God's justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. It reveals that God is not a passive observer but an active participant in human history, who will ultimately bring all things to account. The "voice of the LORD" signifies His powerful, authoritative word, which is not merely spoken but enacted. This divine recompense is a necessary act to uphold His holiness and righteousness, ensuring that rebellion and wickedness do not go unpunished. For the faithful, it offers assurance that God will vindicate His people and set all wrongs right, while for the unrepentant, it serves as a stark warning of inevitable divine reckoning.

* [Psalm 29:3-9](/psalms/29-3 "Psalm 29:3-9 - The Voice of the Lord") - This psalm vividly describes the immense power and majesty of the Lord's voice, which breaks cedars, shakes deserts, and makes deer give birth, echoing the impactful nature of the voice in Isaiah 66:6.
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine") - Paul quotes Deuteronomy, affirming that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay, aligning with the concept of God rendering recompense to His enemies.
* [Revelation 16:17](/revelation/16-17 "Revelation 16:17 - The Voice from the Temple") - In the New Testament, a great voice from the temple in heaven declares, "It is done!" signaling the completion of God's wrath, paralleling the decisive, temple-originated voice of judgment in Isaiah.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 66:6 serves as a profound reminder of the gravity of God's justice and the certainty of His ultimate judgment. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and wickedness appears to go unpunished, this verse firmly declares that God is not silent nor indifferent. His "voice" will indeed be heard, and His "recompense" will be rendered. For those who are living in rebellion or complacency, it is a sober warning to humble themselves and turn to the Lord before His day of reckoning arrives. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and hope. It assures us that our God is righteous and holy, and He will ultimately set all things right. Though we may experience delays in justice or witness the prosperity of the wicked, we are called to trust in His perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. This truth should inspire us to live lives of humility, obedience, and faithfulness, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to the One whose voice commands all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's voice coming from both the "city" and "the temple" deepen your understanding of the scope and nature of His judgment?**
* **What does the phrase "rendereth recompence to his enemies" reveal about God's character, and how does this truth impact your sense of justice in the world?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to act as "enemies" of God, even subtly, and what does this verse call us to in terms of self-examination and repentance?**

### FAQ
**Why does the voice of judgment originate from both "the city" and "the temple" in Isaiah 66:6?**

Answer: The dual origin of the "voice" in Isaiah 66:6 is highly symbolic and significant. The "city" (Jerusalem) represents the center of human habitation, society, and often, human rebellion against God. A voice from the city suggests a public, inescapable, and perhaps even chaotic manifestation of judgment that impacts the entire community. Simultaneously, the "temple" represents the sacred dwelling place of God, the locus of His presence, holiness, and divine authority. A voice from the temple signifies that the judgment is not merely a natural consequence or human event, but a direct, holy, and authoritative decree from God Himself. It underscores that this recompense is an act of divine justice originating from the very heart of God's righteous character and His sacred presence, affecting both the spiritual and civic life of His people and their adversaries. This dual origin emphasizes the comprehensive and undeniable nature of God's intervention, impacting both the physical and spiritual realms, as God's judgment extends to all aspects of human existence and worship, as seen throughout [Isaiah 66](/isaiah/66 "Isaiah 66 - God's Judgment and New Creation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 66:6, with its dramatic portrayal of God's voice rendering recompense to His enemies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to God's judgment upon rebellious Israel and the nations, the New Testament reveals Christ as the one through whom all judgment is executed. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son") explicitly states that the Father "has committed all judgment to the Son." The powerful "voice of the LORD" that brings recompense foreshadows the authoritative voice of Christ, who will return not only as Savior but also as righteous Judge. [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse") depicts Christ riding forth to "judge and make war in righteousness," with a sharp sword coming from His mouth to strike down the nations, directly fulfilling the imagery of a powerful, decisive word of judgment. Furthermore, the "recompense to his enemies" is ultimately realized in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, who were humanity's true enemies. His cross was the ultimate act of divine justice, where sin was judged, and His resurrection secured the ultimate defeat of death. Thus, the terrifying voice of judgment in Isaiah points forward to the just and sovereign reign of Christ, who will ultimately bring perfect justice and establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more enemies of God, only those who have been reconciled by His grace, as described in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Tongue Confess").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 3:7

Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head:

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Amos 1:2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Isaiah 59:18

According to [their] deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.

Isaiah 65:5

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

Isaiah 65:7

Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.