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Isaiah 66:6

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

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}.

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

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!

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

Commentary

Isaiah 66:6 presents a powerful and dramatic image of God's impending judgment, serving as a climactic statement in the prophet's final chapter. This verse describes a sudden, overwhelming divine intervention originating from the very heart of God's dwelling.

Context

This verse concludes a section in Isaiah 66 that contrasts God's favor upon the humble and obedient with His severe judgment against the rebellious and those who practice detestable things (Isaiah 66:1-5). The preceding verses speak of God's intention to gather all nations and tongues, and the establishment of new heavens and a new earth. Amidst this future hope, Isaiah 66:6 highlights the necessary act of divine retribution against those who oppose Him, ensuring that His justice prevails before full restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The central theme is God's active role in rendering justice. The "voice of the LORD" is not merely a spoken word but an active declaration of judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse underscores that God is ultimately in control, and His will concerning both blessing and judgment will be perfectly executed.
  • The Sound of God's Power: The "voice of noise" from the city and temple signifies a momentous, unignorable event, demonstrating God's overwhelming authority and power in judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "voice of noise" translates the Hebrew qol sha'on (קול שאון), which conveys a tumultuous, roaring, or thundering sound. It suggests a great commotion or uproar, emphasizing the impactful and inescapable nature of God's intervention. The word "recompence" (Hebrew shillum or related forms) implies a full and just repayment or retribution, indicating that God's actions are not arbitrary but a righteous settlement for wrongdoing. This divine repayment is specifically directed "to his enemies," highlighting the targeted nature of His justice.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God's voice carrying immense power is echoed in Psalm 29:4, which declares the voice of the LORD to be powerful and full of majesty. This divine act of rendering recompense foreshadows the ultimate judgment described in the New Testament, where Romans 12:19 affirms that vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. The imagery of a decisive, righteous judgment from God's dwelling place can also be seen in prophetic visions of the end times, such as those found in Revelation 19:11, where Christ appears to judge and make war in righteousness.

Practical Application

Isaiah 66:6 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering justice. For those who are rebellious or dismissive of God's commands, it is a sober warning that accountability is certain. For believers, it offers profound comfort: God is sovereign, and ultimately, He will set all things right. Though justice may seem delayed in this world, this verse assures us that God's divine recompense will indeed come, ensuring that His righteousness prevails and His enemies face the consequences of their actions. It encourages faithfulness and humility before the Lord.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joel 3:7 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Amos 1:2 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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.