The Final Word: Judgment, Restoration, and the Glory to Come
- Be God's Glory
- Aug 10
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 222 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 65–66 closes the book of Isaiah with a striking contrast between judgment for the rebellious and eternal joy for the faithful. These chapters reveal God’s response to both rejection and devotion, showing His justice toward those who defy Him and His compassion toward those who seek Him. God promises to create a new heavens and new earth, where peace, long life, and divine presence abound. At the same time, He warns that religious rituals without righteousness are worthless, and prideful hearts will face His wrath. These final words point to the future fulfillment of God’s plan—a global, inclusive kingdom where worship, justice, and the glory of the Lord are fully revealed.
Isaiah 65
In Isaiah 65, God declares that He has revealed Himself to those who were not even seeking Him—an indication of His grace toward the Gentiles. Yet, He confronts the persistent rebellion of His own people who engage in idolatry and disobedience, choosing their own way instead of His. God distinguishes between His servants—those who obey—and those who provoke Him, promising blessing for the faithful and judgment for the defiant. A vision of a new creation emerges: the new heavens and new earth, where former sorrows are forgotten, and life is full of peace and purpose. In this renewed reality, people will live long lives, labor will not be in vain, and even nature will be at peace. This chapter reveals God’s justice, grace, and ultimate plan for restoration.
Isaiah 66
Isaiah 66 continues the theme of judgment and hope, beginning with a reminder that God is not confined to temples or outward rituals—He desires humility and reverence. God exposes the hypocrisy of those who perform sacrifices with wrong motives and warns of the coming judgment against such false worship. At the same time, He gives a comforting image of Jerusalem as a mother, nurturing and comforting her children—a symbol of restoration for the faithful remnant. God’s glory will be revealed to all nations, and people from every tongue will come to worship Him. The book closes with a dual vision: eternal joy and honor for those who follow God, and shame and judgment for those who rebel, emphasizing that God's final word is both holy justice and glorious redemption.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Isaiah comes from the Hebrew name Yeshayahu, which means “The Lord is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” This name encapsulates the central message of the book: that salvation, judgment, and restoration come from God alone.
Purpose of the Book:
The Book of Isaiah was written to call God’s people to repentance, reveal the consequences of rebellion, and proclaim both God’s coming judgment and the hope of restoration. It addresses both the immediate political and spiritual crisis facing Judah and the future hope of a Messianic King and a new heavens and earth. Isaiah proclaims God’s sovereignty over all nations and points to a coming Savior who will redeem not only Israel but the entire world. The book serves as both a prophetic warning and a theological vision of God’s redemptive plan.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book is traditionally attributed to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz, who ministered during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (Isaiah 1:1), placing his ministry in the 8th century BC (around 740–700 BC).
Biblical Support for Isaiah’s Authorship:
Isaiah 1:1 clearly identifies him as the author.
2 Chronicles 26:22 and 2 Chronicles 32:32 mention Isaiah’s writings and his involvement in documenting the reign of King Uzziah and King Hezekiah.
New Testament Confirmation: Jesus and the apostles frequently quote from Isaiah and attribute the words to him (e.g., Matthew 3:3; Luke 4:17; John 12:38-41), confirming early Jewish and Christian belief in Isaiah's authorship.
Some scholars propose that the book was written by multiple authors over time (often called Deutero-Isaiah or Trito-Isaiah theories), due to shifts in tone and historical context in later chapters (especially 40–66). However, the consistent literary style, theological themes, and the unified message suggest that the book can credibly be viewed as originating from Isaiah and his prophetic school or disciples (see Isaiah 8:16).
Key People:
Isaiah – The primary prophet and narrator of the book.
Kings of Judah:
Uzziah – A prosperous king who became prideful (Isaiah 6:1).
Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah – Rulers during Isaiah’s ministry, with Hezekiah receiving direct counsel and miraculous deliverance through Isaiah’s prayers (Isaiah 36–39).
Messianic Figure – Often referred to as the Servant of the Lord, the Branch, Immanuel, or the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; 53).
Assyrian and Babylonian kings – Representing God’s instruments of judgment (e.g., Sennacherib in Isaiah 36–37).
Cyrus the Great – A Persian king prophetically named in Isaiah 44–45 as the one God would use to restore Israel.
Conclusion
Isaiah masterfully blends themes of judgment, mercy, justice, and redemption, portraying God as holy and righteous, yet also gracious and compassionate. The first half of the book (chapters 1–39) focuses on judgment against Judah and the nations, while the latter half (chapters 40–66) offers messages of comfort, restoration, and the coming Messianic hope. Isaiah paints a sweeping vision of history, from Judah’s failures to God’s final plan of universal salvation through the Suffering Servant and the creation of a new heavens and new earth (Isaiah 65–66). The book ends with a powerful call to worship and remain faithful, highlighting the eternal triumph of God's justice and glory. Isaiah remains a cornerstone of both Jewish and Christian theology, rich with prophecy, poetry, and profound revelation of God's heart for His people and the world.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
ISAIAH 65
In Isaiah 65, God reveals Himself as both just and merciful. He is a God who responds to those who do not seek Him, extending His grace even to outsiders (symbolic of the Gentiles). Yet, He also deals firmly with rebellion, making a clear distinction between the faithful and the defiant. God does not overlook sin; He holds His people accountable for idolatry and self-chosen paths. At the same time, He shows His loving desire to bless His servants with a renewed creation—a place of peace, joy, and lasting life.
Isaiah 65 references Adonai Yahweh (Sovereign Lord) in context, emphasizing God's supreme authority and personal relationship with His people. Though the name is not explicitly stated in this chapter, His attributes reflect the justice of El Shaphat (God Who Judges) and the grace of El Hanun (Gracious God). The lesson here is twofold: God rewards the humble and faithful with His favor and future hope, but He resists those who continually reject His ways. His mercy is extended, but He does not compromise holiness for the sake of tradition or empty worship.
ISAIAH 66
Isaiah 66 reveals God's transcendence and holiness. He reminds His people that He is not confined by human temples, for heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool. God values a humble, contrite heart more than ritual sacrifice—He desires sincerity over outward form. He is also a comforting and nurturing God, likening His restoration of Jerusalem to a mother comforting her children. At the same time, He is a consuming fire to those who choose rebellion, showing that He is both tender and righteous in His judgments.
No specific Hebrew names are directly used in Isaiah 66, but God’s nature as El Hakadosh (The Holy God) is evident in His call for reverence and purity in worship. The picture of God comforting His people also reflects aspects of El Rachum (Compassionate God). The lesson of this chapter teaches us that true worship flows from humility and obedience, not mere religious performance. God will gather worshipers from all nations, and His glory will be revealed universally—He honors the faithful and humbles the proud.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
What does Isaiah 65 teach us about God’s willingness to reveal Himself even to those who were not seeking Him?
How does God show His justice in responding to the rebellion and idolatry of His people in Isaiah 65?
In Isaiah 65, how is God’s mercy revealed alongside His judgment?
What does Isaiah 66 reveal about God’s view of religious rituals compared to a humble heart?
How does God’s portrayal as both a judge and a comforter in Isaiah 66 expand our understanding of His character?
What does God’s statement that “heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool” reveal about His sovereignty?
How do these chapters show that God is relational and desires true worship and sincere hearts?
Questions About Themes:
How does the theme of judgment and restoration work together in Isaiah 65?
What is the significance of the “new heavens and new earth” as described in Isaiah 65?
How is the distinction between the faithful and the rebellious a recurring theme in these chapters?
What role does worship play in Isaiah 66, and how is it different from empty religious practices?
How does God’s desire to include all nations in worship reflect the overarching theme of global redemption?
In what ways is the theme of humility central to God’s approval of His people in Isaiah 66?
How do Isaiah 65 and 66 together prepare the reader for the fulfillment of God's eternal kingdom?
Reflective Application Questions:
Are there areas in your life where you are “choosing your own way” rather than responding to God's call (Isaiah 65:12)?
How can you intentionally pursue a lifestyle that reflects the peace and joy of the “new creation” God promises in Isaiah 65?
In what ways do you sometimes rely on religious activity instead of cultivating a humble and contrite heart?
How can you honor God as both sovereign and personal in your daily worship and prayer life?
Are you allowing God to comfort and restore areas of brokenness in your life, as He describes doing for Jerusalem in Isaiah 66?
How can your life be a reflection of the kind of worshiper God is seeking—one who trembles at His Word (Isaiah 66:2)?
What does it look like for you to live today in light of God's promise of a new heaven and new earth?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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