Isaiah 66:4
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.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בָּחָֽרוּ׃
I also will choose
H977
בָּחָֽרוּ׃
I also will choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
3 of 21
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
בְּתַעֲלֻלֵיהֶ֗ם
their delusions
H8586
בְּתַעֲלֻלֵיהֶ֗ם
their delusions
Strong's:
H8586
Word #:
4 of 21
caprice (as a fit coming on), i.e., vexation; concretely a tyrant
אָבִ֣יא
and will bring
H935
אָבִ֣יא
and will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יַ֤עַן
H3282
יַ֤עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
קָרָ֙אתִי֙
upon them because when I called
H7121
קָרָ֙אתִי֙
upon them because when I called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
9 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
עוֹנֶ֔ה
none did answer
H6030
עוֹנֶ֔ה
none did answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
when I spake
H1696
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
when I spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
12 of 21
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
they did not hear
H8085
שָׁמֵ֑עוּ
they did not hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
14 of 21
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיַּעֲשׂ֤וּ
but they did
H6213
וַיַּעֲשׂ֤וּ
but they did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בְּעֵינַ֔י
before mine eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינַ֔י
before mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
17 of 21
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 65:12Therefore 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 10:24The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.Proverbs 1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;Jeremiah 7:13And 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;2 Kings 21:2And 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.2 Kings 21:6And 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.Psalms 81:12So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
Historical Context
Throughout redemptive history, persistent rejection of God's word led to judicial hardening—Pharaoh (Exodus 7-14), Israel in the wilderness (Psalm 95:7-11, Hebrews 3:7-19), Jerusalem before exile (Jeremiah 7:13, 25-27), and before AD 70 destruction (Matthew 23:37-38). The post-exilic community, despite prophetic warnings and temple restoration, largely rejected God's call, leading to spiritual hardening that culminated in rejecting Messiah. This pattern continues—those who persistently resist God's gracious call eventually experience judicial hardening, confirming them in rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent rejection of God's word lead to judicial hardening?
- What does it mean that God 'chooses their delusions' as judgment?
- How should this warning motivate us to respond immediately to God's call rather than delaying?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Divine judgment follows: "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them." The Hebrew ta'alaleihem (delusions/mockeries) suggests God giving them over to what they've chosen—judicial hardening. This echoes Romans 1:24, 26, 28 where God gives rebels over to their sinful desires. Their fears will be realized—what they dreaded will come. Why? "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." Four indictments: ignoring God's call, refusing to hear His word, doing evil deliberately, choosing what displeases Him. The pattern shows progressive hardening leading to judicial judgment. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the terrifying doctrine that God sometimes judicially hardens those who persistently reject His grace (Exodus 7:3, 13, Romans 9:17-18). Continued rejection of truth leads to God confirming people in their chosen delusions (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). The reprobate face the consequences of their chosen rebellion.