Isaiah Chapter 66 · Verse 6
A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁאוֹן֙
of noise
H7588
שָׁאוֹן֙
of noise
Strong's:
H7588
Word #:
2 of 10
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
מֵעִ֔יר
from the city
H5892
מֵעִ֔יר
from the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מֵֽהֵיכָ֑ל
from the temple
H1964
מֵֽהֵיכָ֑ל
from the temple
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
5 of 10
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
that rendereth
H7999
מְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
that rendereth
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
8 of 10
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Historical Context
This prophecy was partially fulfilled when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the temple (586 BC)—God's voice of judgment on His own people for covenant violation. It was fulfilled again in AD 70 when Rome destroyed the second temple—judgment on apostate Israel for rejecting Messiah (Matthew 23:37-38, 24:1-2, Luke 19:41-44). The pattern continues: God's voice brings decisive judgment or salvation. Ultimate fulfillment comes at Christ's return when He judges His enemies and vindicates His people (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, Revelation 19:11-21).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's voice function as both salvation for His people and judgment for His enemies?
- What does the ambiguity of this prophecy teach about multiple levels of fulfillment?
- How should we understand God's judgment coming 'from the temple'—His own dwelling place?
Analysis & Commentary
A mysterious voice announces judgment: "A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies." Three parallel phrases build intensity—noise from the city, voice from the temple, then revealed as the LORD's voice. The Hebrew qol (voice) and shaon (noise/tumult) suggest a loud, decisive announcement. God renders gemul (recompense) to His enemies—settling accounts, executing justice. The ambiguity about whether this is destruction or deliverance (or both) fits Isaiah's style. It could reference judgment on Jerusalem's enemies or on Jerusalem itself for apostasy. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates that God's voice brings either salvation or judgment—it's never neutral. The same gospel is the aroma of life to some, death to others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). God's presence brings joy to His people and terror to His enemies. The temple/city imagery may point toward AD 70 when judgment came on apostate Jerusalem, or eschatologically to final judgment when Christ returns in glory.