God punishes those who refuse His call, ultimately giving them over to the dread they chose by rejecting His ways.
“So I will choose their punishments
And will bring on them what they dread.
Because I called, but no one answered;
I spoke, but they did not listen.
And they did evil in My sight
And chose that in which I did not delight.” (v.4)
Isaiah, a prophet of the LORD who lived around 740-680 BC in the kingdom of Judah, prophesies of God’s response to His people’s indifference toward His call. In this particular verse, the LORD declares “I will choose their punishments and will bring on them what they dread” (v.4), indicating that the people’s stubborn refusal to heed His voice would bring severe consequences. The phrase “Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen” (v.4) paints a picture of a just God who persistently calls out, longing for His people’s repentance, only to be met with silence. This neglect drastically leads them deeper into wrongdoing—“they did evil in My sight” (v.4). Their deliberate choice to reject His desires—“chose that in which I did not delight” (v.4)—reflects hearts hardened against Him, fulfilling God’s warning that will inevitably lead to divine judgment.
Isaiah’s prophetic ministry took place primarily in Jerusalem and surrounding Judah, a region threatened by looming invasions. Although Isaiah 66 does not make explicit references to Jerusalem within this verse, the broader context indicates that the city and the people of Judah were often the direct recipients of Isaiah’s messages. Historically, this period witnessed mighty empires like Assyria (eighth century BC) and Babylon (late seventh century BC) set against them. Isaiah’s message urged Judah to remain faithful to the LORD and warned them that if they resisted His call and ways, they would be subject to punishment. Yet woven into the entire book is the equally important theme of restoration for those who humble themselves before God (Isaiah 1:19-20, 49:6).
Here in Isaiah 66:4, the imagery of what God’s people “dread” suggests that they feared oppression or destruction by surrounding nations while also refusing to repent of their sins. This principle echoes similarly throughout the prophets: if the people refuse to yield and answer God’s gracious invitation, He will use foreign powers, natural disasters, or other calamities to bring about correction. The overarching intention of this verse—and indeed the book of Isaiah—is less about punishment itself, and more about restoring the hearts of the people to the LORD, prompting them to choose His delight instead of their own rebellion.
This verse teaches that God’s warnings are not idle threats, but expressions of mercy, urging repentance and fellowship with Him. When the human heart is closed, and the call is ignored, the LORD remains righteous in enacting His justice, allowing the people to face what they have most feared. However, for those who turn and listen, He promises His compassionate redemption and future blessings through His Servant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (John 12:38 referencing Isaiah 53:1).
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Isaiah 66:4 meaning
“So I will choose their punishments
And will bring on them what they dread.
Because I called, but no one answered;
I spoke, but they did not listen.
And they did evil in My sight
And chose that in which I did not delight.” (v.4)
Isaiah, a prophet of the LORD who lived around 740-680 BC in the kingdom of Judah, prophesies of God’s response to His people’s indifference toward His call. In this particular verse, the LORD declares “I will choose their punishments and will bring on them what they dread” (v.4), indicating that the people’s stubborn refusal to heed His voice would bring severe consequences. The phrase “Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen” (v.4) paints a picture of a just God who persistently calls out, longing for His people’s repentance, only to be met with silence. This neglect drastically leads them deeper into wrongdoing—“they did evil in My sight” (v.4). Their deliberate choice to reject His desires—“chose that in which I did not delight” (v.4)—reflects hearts hardened against Him, fulfilling God’s warning that will inevitably lead to divine judgment.
Isaiah’s prophetic ministry took place primarily in Jerusalem and surrounding Judah, a region threatened by looming invasions. Although Isaiah 66 does not make explicit references to Jerusalem within this verse, the broader context indicates that the city and the people of Judah were often the direct recipients of Isaiah’s messages. Historically, this period witnessed mighty empires like Assyria (eighth century BC) and Babylon (late seventh century BC) set against them. Isaiah’s message urged Judah to remain faithful to the LORD and warned them that if they resisted His call and ways, they would be subject to punishment. Yet woven into the entire book is the equally important theme of restoration for those who humble themselves before God (Isaiah 1:19-20, 49:6).
Here in Isaiah 66:4, the imagery of what God’s people “dread” suggests that they feared oppression or destruction by surrounding nations while also refusing to repent of their sins. This principle echoes similarly throughout the prophets: if the people refuse to yield and answer God’s gracious invitation, He will use foreign powers, natural disasters, or other calamities to bring about correction. The overarching intention of this verse—and indeed the book of Isaiah—is less about punishment itself, and more about restoring the hearts of the people to the LORD, prompting them to choose His delight instead of their own rebellion.
This verse teaches that God’s warnings are not idle threats, but expressions of mercy, urging repentance and fellowship with Him. When the human heart is closed, and the call is ignored, the LORD remains righteous in enacting His justice, allowing the people to face what they have most feared. However, for those who turn and listen, He promises His compassionate redemption and future blessings through His Servant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ (John 12:38 referencing Isaiah 53:1).