John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 66:2

"For all these things hath my hand made, and [so] all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word." — Isaiah 66:2 (ASV)

Yet my hand hath made all these things. The Prophet refutes the false opinion that people form about the worship of God, by thinking that sacrifices and outward ceremonies are of great value in themselves. For the issue is this: God cares nothing about ceremonies; they are empty and useless masks when people think that they satisfy God by means of them.

When He says that He made all these things, this must not be understood as referring solely to the temple, but to all that was offered to God there. Now He says that He “made all these things,” so that people may know that God has no need of this external worship, as He declares (Psalms 50:10) that all the animals were created by Him, and are His own, though by sacrificing them the Jews hoped to obtain His favor. But foolish mortals have this disease deeply seated in them: they transform God according to their inclination, though He appointed external worship not for His sake, but for our advantage—that is, so that we may be trained by it according to the capacity of our flesh.

And all these things began to be. It is the same as if He had said that He must not be compared to these things, which at one time began to be; for He is eternal and had no beginning. “I could dispense with your sacrifices,” says the Lord, “for, before they began to be, I was, and therefore they can be of no service to me.” In short, Isaiah maintains that ceremonies are of no avail in themselves, but aim at a different purpose. Isaiah takes for granted that it is impossible for God to receive any addition. Hence it follows that He is satisfied with Himself alone, for He could do without the world from all eternity.

And I look to him who is humble and contrite in spirit. Next, a definition of lawful worship is added. For, when Isaiah says that God “looks to the humble,” I have no doubt that the one who is “humble and contrite in spirit” is indirectly contrasted by him with the array, splendor, and elegance of ceremonies, by which people's eyes are commonly dazzled, so that they are carried away in admiration.

On the other hand, the Lord testifies that He demands humble and downcast minds, and minds that tremble at His commandments. By these words Isaiah describes inward purity of heart and sincere desire for godliness, and at the same time shows in what way we should be prepared to please God.

And trembleth at my word. As far as “trembling” is concerned, it might seem strange at first sight that He demands it in believers, since nothing is sweeter or gentler than the word of the Lord, and nothing is more contrary to its nature than to excite terror. I reply, there are two kinds of trembling: one by which those who hate and flee from God are terrified, and another which affects the heart and promotes the obedience of those who reverence and fear God.

This clause, I am aware, is viewed by others as relating to the Law, which threatens, terrifies, and proclaims the dreadful judgment of God. But I take it in a more general sense, for even believers tremble at the promises when they embrace them with reverence. Hence, infer that true godliness consists in having our faculties brought into a state of obedience to God, and in making no boastful or wicked claims for ourselves.

The nature of faith is to yield obedience to God, and to listen to Him attentively and patiently when He speaks. But when we are puffed up and carried away by a vain confidence in ourselves, we have no piety or fear of God, for we cannot make even the smallest claim for ourselves without despising God.

We should carefully note the expression Isaiah uses: “Trembling at the word of God.” Many boast that they reverence and fear God; but, by disregarding His word, they at the same time show that they are despisers of God. All the reverence that we owe to God must be paid to His word, in which He wishes to be fully recognized as in a living image.

The substance of what is said is that God prefers this sacrifice to all others: when believers, by true self-denial, lie low in such abasement as to have no lofty opinion about themselves, but permit themselves to be reduced to nothing. Thus also the Psalmist says, The sacrifice acceptable to God is a contrite spirit; an afflicted heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (Psalms 51:17). Because this modesty of faith produces obedience, this pious feeling is also added: that, laying aside all obstinacy, they tremble at the word of God.

From these words we should draw a remarkable consolation: “Though we appear to be wretched in our abasement and humility, and though we appear to be unworthy of being regarded by people, yet we are truly happy, because the Lord looks upon us and bestows on us His favor.” When we are tempted to despair, let us remember that in this way the Lord exalts His servants to heaven, though they have been cast down to hell and almost sink under the burden.