John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 66:6

"A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Jehovah that rendereth recompense to his enemies." — Isaiah 66:6 (ASV)

A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple. He confirms the preceding statement: namely, that God has not threatened in vain and will soon come to take vengeance on hypocrites, so that believers may more eagerly expect what has been promised concerning gladness.

It is uncertain which enemies he describes, for this passage may be explained as relating to the Babylonians, whose destruction was the deliverance of his Church. It may also be explained as relating to other enemies, who were nurtured within the Church; and I am more favorable to this opinion, though I do not deny that it may be viewed in reference to any kind of enemies.

But he has in mind domestic foes, of whom he had previously spoken, who disdained the voice of God continually addressing them through the prophets. He therefore threatens that they will soon hear another and more terrible voice; but a mitigation is immediately added, so that the same terror may not discourage the believing servants of God.

The meaning may be summarized as follows: “In vain do wicked men boast and set their own obstinacy in opposition to the judgments of God, for they will not escape his hand, and even ‘from the temple,’ which was their hiding place of false confidence, his voice will come forth, and believers will then receive the fruit of their patience.”

If only we did not today experience similar contempt in hypocrites, who disregard all remonstrances and threats, and have no respect for the word of God! To them, therefore, instead of the mild and gentle voice which they now hear, we are compelled to threaten “a tumultuous voice,” which they will one day hear from other and very different masters.

For since the world, with irreligious scorn, disdains the word of God, it will be compelled not only to hear, but also to experience an armed voice, that is, fire and sword.