16 For with fire and with his sword the Lord will execute judgment on all people, and many will be those slain by the Lord.
16 For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many.
16 For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many.
16 For it's by fire that God brings judgment, a death sentence on the human race. Many, oh so many, are under God's sentence of death:
16 For by fire and by His sword The Lord will judge all flesh; And the slain of the Lord shall be many.
16 The Lord will punish the world by fire and by his sword. He will judge the earth, and many will be killed by him.
35 I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations and there, face to face, I will execute judgment upon you.
35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face.
35 I'll bring you to the desert of nations and haul you into court, where you'll be face to face with judgment.
35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will plead My case with you face to face.
35 I will bring you into the wilderness of the nations, and there I will judge you face to face.
(Read Ezekiel 20:33-44)
The wicked Israelites, notwithstanding they follow the sinful ways of other nations, shall not mingle with them in their prosperity, but shall be separated from them for destruction. There is no shaking off God's dominion; and those who will not yield to the power of his grace, shall sink under the power of his wrath. But not one of God's jewels shall be lost in the lumber of this world. He will bring the jews to the land of Israel again; and will give them true repentance. They will be overcome with his kindness: the more we know of God's holiness, the more we see the hateful nature of sin. Those who remain unaffected amidst means of grace, and would live without Christ, like the world around them, may be sure it is the way to destruction.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 66:16
Commentary on Isaiah 66:15-24
(Read Isaiah 66:15-24)
A prophetic declaration is given of the Lord's vengeance on all enemies of his church, especially that of all antichristian opposers of the gospel in the latter days. Verses 19,20, set forth the abundance of means for conversion of sinners. These expressions are figurative, and express the plentiful and gracious helps for bringing God's elect home to Christ. All shall be welcome; and nothing shall be wanting for their assistance and encouragement. A gospel ministry shall be set up in the church; they would have solemn worship before the Lord. In the last verse the nature of the punishment of sinners in the world to come is represented. Then shall the righteous and wicked be separated. Our Saviour applies this to the everlasting misery and torment of impenitent sinners in the future state. To the honour of that free grace which thus distinguishes them, let the redeemed of the Lord, with humility, and not without holy trembling, sing triumphant songs. With this affecting representation of the opposite states of the righteous and wicked, characters which include the whole human race, Isaiah concludes his prophecies. May God grant, for Christ's sake, that our portion may be with those who fear and love his name, who cleave to his truths, and persevere in every good work, looking to receive from the Lord Jesus Christ the gracious invitation, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.