66:3. He that sacrificeth an ox, is as if he slew a man: he that killeth a sheep in sacrifice, as if he should brain a dog: he that offereth an oblation, as if he should offer swine’s blood; he that remembereth incense, as if he should bless an idol. All these things have they chosen in their ways, and their soul is delighted in their abominations.
He that sacrificeth an ox, etc.... This is a prophecy that the sacrifices which were offered in the old law should be abolished in the new; and that the offering of them should be a crime.—Ibid. Remembereth incense.... Viz., to offer it in the way of a sacrifice.
66:4. Wherefore I also will choose their mockeries, and will bring upon them the things they feared: because I called, and there was none that would answer; I have spoken, and they heard not; and they have done evil in my eyes, and have chosen the things that displease me.
I will choose their mockeries.... I will turn their mockeries upon themselves; and will cause them to be mocked by their enemies.
66:5. Hear the word of the Lord, you that tremble at his word: Your brethren that hate you, and cast you out for my name’s sake, have said: Let the Lord be glorified, and we shall see in your joy: but they shall be confounded.
66:6. A voice of the people from the city, a voice from the temple, the voice of the Lord that rendereth recompense to his enemies.
66:7. Before she was in labour, she brought forth; before her time came to be delivered, she brought forth a man child.
Before she was in labour, etc.... This relates to the conversion of the Gentiles, who were born, as it were, all on a sudden to the church of God.
66:8. Who hath ever heard such a thing? and who hath seen the like to this? shall the earth bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be brought forth at once, because Sion hath been in labour, and hath brought forth her children?
66:9. Shall not I that make others to bring forth children, myself bring forth, saith the Lord? shall I, that give generation to others, be barren, saith the Lord thy God?