Isaiah 66:5 - Exposition

Hear … ye that tremble . The godly are addressed—those that have a reverent fear of God's word (comp. Isaiah 66:2 , ad fin. ; and see also Ezra 9:4 ; Ezra 10:3 ). Your brethren that … cast you out ; rather. that put you away (Cheyne), or thrust you from them (Delitzsch). The verb used came in later times to designate formal excommunication; but here it points merely to a practical renunciation of fellowship. Said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy; rather, said , Let Jehovah glorify himself , that ice may see your joy ; i.e. "said sarcastically, May the prophecies be fulfilled, and God humble Babylon, and release Israel, and restore her, that we may witness your rejoicing. We should gladly see all this ; but we do not in the least expect it." And they shall be ashamed ; rather, but as for them (i.e. those who so speak) they shall be ashamed. The event shall shame them.