How does Isaiah 66:5 reflect God's relationship with those who fear Him? Text “Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brothers who hate you and exclude you for My name’s sake have said, “Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!” But they will be put to shame.’” — Isaiah 66:5 Literary Setting Within Isaiah 56–66 Isaiah’s closing section contrasts two communities: the self-righteous majority content with ritual (66:3–4) and the humble remnant who “tremble” at Yahweh’s word (66:2, 5). Verse 5 serves as a hinge—diagnosing present persecution yet promising eschatological reversal (66:6–24). Historical Background Written to post-exilic Jews disillusioned by opposition (cf. Ezra 4; Nehemiah 4), the oracle encourages those marginalized by influential compatriots who controlled temple worship. The Dead Sea Scroll 1QIsaa, dated c. 150 BC, preserves this verse virtually identical to the Masoretic Text, underscoring textual stability. Key Terms And Phrases 1. “Tremble at His word” (ḥărēdîm ’el-deḇārô) — reverential awe producing obedience (cf. Isaiah 66:2; Psalm 119:120). 2. “Brothers who hate you” — religiously related adversaries, echoing Cain/Abel and Joseph’s brothers; persecution often arises from insiders (Matthew 10:21). 3. “Exclude you for My name’s sake” — formal ostracism anticipating synagogue expulsion of early Christians (John 16:2). 4. Ironical taunt, “Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!” — mockery resembling the cross-time jeers, “He trusts in God; let God rescue Him” (Matthew 27:43). 5. “They will be put to shame” — covenant lexicon for divine reversal (Isaiah 45:17, 24). God’S Relationship With Those Who Fear Him 1. Divine Audience and Affirmation Yahweh singles out hearers who “tremble” for direct address (“Hear the word of the LORD”), affirming that humble receptivity secures His notice when societal voices silence them (Isaiah 57:15). 2. Protective Vindication The promise “they will be put to shame” signals God’s covenant fidelity. Throughout Scripture, fear of the LORD triggers divine defense (Psalm 34:7; Malachi 3:16-18). Final vindication culminates in the resurrection of Christ, whose empty tomb demonstrates God’s pattern of exalting the rejected (Acts 2:23-24). 3. Intimate Identification God ties His own “name” to the sufferer (“for My name’s sake”), foreshadowing Christ’s union with persecuted believers (“Why do you persecute Me?”—Acts 9:4). Fear of the LORD births a relationship so close that mistreatment of the believer equals affront to God. 4. Covenant Joy Now and Eschaton Though scorned, the remnant is promised true joy (cf. Isaiah 61:10). Revelation 19:6-8 echoes the same movement: mocked saints become the jubilant Bride. Theme Of ‘Fear Of The Lord’ In Canonical Context • Torah: Deuteronomy 10:12 links fear with love and obedience. • Wisdom: Proverbs 1:7 calls it the “beginning of knowledge.” • Prophets: Isaiah 11:3 ties Messiah’s delight to fearing Yahweh. • Gospels: Mary “fears” God and is favored (Luke 1:50). • Acts: Early church “walked in the fear of the Lord… multiplied” (Acts 9:31). Thus God consistently reserves intimacy, guidance, and vindication for those who fear Him. New Testament Parallels • Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when people insult you… for My sake” (Matthew 5:11-12). • John 9:22: healed man expelled from synagogue like Isaiah’s remnant. • 1 Peter 3:14–16: suffering believers told not to fear threats but to sanctify Christ as Lord. Pastoral And Practical Applications • Expect opposition from cultural and religious establishments when Scripture is honored above opinion. • Measure success by divine commendation, not societal acceptance. • Respond to mockery with blessing, trusting God’s timeline for vindication. • Cultivate trembling—daily submission to Scripture—through prayerful meditation (Psalm 119:161). Summary Isaiah 66:5 reveals a God who personally addresses, identifies with, protects, and ultimately exalts those who fear Him, while shaming self-assured persecutors. The verse encapsulates the covenant principle that humble reverence invites divine presence and future vindication—historic in Israel, perfected in Christ, and experientially available to every believer who trembles at His word. |
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