What does "trembles at My word" reveal about reverence for Scripture? The Verse in Focus “‘All these things My hand has made, and thus all these things came to be,’ declares the LORD. ‘But this is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.’” (Isaiah 66:2) Setting the Scene • Isaiah 66 concludes the prophetic book by contrasting empty ritual with genuine devotion. • God describes heaven as His throne and earth as His footstool (v. 1), underscoring His sovereignty. • Against that backdrop, He singles out a person with a specific posture toward His word. What “Trembles at My Word” Means • A visceral response: The Hebrew term can denote quaking or shaking—an outward sign of inward awe. • An immediate submission: The hearer is so convinced of Scripture’s authority that obedience follows without delay. • A continual attitude: Not a one-time emotional spike but an ongoing sensitivity to God’s voice in every line of Scripture. Marks of True Reverence 1. Humility—recognizing God’s authorship and our creaturely status. 2. Contrition—sorrow over sin exposed by the word. 3. Eager listening—approaching every passage with the intent to hear God speak. 4. Prompt obedience—aligning beliefs, speech, and behavior to the text. Why God Values This Posture • It honors His authorship: “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). • It aligns with His character: “You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word” (Psalm 138:2). • It invites His favor: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). • It demonstrates faith: Taking God at His word without demanding further proof (Hebrews 11:6). Contrasts with Empty Religion • Ritual without reverence (Isaiah 66:3) is rejected. • Loud claims of loyalty mean nothing if His word is sidelined (Matthew 15:8–9). • True worshipers build on the solid rock of His sayings (Matthew 7:24). Practical Responses Today • Read expectantly: Open Scripture anticipating personal direction. • Pause to reflect: Allow time for conviction and correction. • Speak carefully: Let Scripture shape conversations and counsel. • Act immediately: Translate insights into concrete steps of obedience. • Guard familiarity: Keep wonder alive by remembering the Bible’s divine origin. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 119:120—“My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.” • Ezra 9:4—Those “who trembled at the words of the God of Israel” gathered in repentance. • Isaiah 57:15—God dwells with “the contrite and humble in spirit.” • Philippians 2:12–13—“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” knowing God works within. Takeaway To tremble at God’s word is to treat every verse as the living, authoritative voice of the Sovereign Lord, approaching it with humble awe that produces immediate and ongoing obedience. |
    |