You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: "Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, 'Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!' But they will be put to shame." You who tremble at His word,This phrase addresses those who have a deep reverence and respect for God's word. In the biblical context, trembling at God's word signifies a heart that is sensitive to His commands and teachings, akin to Isaiah 66:2, which speaks of God esteeming those who are humble and contrite in spirit. This reverence is a mark of true faith and obedience, contrasting with those who are merely outwardly religious. The concept of trembling at God's word is echoed in passages like Philippians 2:12, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, indicating a serious and earnest approach to living out one's faith. Ezr 9:4 Then everyone who trembled at the words… hear the word of the LORD: This call to hear emphasizes the importance of listening to God's message. In the Hebrew tradition, hearing is closely linked to obedience, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which calls Israel to hear and love the LORD with all their heart. The prophetic tradition often begins with a call to hear, underscoring the authority and urgency of the message. This phrase invites the faithful to pay attention to God's pronouncements, which often include both promises and warnings. Jer 2:4 Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob,… “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name This part of the verse highlights the persecution faced by the faithful remnant from their own community. Historically, the Jewish people have experienced internal divisions, especially between those who remained faithful to God's covenant and those who did not. Jesus speaks of similar divisions in Matthew 10:21-22, where He warns that following Him may lead to familial and social rejection. This persecution is not just a social or personal issue but is directly tied to the name of the LORD, indicating that the faithful are suffering for their allegiance to God. Luk 6:22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude… have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ This statement is likely sarcastic, as those who persecute the faithful mock their devotion. The persecutors challenge the faithful to prove God's presence and blessing in their lives, reminiscent of the taunts faced by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:42-43). The irony is that the persecutors claim to seek God's glory, yet their actions reveal a lack of true understanding and reverence for Him. This reflects a broader biblical theme where the wicked misunderstand or misrepresent God's purposes. Isa 5:19 Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it… But they will be put to shame.” This phrase promises divine vindication for the faithful. Throughout scripture, God assures His people that those who oppose Him and His followers will ultimately face shame and judgment. This is seen in passages like Psalm 25:3, where those who wait on the LORD are promised that they will not be put to shame. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in the eschatological hope of God's final judgment, where the righteous are vindicated, and the wicked are judged, as depicted in Revelation 20:11-15. This assurance encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite persecution. Psa 40:14 May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded;… Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe central figure in this verse, representing God who speaks to His people. 2. Those who tremble at His word Faithful believers who revere and respect God's word. 3. Your brothers Fellow Israelites who oppose and persecute the faithful. 4. The faithful remnant A group within Israel who remain true to God's commands. 5. The event of vindication The future moment when God will vindicate His faithful followers and shame their oppressors. Teaching Points Reverence for God's WordBelievers are called to tremble at God's word, showing deep respect and obedience. This reverence sets them apart from those who merely profess faith without true commitment. Endurance in Persecution The faithful may face exclusion and hatred from even their own community. However, they are encouraged to endure, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate them. God's Vindication The promise of God's vindication serves as a source of hope and encouragement. Believers can trust that God will bring justice and shame to those who oppose His people. Joy in Suffering The paradox of finding joy amidst persecution is a recurring theme in Scripture. Believers are reminded that their joy is rooted in their relationship with God and His promises. Living for God's Glory The ultimate goal of the believer's life is to glorify God. Even in the face of opposition, their conduct should reflect God's glory, trusting that He will reveal His glory through their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does reverence for God's word influence your daily decisions and actions?2. In what ways can you find joy in the midst of persecution or opposition for your faith? 3. How does the promise of God's vindication provide comfort and hope in difficult times? 4. What are some practical ways you can live for God's glory, even when facing exclusion or hatred? 5. How can the experiences of the faithful remnant in Isaiah 66:5 inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith today? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:10-12Jesus speaks about the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, promising them a great reward in heaven. 1 Peter 4:14 Peter encourages believers that if they are insulted for the name of Christ, they are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon them. Psalm 37:12-13 The psalmist describes how the wicked plot against the righteous, but the Lord laughs at them, knowing their day is coming. Romans 12:19 Paul instructs believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, for it is written that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
People Isaiah, Israelites, Javan, Levites, Lud, Lydians, Meshech, Pul, Rosh, Tarshish, TubalPlaces Javan, Jerusalem, Lud, Pul, Tarshish, Tubal, ZionTopics Appear, Ashamed, Brethren, Brothers, Cast, Clear, Countrymen, Disappointed, Driving, Ear, Exclude, Fear, Gaze, Glorified, Glory, Hate, Hated, Hating, Honoured, Joy, Lord's, Name's, Sake, Shame, Tremble, Trembling, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 66:5Library A New Order of Priests and LevitesThink for a minute of the compass of this great promise. Evidently a high honor is here conferred. The connection leads us to see that not only a great promise but likewise a great privilege is herein implied. What is this privilege? It is that we shall be priests and Levites. Now, the priests or Levites were persons set apart to be God's peculiar property. When the firstborn were spared in Egypt, God claimed the firstborn to be his own, and he took the tribe of Levi to represent the firstborn; they … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 Travailing for Souls "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. " And what Members of the Holy Body, which is the Church... The Universal Church. --Isa. Lxvi. 12, 23 Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements Peace Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity... Fifth Sunday in Lent In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished. The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is to be Worshipped. "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord," Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688. The Knowledge of God Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: "So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. " Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel False Ambition Versus Childlikeness. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification. The Great Teacher The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God. How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements. Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop. Links Isaiah 66:5 NIVIsaiah 66:5 NLT Isaiah 66:5 ESV Isaiah 66:5 NASB Isaiah 66:5 KJV Isaiah 66:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |