Isaiah 8:13
Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
3 of 9
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אֹת֣וֹ
H853
אֹת֣וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תַקְדִּ֑ישׁוּ
Sanctify
H6942
תַקְדִּ֑ישׁוּ
Sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
5 of 9
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
וְה֥וּא
H1931
וְה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 9
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מוֹרַאֲכֶ֖ם
himself and let him be your fear
H4172
מוֹרַאֲכֶ֖ם
himself and let him be your fear
Strong's:
H4172
Word #:
7 of 9
fear; by implication, a fearful thing or deed
Cross References
Luke 12:5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.Revelation 15:4Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Psalms 76:7Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?Malachi 2:5My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.Isaiah 29:23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.Genesis 31:53The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.
Historical Context
During national crisis, Israel tended toward either presumption (treating God casually) or fear of enemies. Isaiah calls them to proper fear of Yahweh of hosts—the covenant Lord who commands heavenly armies. Recognizing God's power and holiness would realign their priorities, producing trust rather than panic. This call to sanctify the Lord echoes Moses' failure at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), where not sanctifying God had severe consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between godly fear and worldly anxiety, and how do we cultivate the former?
- How does growing in the fear of the Lord diminish our fear of circumstances and opposition?
- What practices help us 'sanctify' the Lord in our hearts daily?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The command to sanctify and fear the Lord of hosts provides the alternative to worldly fear. 'Sanctify' means to set apart as holy, recognize as utterly unique and transcendent. Fear of God displaces fear of man—when we properly revere God's majesty and power, human threats diminish to proper scale. 'Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread' transforms fear from paralyzing anxiety into reverent awe that produces obedience. This is the Reformed 'fear of God' that motivates holiness while eliminating servile terror.