Isaiah 5:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 5:16
16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 5 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, mercy. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 5:16
16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
Analysis
The consequence of human humbling is divine exaltation: 'the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment.' God's holiness is demonstrated ('sanctified') through righteous judgment, vindicating His character. The parallelism between exaltation and sanctification shows that God's glory and holiness are inseparable—His judgments reveal His holy nature. This anticipates Ezekiel's repeated formula 'they shall know that I am the LORD' through judgment (Ezekiel 6:7), and Romans 9:22-23's teaching that God displays both wrath and mercy for glory's sake.
Historical Context
Israel's exile demonstrated to surrounding nations that Yahweh is holy and just, not impotent. Divine judgment vindicated God's character before watching world.
Reflection
- How does God's judgment serve to sanctify His name and display His holiness?
- In what ways do we see God exalted through His righteous dealings in history?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 46:10, 1 Peter 2:15
- References Lord: Isaiah 2:17, 8:13, 12:4, 1 Chronicles 29:11
- Holy: Isaiah 29:23, Ezekiel 36:23, Revelation 3:7
- Righteousness: Isaiah 33:5