Isaiah 65:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 65:15
15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
Chapter Context
Isaiah 65 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, righteousness, worship. 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 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 65:15
15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
Analysis
God pronounces judgment on the rebellious: "And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee." Their name becomes a byword for divine judgment—others will use it as a curse formula (Jeremiah 29:22). The Hebrew shevuah (curse/oath) suggests their name exemplifies what happens to those who rebel against God. "The Lord GOD shall slay thee" uses hemit (put to death), indicating decisive judgment. Then comes the glorious contrast: "and call his servants by another name." God's servants receive new identity—shem acher (another name) replacing the old. This anticipates Revelation 2:17's "new name" and 3:12's writing of God's name on overcomers. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the total identity transformation in salvation. The old name (identity in Adam, defined by sin and rebellion) is replaced by a new name (identity in Christ, defined by righteousness and adoption). The wicked remain defined by their rebellion and face its consequences; the righteous receive new identity rooted in God's gracious naming.
Historical Context
The rebellious Israelites who rejected God's covenant became proverbial examples of judgment—like Sodom and Gomorrah. Conversely, believers received new names: Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter. The early church was called "Christians" (Acts 11:26)—a new identity in Christ. This pattern continues: those who reject Christ are identified with judgment, while believers are identified as children of God (1 John 3:1), saints, the elect—names signifying new identity and destiny.
Reflection
- What does it mean that the rebellious leave their name 'for a curse'?
- How has God given you a 'new name'—new identity in Christ?
- What responsibility comes with bearing the name 'Christian' or 'servant of God'?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 62:2
- References God: Romans 9:26
- Curse: Jeremiah 29:22, Zechariah 8:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 65:9, 65:22, Acts 11:26