Isaiah 66:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 66:5
5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 66 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, worship, faith. 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 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 66:5
5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Analysis
God addresses the faithful remnant: "Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word." The Hebrew charadim (tremble) describes reverential fear and responsive obedience—those who take God's word seriously. These face opposition: "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." The faithful experience hatred and excommunication from their own ethnic/religious community. The opponents' taunt, "Let the LORD be glorified," suggests they justified persecution as serving God—a bitter irony. Yet God promises vindication: He will appear to the faithful's joy and persecutors' shame. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the perennial experience of the true church suffering persecution from nominal religion. Jesus warned that expulsion from synagogues would be considered service to God (John 16:2). Paul experienced persecution from fellow Jews (Acts 9:23, 2 Corinthians 11:24-26). True believers often face their fiercest opposition from religious establishment, not pagans. Yet God promises eschatological vindication.
Historical Context
The post-exilic community divided between faithful and compromising. The faithful remnant faced opposition from the religious majority (Nehemiah 6:10-14, Malachi 3:13-18). This pattern intensified in Jesus' era—the faithful few following Christ were excommunicated from synagogues (John 9:22, 12:42, 16:2). Throughout church history, reformers and revivalists faced persecution from established religious institutions. The promise of vindication sustained them—God would appear to demonstrate who truly served Him (Malachi 3:17-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'tremble at God's word' in contemporary context?
- How should believers respond when persecuted by religious people claiming to serve God?
- What comfort does God's promised vindication provide to those currently facing opposition for faithfulness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Word: Isaiah 66:2, Proverbs 13:13, Jeremiah 36:16
- Related: Song of Solomon 1:6
- Glory: Luke 13:17
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 5:19, Psalms 38:20, Matthew 10:22, John 9:34, 1 John 3:13