Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being," declares the LORD. "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word. Has not My hand made all these things?This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and creative power. It echoes Genesis 1:1, where God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The rhetorical question underscores that everything in existence is a result of God's handiwork, aligning with passages like Psalm 24:1, which states, "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it." This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over creation, contrasting human efforts and achievements with divine omnipotence. Isa 45:12 It is I who made the earth and created man… And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. This statement affirms the reality and existence of creation as a direct act of God. It reflects the biblical theme of God speaking things into existence, as seen in Genesis 1, where God’s word brings forth creation. The phrase "declares the LORD" adds weight, indicating divine proclamation and authority. It also connects to John 1:3, which states, "Through Him all things were made," pointing to the involvement of the Word, Jesus Christ, in creation. Psa 33:9 For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded… “This is the one I will esteem: Here, God identifies the qualities He values in individuals. The term "esteem" suggests honor and favor, indicating that God looks beyond external rituals and appearances to the heart's condition. This aligns with 1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart rather than outward appearance. It sets the stage for understanding the characteristics that are pleasing to God. Psa 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly;… he who is humble and contrite in spirit, Humility and contrition are central to a right relationship with God. Humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God, while contrition implies genuine repentance and sorrow for sin. This echoes Psalm 51:17, where David acknowledges that a broken and contrite heart is what God desires. These qualities contrast with pride and self-reliance, which are often condemned in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 16:18. Psa 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;… who trembles at My word. Trembling at God's word signifies reverence and awe for divine revelation. It implies a deep respect and willingness to obey God's commands. This attitude is seen in Nehemiah 8:5-6, where the people stand in reverence as the Book of the Law is read. It also connects to the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of hearing and doing God's word in Matthew 7:24-27. This phrase highlights the importance of Scripture as the ultimate authority in a believer's life. Ezr 9:4 Then everyone who trembled at the words… Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The sovereign Creator who speaks in this verse, emphasizing His authority and the qualities He values in His people. 2. Isaiah The prophet through whom God delivers this message, addressing the people of Israel. 3. The People of Israel The original audience of Isaiah's prophecy, who are being called to humility and reverence for God's word. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and CreationRecognize that everything exists by God's hand and authority. This understanding should lead to a posture of humility before Him. The Esteemed Qualities God values humility and a contrite spirit. These qualities are essential for a right relationship with Him and should be cultivated in our lives. Reverence for God's Word Trembling at God's word implies a deep respect and awe. We should approach Scripture with a heart ready to listen and obey. Contrition and Repentance A contrite spirit involves genuine repentance and acknowledgment of our need for God's mercy. Regular self-examination and confession are vital. Living Out Humility Humility should be evident in our interactions with others, reflecting Christ's example and drawing others to Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does recognizing God as the Creator influence your daily life and decisions?2. In what ways can you cultivate a humble and contrite spirit in your personal walk with God? 3. How does trembling at God's word manifest in your study and application of Scripture? 4. Can you identify areas in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you address these? 5. How does the example of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2 inspire you to live differently in your relationships with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 51David's psalm of repentance highlights a contrite heart, similar to the humility God esteems in Isaiah 66:2. Micah 6:8 This verse echoes the call to walk humbly with God, aligning with the qualities God values in Isaiah 66:2. Matthew 5:3 Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes begins with a blessing on the poor in spirit, reflecting the humility mentioned in Isaiah 66:2. James 4:6 James speaks of God giving grace to the humble, reinforcing the esteem God has for the humble and contrite in spirit. Philippians 2:5-8 Paul describes Christ's humility, providing the ultimate example of the attitude God esteems. People Isaiah, Israelites, Javan, Levites, Lud, Lydians, Meshech, Pul, Rosh, Tarshish, TubalPlaces Javan, Jerusalem, Lud, Pul, Tarshish, Tubal, ZionTopics Affirmation, Afflicted, Attention, Attentively, Broken, Bruised, Contrite, Declares, Esteem, Fearing, Humble, Poor, Says, Spirit, Thus, Trembles, Trembleth, TremblingDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 66:2 1265 hand of God 4006 creation, origin Library 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 66:2 NIVIsaiah 66:2 NLT Isaiah 66:2 ESV Isaiah 66:2 NASB Isaiah 66:2 KJV Isaiah 66:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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