They take pride in being called by God’s name and city, yet often fail to honor Him with sincere faith and faithful obedience.
“For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is His name” (v.2). Here, the prophet Isaiah points out that the people of Judah identify with Jerusalem—the “holy city,” known elsewhere in Isaiah (Isaiah 52:1) as set apart for God. This city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Judah, where kings from David (reigning c. 1010-970 BC) onward ruled. Jerusalem is significant for housing God’s temple, the center of worship in Israel’s covenant life. By calling themselves “after the holy city,” the people were, in name, claiming the honor and inheritance bound up with God’s presence, yet Isaiah implies that their daily conduct does not consistently match the spiritual heritage they profess.
Isaiah further observes that they “lean on the God of Israel,” a name hinting at the covenant relationship the LORD established with Jacob, later renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). To “lean” on God underscores a posture of dependence and trust, suggesting that Judah’s confidence was professed to rest on the Almighty’s power and protection. However, Isaiah’s broader context reveals that such reliance was often superficial. While they might speak God’s name and outwardly perform acts of worship, they frequently strayed from wholehearted obedience, turning to worldly alliances and mere religious ritual.
Finally, the verse proclaims, “The LORD of hosts is His name,” pointing to the sovereignty of the Almighty over the heavenly armies and all creation. Despite human complacency, the LORD remains the ultimate ruler and defender of His people. His holiness and dominion are undiminished by Israel’s failures; rather, it is Israel’s privilege and duty to genuinely trust in Him.
Set to dark mode
Isaiah 48:2 meaning
“For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is His name” (v.2). Here, the prophet Isaiah points out that the people of Judah identify with Jerusalem—the “holy city,” known elsewhere in Isaiah (Isaiah 52:1) as set apart for God. This city was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Judah, where kings from David (reigning c. 1010-970 BC) onward ruled. Jerusalem is significant for housing God’s temple, the center of worship in Israel’s covenant life. By calling themselves “after the holy city,” the people were, in name, claiming the honor and inheritance bound up with God’s presence, yet Isaiah implies that their daily conduct does not consistently match the spiritual heritage they profess.
Isaiah further observes that they “lean on the God of Israel,” a name hinting at the covenant relationship the LORD established with Jacob, later renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). To “lean” on God underscores a posture of dependence and trust, suggesting that Judah’s confidence was professed to rest on the Almighty’s power and protection. However, Isaiah’s broader context reveals that such reliance was often superficial. While they might speak God’s name and outwardly perform acts of worship, they frequently strayed from wholehearted obedience, turning to worldly alliances and mere religious ritual.
Finally, the verse proclaims, “The LORD of hosts is His name,” pointing to the sovereignty of the Almighty over the heavenly armies and all creation. Despite human complacency, the LORD remains the ultimate ruler and defender of His people. His holiness and dominion are undiminished by Israel’s failures; rather, it is Israel’s privilege and duty to genuinely trust in Him.