God’s true followers will face persecution but will be vindicated in the end.
Isaiah was a prophet who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah, primarily in Jerusalem, around 740-681 BC. This verse is part of the final chapter of his book, where he envisions a time of both judgment and restoration. He addresses those who are faithful to the LORD despite opposition. When Isaiah writes, “Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name’s sake, Have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame.” (Isaiah 66:5), he offers a message of hope to the faithful remnant. Though they face hostility from their own “brothers,” these adversaries will ultimately receive the justice of God.
In this passage, we see a strong contrast between those who “hate” and “exclude” the faithful for the sake of God’s name and those who “tremble at His word.” (Isaiah 66:5) The faithful are described as people who revere the Lord’s instructions, standing in awe of His holiness and sovereignty. Meanwhile, the hostile brothers claim to be seeking God’s glory, but their real motives are exposed by the prophet’s stern warning that they “will be put to shame.” Their arrogant posture echoes situations elsewhere in Scripture, where proud hearts pretend to honor God but in fact scorn His true followers (Matthew 5:10-12).
Although no specific city is named here, Isaiah himself lived during a crucial era for the people of Judah, warning them about impending judgment and eventual redemption. As the verse unfolds, it reassures the faithful that God sees every slight and will ultimately uphold the cause of those who honor Him. This anticipates the broader biblical theme that suffering for righteousness leads to blessing (1 Peter 3:14). Ultimately, Isaiah’s words remind us that God vindicates those who stand firm in obedience, even when their closest kin oppose them.
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Isaiah 66:5 meaning
Isaiah was a prophet who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah, primarily in Jerusalem, around 740-681 BC. This verse is part of the final chapter of his book, where he envisions a time of both judgment and restoration. He addresses those who are faithful to the LORD despite opposition. When Isaiah writes, “Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word: ‘Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name’s sake, Have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame.” (Isaiah 66:5), he offers a message of hope to the faithful remnant. Though they face hostility from their own “brothers,” these adversaries will ultimately receive the justice of God.
In this passage, we see a strong contrast between those who “hate” and “exclude” the faithful for the sake of God’s name and those who “tremble at His word.” (Isaiah 66:5) The faithful are described as people who revere the Lord’s instructions, standing in awe of His holiness and sovereignty. Meanwhile, the hostile brothers claim to be seeking God’s glory, but their real motives are exposed by the prophet’s stern warning that they “will be put to shame.” Their arrogant posture echoes situations elsewhere in Scripture, where proud hearts pretend to honor God but in fact scorn His true followers (Matthew 5:10-12).
Although no specific city is named here, Isaiah himself lived during a crucial era for the people of Judah, warning them about impending judgment and eventual redemption. As the verse unfolds, it reassures the faithful that God sees every slight and will ultimately uphold the cause of those who honor Him. This anticipates the broader biblical theme that suffering for righteousness leads to blessing (1 Peter 3:14). Ultimately, Isaiah’s words remind us that God vindicates those who stand firm in obedience, even when their closest kin oppose them.