Isaiah 66:2
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. The Hebrew word for "hand" (יָד, yad) often symbolizes power and authority. In the context of creation, it underscores that everything in the universe is a product of God's intentional design. This echoes Genesis 1, where God speaks the world into existence, affirming His role as the ultimate Creator. Historically, this would remind the Israelites of their unique relationship with God, who not only formed the world but also chose them as His people. It calls believers to recognize God's omnipotence and to respond with humility and reverence.

and so they came into being
The phrase "came into being" reflects the Hebrew verb הָיָה (hayah), which means "to become" or "to exist." This verb is foundational in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in the creation narrative of Genesis. It signifies the transition from non-existence to existence, highlighting God's ability to bring forth life and matter from nothingness. This creative act is not just a past event but a continuous reality, as God sustains all things. For the believer, it is a reminder of God's ongoing involvement in the world and in their personal lives, encouraging trust in His providential care.

declares the LORD
The use of "declares" (נְאֻם, ne'um) is a prophetic term that conveys authority and certainty. It is often used in the context of divine revelation, indicating that what follows is a direct message from God. The name "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. This declaration is not merely informative but demands a response from the hearer. It calls for acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and a commitment to live in accordance with His will.

This is the one I will esteem
The word "esteem" (נָבַט, nabat) means to regard with favor or to look upon with approval. In a world where human achievements often dictate worth, this divine perspective shifts the focus to what God values. The historical context of Israel, with its emphasis on external religious practices, contrasts with God's desire for genuine devotion. This esteem is not based on status or accomplishments but on the heart's posture towards God. It challenges believers to seek God's approval above all, aligning their lives with His values and purposes.

he who is humble and contrite in spirit
The terms "humble" (עָנָו, anav) and "contrite" (נְכֵה, nakeh) describe an attitude of lowliness and repentance. "Humble" refers to a modest view of oneself, recognizing one's dependence on God. "Contrite" implies a brokenness over sin and a sincere desire for forgiveness. In the biblical narrative, these qualities are exemplified by figures like King David, who, despite his failures, sought God's mercy with a repentant heart. This phrase calls believers to cultivate a spirit of humility and repentance, acknowledging their need for God's grace and aligning themselves with His righteousness.

and who trembles at My word
To "tremble" (חָרֵד, chared) at God's word signifies a deep reverence and awe for His commands. It reflects an understanding of the weight and authority of Scripture, leading to obedience and worship. Historically, this reverence was central to Israel's identity, as they were entrusted with God's law. For contemporary believers, it underscores the importance of Scripture as the foundation for faith and practice. This trembling is not fear in a negative sense but a profound respect that compels one to live in accordance with God's revealed truth, fostering a life of holiness and devotion.

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 Creation
Recognize 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 51
David'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.
God's Look Towards the HumbleS. Davies, M. A.Isaiah 66:2
God's Regard for the HumbleH. Davis.Isaiah 66:2
Humility Essential to Success in PrayerFree Methodist.Isaiah 66:2
Poor and Contrite Spirits the Objects of Divine FavourS. Davies, M. A.Isaiah 66:2
Religious Affections Attended with HumilityHomiletic ReviewIsaiah 66:2
The Contrite HeartJ. M. Sherwood, D. D.Isaiah 66:2
The Humility of GodlinessSunday School ChronicleIsaiah 66:2
Trembling At God's WordIbid.Isaiah 66:2
Trembling At God's WordA. J. Parry.Isaiah 66:2
Trembling At the Word of the LordIsaiah 66:2
A Transcendent Existence and a Transcendent DoctrineHomilistIsaiah 66:1-2
God's Elevation and CondescensionI. S. Spencer, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
God's Greater GloryA. J. Parry.Isaiah 66:1-2
Living Temples for the Living GodIsaiah 66:1-2
Temple BuildingF. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
The Eternal Blessedness of the True IsraelProf. J. Skinner, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
The Greatness and Condescension of GodIsaiah 66:1-2
The Inward and Spiritual Preferred by God to the Outward and MaterialProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
The Inwardness of ReligionThe ThinkerIsaiah 66:1-2
The Magnificence of GodI. S. Spencer, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
The Offerings of the Impenitent Offensive to GodF. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 66:1-2
The Place of God's RestE. Johnson Isaiah 66:1, 2
What God Does Not, and What He Does, RegardA. Roberts, M. A.Isaiah 66:1-2
Worship and RitualAllan Rees.Isaiah 66:1-2
People
Isaiah, Israelites, Javan, Levites, Lud, Lydians, Meshech, Pul, Rosh, Tarshish, Tubal
Places
Javan, Jerusalem, Lud, Pul, Tarshish, Tubal, Zion
Topics
Affirmation, Afflicted, Attention, Attentively, Broken, Bruised, Contrite, Declares, Esteem, Fearing, Humble, Poor, Says, Spirit, Thus, Trembles, Trembleth, Trembling
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 66:2

     1265   hand of God
     1325   God, the Creator
     5063   spirit, nature of
     5450   poverty, spiritual
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     6733   repentance, nature of
     8149   revival, nature of
     8305   meekness
     8334   reverence, and God's nature

Isaiah 66:1-2

     4006   creation, origin
     5340   house
     5801   brokenness

Isaiah 66:2-3

     7435   sacrifice, in OT

Isaiah 66:2-4

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Library
A New Order of Priests and Levites
Think 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
I. It is clear from the text, "As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children," that THERE MUST BE THE TRAVAIL before there will be the spiritual birth. Let me first establish this fact from history. Before there has fallen a great benediction upon God's people, it has been preceded by great searchings of heart. Israel was so oppressed in Egypt, that it would have been very easy, and almost a natural thing, for the people to become so utterly crushed in spirit as to submit to be hereditary
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"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. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6, 7.--"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." Not only are the direct breaches of the command uncleanness, and men originally and actually unclean, but even our holy actions, our commanded duties. Take a man's civility, religion, and all his universal inherent righteousness,--all are filthy rags. And here the church confesseth nothing but what God accuseth her of, Isa. lxvi. 8, and chap. i. ver.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And what Members of the Holy Body, which is the Church...
40. And what members of the holy body, which is the Church, ought more to take care, that upon them the holy Spirit may rest, than such as profess virginal holiness? But how doth He rest, where He findeth not His own place? what else than an humbled heart, to fill, not to leap back from; to raise up, not to weigh down? whereas it hath been most plainly said, "On whom shall rest My Spirit? On him that is humble and quiet, and trembles at My words." [2157] Already thou livest righteously, already thou
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Universal Church. --Isa. Lxvi. 12, 23
The universal Church.--Isa. lxvi. 12, 23. Thus saith the Lord, "My Church, to thee Peace, like a river, I will send; The Gentiles, in a stream, shall see My mercy flowing without end. The isles, that never heard my fame, Nor knew the glory of my might, They shall be taught to fear my name, Call'd out of darkness into light. And it shall come to pass, that vows From sabbath unto sabbath-day, From moon to moon, in mine own house, All nations, tribes, and tongues shall pay."
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
It was a beautiful saying of Rabbi Jochanan (Jer. Ber. v. 1), that he who prays in his house surrounds and fortifies it, so to speak, with a wall of iron. Nevertheless, it seems immediately contradicted by what follows. For it is explained that this only holds good where a man is alone, but that where there is a community prayer should be offered in the synagogue. We can readily understand how, after the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of its symbolical worship, the excessive value attached
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Peace
Grace unto you and peace be multiplied. I Pet 1:1. Having spoken of the first fruit of sanctification, assurance, I proceed to the second, viz., Peace, Peace be multiplied:' What are the several species or kinds of Peace? Peace, in Scripture, is compared to a river which parts itself into two silver streams. Isa 66:12. I. There is an external peace, and that is, (1.) (Economical, or peace in a family. (2.) Political, or peace in the state. Peace is the nurse of plenty. He maketh peace in thy borders,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
52. Here some one will say, This is now not to write of virginity, but of humility. As though truly it were any kind of virginity, and not that which is after God, which we had undertaken to set forth. And this good, by how much I see it to be great, by so much I fear for it, lest it be lost, the thief pride. Therefore there is none that guardeth the virginal good, save God Himself Who gave it: and God is Charity. [2211] The Guardian therefore of virginity is Charity: but the place of this Guardian
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

In the Dungeon of Giant Discourager
IN THE DUNGEON OF GIANT DISCOURAGER I feel very discouraged at times, and sometimes the spells of discouragement hang on for a long while. I wonder if I am sanctified. From unaccountable sources, bad feelings of every description depress my soul, and along with these bad feelings come doubts that cast gloom over me. I have prayed and prayed that these feelings of discouragement might leave me; but they have not done so. I despair of prayer bringing me the help I need. Really, I know not what to do.
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is to be Worshipped.
John iv. 24.--"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." There are two common notions engraven on the hearts of all men by nature,--that God is, and that he must be worshipped, and these two live and die together, they are clear, or blotted together. According as the apprehension of God is clear, and distinct, and more deeply engraven on the soul, so is this notion of man's duty of worshipping God clear and imprinted on the soul, and whenever the actions
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Bunyan's Last Sermon --Preached July 1688.
"Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God;" John i. 13. The words have a dependence on what goes before, and therefore I must direct you to them for the right understanding of it. You have it thus,--"He came to his own, but his own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on his name; which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of God." In
by John Bunyan—Miscellaneous Pieces

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
Rom. viii. 8.--"So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is a kind of happiness to men, to please them upon whom they depend, and upon whose favour their well-being hangs. It is the servant's happiness to please his master, the courtier's to please his prince; and so generally, whosoever they be that are joined in mutual relations, and depend one upon another; that which makes all pleasant, is this, to please one another. Now, certainly, all the dependencies of creatures one upon
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
Psalm lxxiii. 24-28.--"Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, &c. Whom have I in heaven but thee? &c. It is good for me to draw near to God."--1 John i. 3. "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."--John xvii. 21-23. "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, &c." It is a matter of great consolation that God's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

False Ambition Versus Childlikeness.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XVIII. 1-14; ^B Mark IX. 33-50; ^C Luke IX. 46-50. ^c 46 And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was the greatest. ^b 33 And he came to Capernaum: ^c 47 But when Jesus saw the reasoning of their heart, ^b and when he was in the house [probably Simon Peter's house] he asked them, What were ye reasoning on the way? 34 But they held their peace: for they had disputed one with another on the way, who was the greatest. [The Lord with his disciples was
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Great Teacher
Teaching was the great business of the life of Christ during the days of his public ministry. He was sent to teach and to preach. The speaker in the book of Job was thinking of this Great Teacher when he asked--"Who teacheth like him?" Job xxxvi: 22. And it was he who was in the Psalmist's mind when he spoke of the "good, and upright Lord" who would teach sinners, if they were meek, how to walk in his ways. Ps. xxv: 8-9. And he is the Redeemer, of whom the prophet Isaiah was telling when he said--He
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements.
There is another evil and distemper which believers are subject to, and that is a case of fainting through manifold discouragements, which make them so heartless that they can do nothing; yea, and to sit up, as if they were dead. The question then is, how such a soul shall make use of Christ as in the end it may be freed from that fit of fainting, and win over those discouragements: for satisfaction to which we shall, 1. Name some of those discouragements which occasion this. 2. Show what Christ
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

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