Isaiah 29:23

But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

But when he seeth {H7200} his children {H3206}, the work {H4639} of mine hands {H3027}, in the midst {H7130} of him, they shall sanctify {H6942} my name {H8034}, and sanctify {H6942} the Holy One {H6918} of Jacob {H3290}, and shall fear {H6206} the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}.

When his descendants see the work of my hands among them, they will consecrate my name. Yes, they will consecrate the Holy one of Ya'akov and stand in awe of the God of Isra'el.

For when he sees his children around him, the work of My hands, they will honor My name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and they will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name; yea, they shall sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Isaiah 29:23 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Isaiah's message, shifting from pronouncements of judgment to a glorious promise of future restoration and spiritual transformation for Israel. This verse paints a picture of a time when the descendants of Jacob, once spiritually blind and rebellious, will fully acknowledge and honor their God.

Context

The preceding verses of Isaiah 29 describe a dire state for Judah and Jerusalem, characterized by spiritual dullness, hypocrisy, and a reliance on human wisdom rather than divine truth. God laments their "deep sleep" (Isaiah 29:10) and their worship that is mere lip service (Isaiah 29:13). However, amidst these warnings, Isaiah begins to prophesy a dramatic reversal. Verses 17-24 speak of a future day when the deaf will hear, the blind will see (Isaiah 29:18), and the humble will rejoice. Verse 23 specifically focuses on the profound spiritual awakening and renewal that will occur among God's people, the children of Jacob.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ownership and Workmanship: The phrase "the work of mine hands" underscores God's sovereign creation and continuous care for His people, Israel. It reminds us that humanity, and specifically His chosen nation, is meticulously fashioned and sustained by Him.
  • Spiritual Transformation: The verse anticipates a profound change in the hearts and minds of Israel. From a state of spiritual apathy and rebellion, they will be transformed to genuinely "sanctify" and "fear" God. This transformation is not self-initiated but a result of God's redemptive work.
  • Sanctification of God's Name: To "sanctify my name" means to treat God's character, authority, and very being as holy, to set Him apart as supremely worthy of honor and reverence. It implies living in a way that brings glory to His name, in contrast to their earlier desecration of it. This is a core aspect of true worship.
  • Reverence for the Holy One: "Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel" are parallel expressions emphasizing deep awe and respect for God's holiness and power. This "fear" is not terror, but a profound, reverential awe that leads to obedience and humble submission.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sanctify" is qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning to set apart, to make holy, or to treat as sacred. In this context, it signifies acknowledging God's inherent holiness and responding with appropriate reverence and worship. It's about recognizing His unique status and living in a way that reflects that recognition.

The word for "fear" is yare (יָרֵא). While it can mean dread, here, especially in conjunction with "sanctify," it conveys a sense of profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty and power. This is the "fear of the Lord" often spoken of in wisdom literature as the beginning of knowledge and true understanding (Proverbs 9:10).

Practical Application

Isaiah 29:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Transforming Power: Just as God promised to transform a rebellious Israel, He has the power to bring about spiritual awakening and change in individuals and communities today. No spiritual condition is beyond His redemptive reach.
  • Call to Genuine Worship: We are called to "sanctify" God's name in our lives, meaning to live in a way that honors His holiness and reflects His character to the world. This involves more than outward rituals; it requires an inward reverence and obedience.
  • Reverential Awe: Cultivating a healthy "fear of the Lord" means living with a deep awareness of God's sovereignty, power, and holiness. This awe inspires trust, obedience, and a desire to please Him, leading to a richer spiritual life.
  • Hope for the Future: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite periods of spiritual decline, God's ultimate plan is to restore His people to a place of true worship and relationship with Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

  • Isaiah 19:25

    Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

  • Isaiah 8:13

    Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and [let] him [be] your fear, and [let] him [be] your dread.

  • Isaiah 45:11

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

  • Isaiah 49:20

    The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, The place [is] too strait for me: give place to me that I may dwell.

  • Isaiah 49:26

    And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD [am] thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

  • Isaiah 60:21

    Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back