Isaiah 48:2

KJV

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they call {H7121} themselves of the holy {H6944} city {H5892}, and stay {H5564} themselves upon the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} is his name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that they call themselves people of the holy city or rely on the God of Isra'el - ADONAI-Tzva'ot is his name:

Berean Standard Bible

who indeed call yourselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel; the LORD of Hosts is His name.

American Standard Version

(for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; Jehovah of hosts is his name):

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:2 delivers a sharp indictment of the people of Israel, particularly those dwelling in Jerusalem, exposing the profound chasm between their outward religious declarations and their internal spiritual reality. While they proudly identify with the sacred city and claim reliance on the God of Israel, their actions reveal a superficial faith devoid of genuine obedience. The verse powerfully contrasts their nominal allegiance with the unchanging, sovereign character of God, whose very name, "The LORD of hosts," underscores His omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of His people's hypocrisy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Isaiah's "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), yet it serves as a crucial prelude to the promises of restoration. Chapters 40-48 primarily address Israel's current state of captivity and sin, emphasizing God's unique power and foreknowledge in contrast to the impotence of idols. Specifically, Isaiah 48 functions as a stern rebuke, reminding Israel of their historical stubbornness and unfaithfulness, which necessitated the very judgments they were enduring. Before God offers the profound comfort and deliverance detailed in subsequent chapters, He first confronts their spiritual blindness and hypocrisy, asserting His sovereignty and the certainty of His word, regardless of their unworthiness. This verse, therefore, sets the stage by highlighting the very problem God intends to overcome through His redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Isaiah 48 is addressed to a people either in, or facing, the Babylonian exile (cf. [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")). Jerusalem, the "holy city," had been destroyed, and the people were scattered. Culturally, the Israelites had a strong sense of identity tied to their covenant with Yahweh and their unique status as His chosen people, residing in His chosen city. However, this identity often became a source of presumption rather than humble obedience. They relied on their external markers of faith—their lineage, their temple, their city—without the corresponding internal transformation. The title "God of Israel" was a powerful identifier of their unique covenant relationship, yet their actions often betrayed the very God they claimed. The mention of "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was a common divine title, particularly in times of war or national crisis, emphasizing God's supreme power and control over all creation, including armies, both heavenly and earthly.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 48:2 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights the theme of **Nominalism vs. True Faith**. The people's self-designation as belonging to the "holy city" and their "staying themselves upon the God of Israel" reveals a superficial, external adherence to faith without genuine internal commitment. This echoes the broader prophetic critique of ritualism without righteousness, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Empty Ritualism") and [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Worship"). Second, the verse underscores **God's Unchanging Character and Sovereignty**. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's name, "The LORD of hosts," remains steadfast, emphasizing His absolute power and control, and His commitment to His own glory and purposes, independent of human merit. This theme is central to Isaiah's message of hope, as God's faithfulness is the ultimate basis for Israel's future restoration (cf. [Isaiah 43:1-7](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-7 - God's Unfailing Love and Redemption")). Lastly, it touches on the **Significance and Misuse of Divine Privilege**. Being associated with the "holy city" and the "God of Israel" was an immense privilege, yet the verse reveals that such external markers become a source of false security when divorced from a living, obedient relationship with God. This serves as a warning against relying on heritage or religious affiliation alone, a theme also found in [John 8:39-44](/john/8-39 "John 8:39-44 - True Children of Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, meaning "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim." In this context, it signifies their self-designation or claim of identity. They *proclaim* themselves to be of the holy city, indicating a public assertion that may or may not align with internal reality.
* **stay (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** From H5564, meaning "to prop," "lean upon," or "sustain." While it can denote trust or reliance, here it carries a nuance of a superficial or presumptuous dependence. They lean on God's name or their covenant status, but without the full weight of obedient faith.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** Composed of H3068 (Yᵉhôvâh, the self-existent, eternal God) and H6635 (tsâbâʼ, a mass of persons, an army, host). This powerful divine title, Yahweh Sabaoth, emphasizes God's supreme authority and omnipotence as the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies. It highlights His absolute sovereignty and power to execute His will, whether in judgment or deliverance, contrasting sharply with the limited, self-serving reliance of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they call themselves of the holy city":** This clause reveals the people's self-perception and public declaration. They identify with Jerusalem, the city consecrated by God's presence, implying a claim to holiness by association. However, the use of "call themselves" suggests a superficial or even presumptuous appropriation of this identity, rather than an identity rooted in genuine spiritual transformation or adherence to the city's holy purpose.
* **"and stay themselves upon the God of Israel":** This phrase further elaborates on their professed reliance. They "lean upon" or "support themselves" with the name of the God who uniquely covenanted with Israel. While leaning on God is generally positive, in this context, it implies a false security derived from their covenant status or God's historical acts, without a corresponding commitment to His commands or a true, humble dependence on His character. It suggests a reliance on the *idea* of God rather than a living relationship with Him.
* **"The LORD of hosts is his name":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful counterpoint and divine assertion. It reclaims God's true identity and authority, contrasting it with the people's shallow understanding and misuse of His name. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, His control over all creation, and His power to accomplish His purposes. This statement reminds the people that while they may presume upon His name, His true character is one of unwavering power and faithfulness, which will ultimately prevail, whether in judgment or redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Irony**, as the people's self-proclaimed holiness and reliance on God are presented as hollow and hypocritical. They "call themselves of the holy city" and "stay themselves upon the God of Israel," yet their actions, as the broader context of Isaiah 48 reveals, are far from holy or truly reliant. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the people's superficiality and God's profound, unchanging nature. Their shallow faith is set against the majestic and powerful title, "The LORD of hosts is his name," which underscores God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness, regardless of human failing. This contrast highlights the chasm between human presumption and divine reality. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy** by referring to "the holy city" (Jerusalem) as a stand-in for the people residing within it and their perceived spiritual status. The city's holiness is meant to reflect on its inhabitants, but here it serves to expose their lack thereof.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:2 serves as a timeless theological warning against nominal faith and the danger of presuming upon divine privilege without genuine spiritual commitment. It underscores the biblical principle that true religion is not merely an external affiliation or a claim of identity, but an inward transformation that manifests in obedience and humble reliance on God. The contrast between Israel's superficiality and God's unchanging, powerful name, "The LORD of hosts," highlights His absolute sovereignty and the fact that His covenant faithfulness is rooted in His character, not in human merit. This verse reminds us that God desires truth in the inward being, and that His glory will ultimately be vindicated, even through the discipline of His people.

* [Psalm 51:6](/psalms/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - God Desires Truth in the Inward Parts")
* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Jesus on Lip Service vs. Heart Worship")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:2 is a piercing mirror for believers today, challenging us to honestly examine the authenticity of our faith. Do we merely "call ourselves" Christians, identifying with a church or a set of beliefs, while our hearts and lives remain unchanged? Do we "stay ourselves upon" the name of God, perhaps relying on past experiences, family heritage, or outward religious activities, without a vibrant, active, and obedient relationship with Him? This verse calls us beyond superficiality to a deep, genuine, and transformative trust in the "LORD of hosts." It reminds us that God is not impressed by outward show but desires a heart fully devoted to Him. Our security is not in our religious labels or affiliations, but in the unwavering character and power of the God whose name is Yahweh Sabaoth. True faith is demonstrated by a life that reflects the holiness and character of the God upon whom we claim to lean.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "calling myself" a follower of Christ without truly living out the implications of that identity?**
* **Am I genuinely "staying myself upon" the God of Israel, or am I relying on external religious practices or past spiritual experiences for my security?**
* **How does the title "The LORD of hosts" challenge my understanding of God's power and my own dependence on Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to move from nominal faith to a deeper, more authentic reliance on God?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "call themselves of the holy city"?**
Answer: This phrase refers to the people of Israel, specifically those in Jerusalem, proudly identifying themselves with the city that God had set apart as holy. It implies a claim to a special, consecrated status by virtue of their association with Jerusalem and its temple. However, in this context, it carries a negative connotation, suggesting that their claim was merely external or superficial, lacking the internal holiness and obedience that should accompany such a privileged identity. They were relying on their geographical and religious affiliation rather than on a true relationship with God (cf. [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in the Temple")).

**Why is God's name "The LORD of hosts" emphasized here?**
Answer: The title "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is highly significant. "Yahweh" is God's personal covenant name, signifying His self-existence and faithfulness. "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts," referring to both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies. By emphasizing this name, Isaiah highlights God's supreme power, His absolute sovereignty over all creation, and His ability to command all forces to accomplish His will. In the context of Israel's unfaithfulness, this title serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans and purposes will prevail, not because of Israel's merit, but because of His own inherent power and unwavering character. It underscores that He is fully capable of both judging His people for their sin and delivering them according to His promises (cf. [Psalm 24:10](/psalms/24-10 "Psalm 24:10 - The King of Glory, the Lord of Hosts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:2, with its stark portrayal of Israel's nominal faith and God's unchanging sovereignty, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The superficiality of "calling themselves of the holy city" and "staying themselves upon the God of Israel" without true heart transformation foreshadows the religious hypocrisy Jesus so often confronted among the Pharisees and religious leaders of His day (e.g., [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Jesus Himself is the true "holy city," the new Jerusalem, in whom God's presence truly dwells and through whom genuine access to God is granted, not by physical proximity but by faith (cf. [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of "The LORD of hosts," the sovereign God who commands all things. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, demonstrating God's power not just in judgment but supremely in redemptive love (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His atoning work, He enables a true, Spirit-empowered reliance on God, moving believers beyond mere outward profession to an authentic, inward relationship, fulfilling God's desire for a people who worship Him in spirit and truth (cf. [John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Christ is the answer to Israel's spiritual malady, providing the means for genuine holiness and a steadfast reliance on God's true name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Romans 2:17

¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Isaiah 52:1

¶ Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Isaiah 10:20

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Matthew 27:53

And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Jeremiah 21:2

Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

Nehemiah 11:1

¶ And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.