Isaiah 48:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Isaiah 48:2 (KJV) presents a poignant critique of the people of Israel, specifically those inhabiting Jerusalem, highlighting a significant disconnect between their outward profession of faith and their internal reality.

Context

This verse is situated within Isaiah's prophecy, particularly in the section often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 40-66), which promises future restoration and deliverance from Babylonian exile. However, before offering comfort, God confronts the deep-seated spiritual issues of His people. Isaiah 48 specifically addresses Israel's stubbornness, idolatry, and unfaithfulness, despite having witnessed God's mighty acts and His prophetic declarations. The Lord reminds them that their past sins necessitated the very judgments they faced, setting the stage for His renewed promises based on His character, not theirs.

Key Themes

  • Nominal Faith vs. True Devotion: The verse sharply contrasts Israel's self-identification with their actual spiritual condition. They "call themselves of the holy city" (Jerusalem) and "stay themselves upon the God of Israel," implying a superficial reliance rather than a deep, genuine trust. This is a powerful warning against outward piety without inward transformation.
  • God's Unchanging Character: Despite their hypocrisy, God's identity remains steadfast: "The LORD of hosts is his name." This title, Yahweh Sabaoth, emphasizes His supreme power, His command over all celestial and earthly armies, and His absolute sovereignty. It underscores that His covenant faithfulness is not dependent on their perfection but on His own nature.
  • The Significance of Place and Name: Being associated with the "holy city" or bearing the name "Israel" (God's people) carried immense privilege. However, the verse reveals that such external markers are meaningless without a corresponding internal commitment to the God whose name they invoke.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "call themselves of the holy city" uses the Hebrew 'ir ha-qodesh (עיר הקדש), designating Jerusalem as a special, consecrated place chosen by God. Yet, the emphasis here is on their *claiming* this association rather than living up to its implications. The expression "stay themselves upon" (nish'anu, נִשְׁעָנוּ) suggests leaning or resting upon, which can denote trust. However, in this context, it implies a superficial, unexamined reliance on their covenant relationship without true obedience. The divine title "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth, יהוה צבאות) is profound, signifying God's omnipotence and His role as the commander of heavenly armies, a title often used to emphasize His power and authority, especially in judgment or deliverance.

Significance and Application

Isaiah 48:2 serves as a timeless admonition for believers today. It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. Do we merely claim to be followers of Christ, or do we genuinely lean on Him in obedience and trust? Are we content with outward religious affiliation, or do we pursue a deep, transformative relationship with God? The verse reminds us that God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). It also highlights God's unwavering commitment to His own name and purposes, even when His people falter. His power and faithfulness, as the "LORD of hosts," remain the ultimate foundation for hope and salvation.

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.

  • 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.

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