Isaiah 5:16

But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

But the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} shall be exalted {H1361} in judgment {H4941}, and God {H410} that is holy {H6918} shall be sanctified {H6942} in righteousness {H6666}.

But ADONAI-Tzva'ot is exalted through justice, God the Holy One is consecrated through righteousness.

But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.

but Jehovah of hosts is exalted in justice, and God the Holy One is sanctified in righteousness.

Isaiah 5:16 is a powerful declaration of God's unassailable character and ultimate authority, serving as a concluding statement to a series of "woes" pronounced against the moral and spiritual decay of Judah and Jerusalem. It underscores that despite human rebellion, God's nature remains supreme and will be perfectly revealed.

Context

This verse follows a vivid passage (Isaiah 5:8-25) where the prophet Isaiah delivers six "woes" or condemnations against the people of Israel for their various sins: greed, drunkenness, rebellion against God, moral perversion (calling evil good and good evil), arrogance, and injustice. The preceding verses paint a picture of societal collapse and spiritual blindness. In this context, verse 16 stands as a stark contrast, shifting focus from human depravity to divine perfection. It asserts that even amidst widespread unrighteousness, God's glory will not be diminished; rather, it will be magnified through His just actions.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Authority: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power, His command over all creation, and His ultimate control over human history. It reminds us that His plans will prevail regardless of human actions.
  • God's Unwavering Justice: The phrase "shall be exalted in judgment" signifies that God's decisions and actions will perfectly demonstrate His righteousness and be recognized as such. His judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary outflow of His holy character, ensuring that justice is ultimately served.
  • Intrinsic Holiness of God: "God that is holy" highlights a core attribute of the Almighty. God's holiness means He is utterly pure, separate from all sin and corruption. This purity necessitates His response to unrighteousness.
  • Righteousness Revealed Through Action: "Shall be sanctified in righteousness" means God's holiness will be made evident and honored through His just and righteous deeds. His actions, particularly in bringing judgment upon sin, will confirm His perfect moral standard and His absolute distinction from human sinfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "LORD of hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful title, often translated as "Lord of armies" or "Lord of heavenly armies." It signifies God's omnipotence and His dominion over all forces, both natural and supernatural. The word "exalted" (נָגַהּ, nagah) implies being lifted up, glorified, or made brilliant, suggesting that God's justice will shine forth clearly. "Sanctified" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to be set apart as holy, to be consecrated, or to be acknowledged as holy. Here, it indicates that God's holiness will be vindicated and made manifest through His righteous dealings with humanity.

Practical Application

Isaiah 5:16 offers both a warning and a comfort. For those who disregard God's laws, it serves as a solemn reminder that His judgment is inevitable and His character will be vindicated. No sin goes unnoticed or unaddressed by a holy God. For believers, it provides immense comfort, knowing that the God who rules the universe is perfectly just and holy. This verse assures us that ultimately, righteousness will prevail, and all wrongs will be made right in God's perfect timing. It encourages us to live lives that reflect His holiness and to trust in His righteous judgments, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust. It calls us to recognize God's supreme authority and to align our lives with His perfect standards, knowing that His character will always be glorified.

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.

  • Psalms 46:10

    Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

  • Isaiah 12:4

    ¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:11

    Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

  • 1 Peter 2:15

    For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

  • Ezekiel 36:23

    And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 8:13

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

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