Isaiah 5:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:16 serves as a powerful theological anchor amidst a series of divine condemnations against Judah's moral and spiritual decline. It declares God's unwavering character and ultimate authority, asserting that despite human rebellion and societal chaos, the Lord's supreme power and intrinsic holiness will be perfectly revealed and honored through His righteous acts of judgment. This verse underscores the foundational truth that God's nature remains unassailable and will be vindicated in the face of all unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a section (Isaiah 5:8-25) where the prophet Isaiah pronounces six "woes" against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. These woes systematically condemn various societal sins: land accumulation and greed ([Isaiah 5:8-10](/isaiah/5-8-10 "Isaiah 5:8-10 - Woe to the Greedy")), revelry and spiritual blindness ([Isaiah 5:11-12](/isaiah/5-11-12 "Isaiah 5:11-12 - Woe to the Drunkards")), defiance of God's work ([Isaiah 5:18-19](/isaiah/5-18-19 "Isaiah 5:18-19 - Woe to the Scoffers")), moral perversion and intellectual arrogance ([Isaiah 5:20-21](/isaiah/5-20-21 "Isaiah 5:20-21 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")), and judicial corruption ([Isaiah 5:22-23](/isaiah/5-22-23 "Isaiah 5:22-23 - Woe to the Corrupt Judges")). The preceding verse, [Isaiah 5:15](/isaiah/5-15 "Isaiah 5:15 - Humanity Humbled"), describes the humbling of humanity, setting the stage for the exaltation of God. In this grim context of human depravity and impending judgment, [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Exaltation in Judgment") shifts the focus entirely from humanity's failure to God's immutable character, asserting that His glory will not be diminished but rather magnified through His just and holy actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history (c. 740-681 BC), spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was marked by significant social stratification, rampant injustice, and a syncretistic religious environment where the worship of Yahweh was often mingled with pagan practices. The "woes" reflect the specific societal ills prevalent in Jerusalem and Judah: economic exploitation, drunkenness, moral relativism, and a proud self-sufficiency that ignored God. Furthermore, the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, God's chosen instrument of judgment as described in [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - Assyria, God's Instrument of Judgment"), provides a historical backdrop against which God's "judgment" (_mishpat_) would be executed, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and His people.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Exaltation in Judgment") powerfully encapsulates several core themes running through Isaiah's prophecy and the Old Testament as a whole. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, particularly through the title "[the LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts is Holy")" (_Yahweh Sabaoth_), which signifies God's absolute control over all creation, heavenly armies, and human affairs. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Justice**, asserting that His "judgment" (_mishpat_) will inevitably exalt Him, ensuring that His moral order is upheld. This justice is not arbitrary but flows directly from His **Intrinsic Holiness**, a concept central to the prophet's vision in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah 6 - Isaiah's Commission and Vision of God's Holiness"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Vindication of God's Character**, where His holiness is "sanctified in righteousness," meaning His perfect moral standard will be made manifest and honored through His actions, confirming His absolute distinction from human sinfulness and His commitment to justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** This compound title, combining H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_) and H6635 (_tsâbâʼ_), identifies God as the self-Existent, Eternal One who commands a vast "mass of persons" or "army." It signifies His supreme authority, omnipotence, and dominion over all heavenly and earthly forces, emphasizing His capacity to execute His will, whether in battle or in judgment.
* **exalted (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** From H1361, this primitive root means "to soar," "be lofty," or "lift up." In this context, it indicates that the LORD's character and authority will be raised to a position of undeniable prominence and glory through His acts of judgment. It implies a public and undeniable demonstration of His greatness.
* **sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** Derived from H6942, this root means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean," "hallow," or "set apart as holy." Here, it signifies that God's inherent holiness (H6918, _qâdôwsh_) will be made evident, acknowledged, and honored through His righteous dealings. His actions will confirm His purity and absolute moral distinction from sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment":** This clause asserts the ultimate triumph of God's sovereign authority. Despite the widespread sin and moral decay described in the preceding "woes," the divine title "LORD of hosts" (_Yahweh Sabaoth_) underscores His unchallengeable power. His "judgment" (_mishpat_) is not merely punitive but a means by which His inherent greatness and rightful rule are lifted up and made manifest. It suggests that His justice will be seen as righteous and will bring Him glory.
* **"and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, focusing on God's intrinsic character. "God that is holy" (_El Qadosh_) highlights His absolute purity and separation from all sin. This holiness necessitates a response to unrighteousness. When God acts in "righteousness" (_tsᵉdâqâh_)—meaning His perfect moral rectitude and adherence to His own divine standards—His holiness is "sanctified," or made evident and honored. His just actions serve to vindicate His holy nature before all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:16 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness") echoes and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment"). Both clauses convey the same core message: God's character (His sovereignty, holiness, and justice) will be unequivocally glorified through His actions. This repetition adds emphasis and solemnity to the declaration. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Divine Epithets**, specifically "the LORD of hosts" and "God that is holy," which are titles that powerfully convey God's attributes of omnipotence, sovereignty, and absolute moral purity. These titles are not merely descriptive but serve to underscore the unassailable nature of the One who acts in judgment. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the depravity of humanity detailed in the preceding verses and the perfect, unblemished character of God. This contrast highlights the necessity and inevitability of divine intervention to restore moral order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:16 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God, asserting His absolute sovereignty, unblemished holiness, and unwavering commitment to justice. It teaches that God's character is not contingent upon human behavior; rather, His inherent attributes will always be vindicated, even through acts of judgment. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His justice ensures that all wrongs will ultimately be addressed. His exaltation in judgment is not a display of arbitrary power, but the necessary outflow of His perfect righteousness, demonstrating that He is utterly distinct from and superior to all human corruption. This divine self-vindication ensures that His glory is paramount and His moral order is eternally upheld.

* [Psalm 99:5](/psalms/99-5 "Psalm 99:5 - Exalt the Lord Our God")
* [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:16 offers a dual challenge and comfort for all who encounter it. For those who might be tempted to disregard God's moral standards or to live as if their actions have no ultimate consequence, it serves as a solemn and inescapable reminder: the Lord of hosts, the Holy God, will inevitably be exalted and sanctified through His righteous judgment. No sin, no injustice, no act of rebellion will escape His notice or His perfect response. This truth calls us to a profound humility and a sincere repentance, recognizing the gravity of our own sinfulness in the light of His absolute purity. For believers, however, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and moral relativism, knowing that the sovereign God is perfectly just and holy brings peace. It assures us that ultimately, righteousness will prevail, and all wrongs will be made right in God's perfect timing. This truth encourages us to trust in His righteous judgments, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, and to live lives that reflect His holiness, aligning our values and actions with His perfect standards, knowing that His character will always be glorified.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the title "LORD of hosts" impact your understanding of God's power and authority in your life and in the world today?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God being "exalted in judgment" challenge or affirm your view of divine justice?**
* **How does the truth that "God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness" encourage you to pursue personal holiness and righteousness?**
* **Considering the societal sins condemned in Isaiah 5, what contemporary issues might Isaiah 5:16 speak to today, and how should believers respond?**

### FAQ
**What does "LORD of hosts" mean in Isaiah 5:16?**

Answer: The title "**LORD of hosts**" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) signifies God's supreme authority and power. "Yahweh" refers to the self-existent, eternal God, while "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts"—referring to both heavenly armies (angels) and earthly armies, or even the entire cosmos. Therefore, "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His command over all creation and all forces, indicating that He is the ultimate power who will execute His will, including judgment. This title frequently appears in prophetic books, affirming God's ability to intervene decisively in human history, as seen in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts is Holy").

**How is God "exalted in judgment" and "sanctified in righteousness"?**

Answer: God is "exalted in judgment" because His actions of justice, particularly in addressing sin and unrighteousness, demonstrate His supreme authority and moral perfection. When He judges, His character is lifted up and glorified, proving His righteousness to be absolute. He is "sanctified in righteousness" because His inherent holiness (His absolute purity and separation from all evil) is made evident and honored through His righteous deeds. His actions are always consistent with His holy nature, confirming His moral standards and His distinction from human sinfulness. This process ensures that His holiness is not just an abstract quality but is actively revealed and vindicated through His just dealings with humanity, as reflected in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:16, with its declaration of God's exaltation in judgment and sanctification in righteousness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of God's judgment upon Judah's sin, the New Testament reveals that God's righteousness and holiness were supremely vindicated not only through judgment but also through the cross. On the cross, God's justice was perfectly satisfied as Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of divine wrath against sin. This act simultaneously exalted God's justice (He did not overlook sin) and sanctified His holiness (He provided a perfect, holy sacrifice). Through Christ's atoning death and resurrection, God demonstrated His righteousness in justifying those who believe in Jesus, as [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed") powerfully articulates, "to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Furthermore, Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's holiness and righteousness, and He will return as the [righteous Judge](/2_timothy/4-8 "2 Timothy 4:8 - The Crown of Righteousness"), ensuring that all things are ultimately set right and that God's character is eternally glorified, fulfilling the promise of God being "exalted in judgment" for all time.

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

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.