Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

For all those things hath mine hand {H3027} made {H6213}, and all those things have been, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: but to this man will I look {H5027}, even to him that is poor {H6041} and of a contrite {H5223} spirit {H7307}, and trembleth {H2730} at my word {H1697}.

Didn't I myself make all these things? This is how they all came to be," says ADONAI. "The kind of person on whom I look with favor is one with a poor and humble spirit, who trembles at my word.

Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,โ€ declares the LORD. โ€œThis is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.

For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.

Commentary

Isaiah 66:2 offers a profound insight into God's character and what truly matters to Him. While acknowledging His supreme power as the Creator of all things, the LORD declares His specific favor and attention towards those who possess a humble and repentant heart, coupled with a deep reverence for His word. This verse stands as a powerful statement against superficial religiosity, emphasizing the internal state over external rituals.

Context

This verse concludes the prophetic book of Isaiah, providing a powerful summary of God's ultimate priorities. Chapter 66, in particular, contrasts false worship and self-righteousness with genuine devotion. It follows prophecies concerning the new heavens and new earth and God's judgment upon those who reject Him. The preceding verses criticize those who rely on external religious acts like building temples or offering sacrifices, but whose hearts are far from God. Isaiah 66:2 then clarifies what kind of person God truly values and to whom He will "look," setting the standard for true worship and relationship with the Almighty.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The opening declaration, "For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD," unequivocally asserts God's absolute power as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This sets the stage for His divine prerogative to choose whom He favors.
  • Divine Favor for Humility: Despite His boundless power, God states, "but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit." This highlights God's special attention and preference for those who exhibit spiritual humility. It is not about material poverty, but a recognition of one's spiritual need, a brokenness over sin, and a deep dependence on God's mercy and grace.
  • Reverence for God's Word: The final characteristic, "and trembleth at my word," underscores the profound respect, awe, and obedience God desires. This "trembling" is not a fear of terror, but a holy reverence that leads to careful adherence to divine commands and a serious regard for God's authoritative truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "contrite spirit" translates from the Hebrew necheh-ruach (ื ึฐื›ึตื”ึพืจื•ึผื—ึท), which literally means a "crushed" or "broken" spirit. This signifies a heart humbled by a recognition of sin and dependence on God's mercy, a concept beautifully echoed in Psalm 51:17, where a "broken and a contrite heart" is declared something God will not despise.
  • "Trembleth at my word" comes from the Hebrew chared al-devari (ื—ึธืจึตื“ ืขึทืœึพื“ึฐึผื‘ึธืจึดื™). This term conveys a deep, reverent awe and respect for God's authority and His spoken truth, implying a readiness to obey and a seriousness about divine instruction, rather than a servile fear.

Practical Application

Isaiah 66:2 serves as a timeless reminder that God prioritizes the condition of our hearts over outward religious performance, ritualistic adherence, or material offerings. It challenges believers to cultivate genuine humility, acknowledge their spiritual brokenness before a holy God, and approach His Word with profound reverence and obedience. True worship stems from an inner transformation and a sincere posture of dependence on Him, not merely external acts. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our spiritual attitude aligns with what God truly values, understanding that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 57:15 (43 votes)

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

  • Psalms 34:18 (35 votes)

    The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

  • Psalms 51:17 (34 votes)

    The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

  • Matthew 5:3 (31 votes)

    ยถ Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

  • Matthew 5:4 (31 votes)

    Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:27 (26 votes)

    Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard [thee] also, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:28 (26 votes)

    Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.