Isaiah 51:7

Isaiah 51:7 delivers a powerful message of encouragement and steadfastness to God's faithful people. In this verse, the Lord directly addresses those who genuinely know and embody His righteousness, urging them not to be swayed or intimidated by human scorn or criticism.

Context

This verse is situated within the "Book of Comfort" in Isaiah (chapters 40-66), a section primarily focused on offering hope and assurance to Israel, especially during or in anticipation of their Babylonian exile. After calling His people to remember His mighty acts of creation and redemption, and to look to Abraham and Sarah as examples of how God can bring forth a great nation from humble beginnings, God speaks to the faithful remnant. The surrounding verses (Isaiah 51:4-8) emphasize God's eternal salvation and righteousness, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of human opposition and the perishable world. The "reproach of men" refers to the scorn, mockery, or persecution that those who follow God might face from an unbelieving or hostile world.

Key Themes

• Inner Righteousness: The audience is specifically identified as "ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law." This highlights that God's concern is not merely outward adherence to rules, but a deep, internalized commitment to His will and character. This inner transformation provides the foundation for courage.
• Courage in the Face of Opposition: The core command is "fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." This is a direct call to overcome the fear of man, which can often lead to compromise or silence in one's faith. God's people are to remain unbowed by insults or contempt.
• God's Sovereignty and Eternal Salvation: Underlying this command is the assurance that God's plan and salvation are eternal, while human opposition is temporary and ultimately futile. The true judgment and lasting reality come from God, not from human opinion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used for "reproach" (cherpah) and "revilings" (gidduphim) both convey strong senses of disgrace, shame, and scornful insults. Cherpah often refers to a taunt or a cause for humiliation, while gidduphim can imply blasphemous or contemptuous words, emphasizing the severity of the verbal attacks the faithful might endure. The phrase "in whose heart is my law" (בְּלִבָּם תּוֹרָתִי - b'libam torati) signifies an inward, abiding commitment, where God's instruction (Torah) is not just known intellectually but embraced profoundly as a guiding principle of life.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 51:7 remains profoundly relevant. We are often called to stand for biblical truth in a world that may mock or revile such convictions. This verse encourages us to:

• Prioritize God's Approval: Our ultimate concern should be pleasing God and living according to His Word, rather than seeking the approval of others.
• Cultivate Inner Strength: The ability to withstand criticism comes from a deep, personal knowledge of God's righteousness and His law written on our hearts.
• Stand Firm in Faith: When faced with ridicule or opposition for our beliefs, we are reminded that God's eternal salvation is far greater than any temporary human scorn. We can find strength in His unchanging character and promises, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from Him.