Trembling at God’s Word

by Doy Moyer

“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. ... Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word” (Isaiah 66:2,5).

Trembling at God’s word here stands in sharp contrast to what Isaiah says between these two statements. He speaks of there being no difference between the one who slaughters an ox and one who slaughters a man, or between one who offers a grain offering and one who offers pig’s blood. Why? Because these here represent those who are not trembling at God’s word but, instead, “These have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations” (Isaiah 66:3). They were doing what was evil in God’s eyes, and they would reap what they sowed.

Sadly, those who were doing evil were, at the same time, saying, “Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy.” This appears to be more of a taunt — Let God come to your defense — similar to those who challenged Jesus while on the cross. While those who openly defy God seek to shame God’s people, the Lord says, “But it is they who shall be put to shame.”

We need to be reminded that real shame is never found in humbly submitting to God (I Peter 4:16), but rather in choosing our own ways over Him. The world may find momentary pleasure in mocking God and His people, but God will deal with that. Judgment does come!

“The sound of an uproar from the city!
A sound from the temple!
The sound of the LORD,
Rendering recompense to His enemies!” (Isaiah 66:7).