Isa 66:5 | MHM | STEP | Encouragement to the Persecuted; The Enlargement of the Church In this section, the prophet turns from announcing God’s judgment on the hypocrites who reject His word, to encouraging those who truly tremble at God’s word. These true believers are being hated and cast out by their own countrymen, sometimes even under the claim of acting for God’s glory. But God gives them a message of hope and comfort. He promises to defend them, to make their enemies ashamed, and to bring joy and growth to His people. The passage looks ahead to the time when God will establish His church in a powerful and visible way, bringing both judgment and blessing. v. 5 : God speaks to those who tremble at His word, telling them not to fear when their own brothers hate them and push them away. The persecutors claim to act for the Lord’s glory, saying, “Let the Lord be glorified.” But God says He will appear to bring joy to those who are faithful, and their enemies will be put to shame. This verse reminds us that sometimes religious people can persecute true believers, but God sees and will bring justice. Jesus also warned His followers that those who hate them might think they are serving God (John 16:2 ). In the end, God will make a clear difference between those who truly serve Him and those who only pretend .

‏ Isaiah 66:5

Encouragement to the Persecuted; The Enlargement of the Church

In this section, the prophet turns from announcing God’s judgment on the hypocrites who reject His word, to encouraging those who truly tremble at God’s word. These true believers are being hated and cast out by their own countrymen, sometimes even under the claim of acting for God’s glory. But God gives them a message of hope and comfort. He promises to defend them, to make their enemies ashamed, and to bring joy and growth to His people. The passage looks ahead to the time when God will establish His church in a powerful and visible way, bringing both judgment and blessing.

v. 5: God speaks to those who tremble at His word, telling them not to fear when their own brothers hate them and push them away. The persecutors claim to act for the Lord’s glory, saying, “Let the Lord be glorified.” But God says He will appear to bring joy to those who are faithful, and their enemies will be put to shame. This verse reminds us that sometimes religious people can persecute true believers, but God sees and will bring justice. Jesus also warned His followers that those who hate them might think they are serving God (John 16:2 ^a). In the end, God will make a clear difference between those who truly serve Him and those who only pretend .