For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.

ISAIAH 48:2KJV
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Isaiah 48:2 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 48:2 mean?

Isaiah 48:2 describes people who claim to belong to Jerusalem, the "holy city," and say they rely on the God of Israel, whose name is the LORD of hosts. The verse points out that these people identify themselves with God's city and His name, but the context suggests their loyalty may only be outward.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Israel, specifically those living in or connected to Jerusalem. He highlights how they call themselves by the city's name and claim to trust in God, but the surrounding passage questions the sincerity of their faith. The verse sets up a contrast between what the people say about themselves and what their actions reveal.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 48:2

  • "call" (קָרָא, qara): This word means to name or proclaim. Here, it shows that the people are publicly identifying themselves with Jerusalem, but it does not guarantee genuine belonging.
  • "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." Calling Jerusalem the "holy city" emphasizes its special status, which the people claim for themselves.
  • "stay" (סָמַךְ, samakh): This word means to lean on or rely upon. The verse says the people "stay themselves upon the God of Israel," suggesting they claim to depend on God, though the context implies this reliance may not be heartfelt.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "hosts" (צָבָא, tsava): "LORD of hosts" is a title for God that highlights His authority over all heavenly armies. Using this full title underlines the greatness of the God they claim to trust.

Why Isaiah 48:2 matters

  • Isaiah 48:2 warns against empty religious identity—claiming to belong to God or His people without true faith or obedience.
  • The verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where God challenges the sincerity of Israel's devotion and reminds them of His true power and authority.
  • It helps readers see the difference between outward association with faith and genuine trust in God, a theme that runs throughout Isaiah and the rest of the Bible.