King James Version

What Does Isaiah 48:2 Mean?

Isaiah 48:2 in the King James Version says “For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Isaiah 48:2 · KJV

Context

1

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.

2

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

3

I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.

4

Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; obstinate: Heb. hard

Read Isaiah 48 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel. Isaiah exposes Israel's presumption - claiming covenant privilege without covenant obedience. The verb qara (call themselves) indicates self-designation; Israel appropriates the title "holy city" without pursuing holiness. Similarly, samach (stay, lean upon) suggests confidence in God's protection while ignoring His commandments. This is covenant nominalism - maintaining the forms while abandoning the substance.

The phrase "The LORD of hosts is his name" should ground genuine worship and obedience, yet Israel uses God's title as magical insurance rather than moral imperative. God's covenant name YHWH Tzeva'ot (LORD of hosts) emphasizes His sovereign power over all creation - which should inspire reverent obedience, not presumptuous security. Israel assumes that possessing correct theology about God substitutes for relationship with God.

From a Reformed perspective, this verse condemns dead orthodoxy - affirming truth about God while living in practical atheism. Many claim Christ's name, attend church, and affirm sound doctrine yet remain unconverted. Jesus confronted similar hypocrisy: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom" (Matthew 7:21). True faith produces obedience; profession without transformation reveals false assurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This rebuke addresses Judah during the Babylonian exile (586-538 BC). Despite Jerusalem's destruction and temple desecration - divine judgment for covenant violation - the exiles still presumed upon God's protection based on ancestry and election. They "called themselves of the holy city" even while that city lay in ruins. This misunderstanding of unconditional election (God's choice of Israel) as unconditional preservation (immunity from judgment) persists among covenant communities who assume external identification guarantees divine favor.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways might you be 'calling yourself' by Christian identity while failing to 'stay upon' God through genuine trust and obedience?
  2. How does presuming upon God's grace without pursuing holiness parallel Israel's error of claiming covenant privilege without covenant faithfulness?
  3. What evidence in your life demonstrates that your profession of faith is genuine rather than merely nominal?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּֽי1 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵעִ֤יר2 of 11

“city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙3 of 11

“themselves of the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

נִקְרָ֔אוּ4 of 11

“For they call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְעַל5 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֱלֹהֵ֥י6 of 11

“themselves upon the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל7 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נִסְמָ֑כוּ8 of 11

“and stay”

H5564

to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 11

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֖וֹת10 of 11

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁמֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“is his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 48:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 48:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 3:11Isaiah 10:20Isaiah 52:1Romans 2:17Jeremiah 21:2Matthew 27:53

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