Isaiah 66:2 - For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: “but to this man will I look, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 66:2

What does "Isaiah 66:2" mean?


This verse from Isaiah 66:2 carries a powerful message about God's sovereignty, his humility, and the kind of person he values. Let's break it down:

"For my hand has made all these things, and so all these things came to be,” says Yahweh: This emphasizes God's absolute power and creative authority. He is the creator of the entire universe. There is nothing that exists that He did not bring into being. This sets up a contrast. God, who is all-powerful, chooses to focus on something specific.

"but to this man will I look...": Despite his supreme power and creation of everything, God chooses to pay special attention to a particular type of person. The phrase "will I look" suggests more than just seeing; it implies favor, attention, and a willingness to engage and help.

"...even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.": This describes the characteristics of the person God favors:

"poor": This can be interpreted in two ways:
Materially Poor: It could refer to someone who lacks material wealth and status.
Spiritually Poor: More likely, it means someone who recognizes their own spiritual poverty, their dependence on God, and their lack of inherent righteousness. They understand their need for God's grace.
"contrite spirit": This means a heart that is broken and repentant over sin. It's a state of genuine sorrow and humility before God, acknowledging one's failings and seeking forgiveness.
"trembles at my word": This signifies a deep reverence and respect for God's word. It's not just hearing or reading the word, but taking it seriously, understanding its authority, and striving to obey it. It shows a sensitivity to God's will and a fear of disobeying Him. "Trembling" reflects a serious attitude, acknowledging the weight and importance of God's commands.

In summary, the verse is saying:

God, the all-powerful creator of everything, chooses to focus his attention and favor not on the powerful, wealthy, or arrogant, but on those who are:

Humble and aware of their own spiritual need.
Repentant and sorrowful for their sins.
Reverent and obedient to God's word.

Key themes:

God's Humility: Despite his immense power, God is drawn to the humble.
The Importance of Inner Character: God values inner qualities (humility, repentance, reverence) over outward appearances or achievements.
Spiritual Poverty: Recognizing one's need for God is a prerequisite for receiving his grace.
Obedience: True faith is demonstrated by a willingness to obey God's commands.

This verse is often interpreted as a corrective to the idea that God is impressed by outward displays of religiosity or material wealth. Instead, he seeks a genuine, humble, and obedient heart.