The Holy One of Israel
December 12, 2024 | by: Dale Thiele | 0 Comments
Posted in: Pastoral Encouragement
God is addressed by many different names throughout the Bible. Each name highlights a different aspect of God’s character or work. A name almost entirely unique in the prophet Isaiah is “the Holy One of Israel,” or, simply, “the Holy One.” We first hear this name in the prophet’s opening accusation against Israel: “They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged” (1:4). The significance of the name does not come out in this verse; therefore, the weight of the charge is not fully felt.
The significance of the name “The Holy One of Israel” is clearly spelled out in what has been called the Book of the Servant. This Book encompasses chapters 40-55 of Isaiah, where we read the four servant songs. These passages exult the work of the faithful Servant of the Lord, who ultimately is Jesus. For example, Isaiah 42 calls us to “Behold my servant…a bruised reed he will not break.” And the best known servant song is found in 52:13-53:12, where we hear, “Behold, my servant shall act wisely…upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (52:13, 53:5).
In the Book of the Servant (Isaiah 40-55), we find nearly half of all of Isaiah’s use of the name “the Holy One” (14 of 31 uses in the whole prophet). What is the connection between the name “the Holy One” and the work of the Servant of the Lord? What is the significance of this name?
We should start seeking to understand the word “Holy.” As an adjective, we often think of one who is without sin, or one who is righteous. This is partly truly. Certainly, God is righteous and never sins. The word “holy,” however, emphasizes the uniqueness, or separation, of God. He is set apart, and wholly other, from humans in their creatureliness, impurity, and sin. When Isaiah uses the name “the Holy One,” the uniqueness of God is being emphasized. There is none like him.
In the Book of the Servant, we first hear this name in 40:25, “To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.” The power and wisdom of God have been exalted in this chapter, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of God. No one is as strong as God, to whom “the nations are like a drop from a bucket” (40:15). And no one is as wise as God, who has learned from no one (40:14).
As Isaiah explores the uniqueness of God as “the Holy One of Israel,” he unpacks God’s intentions and plans to redeem his people. In 43:1-3 he says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you… For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” And again in 43:14 this connection is reinforced, “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel…” (see also 47:4; 48:17; 54:5). God’s plan for the redemption of his people centers on his Servant suffering in their stead for their iniquity (see 53:4-6).
Isaiah connects the uniqueness of God, using the name “the Holy One,” with the redeeming work of the Servant, to magnify the surety of our redemption. Nothing and no one can thwart God and his plan for redemption (cf. 55:11). Therefore, the command of 43:1 carries a special significance: “Fear not.” With God, the Holy One, working for us, who or what can be against us? Why do we fear what people can do unto us? Why do we fear the shame and guilt that accompanies our own sin and failures? Why do we fear the unknown and what may come? Our fears only grow and have power because we hold people and things, and even our own sin, to be greater than God. This is what Israel was guilty of. When Isaiah accuses them of “despising the Holy One of Israel” in 1:4, he is saying they live in fear.
We need, we must, behold the Holy One of Israel! For he is greater than all! And he has redeemed us and called us by name. We are his! Fear not, for he is with you!
