Topical Study: Images of God in Isaiah

The word Yahweh (hw"ïhy>) is the most frequent noun in the book of Isaiah (450
times). The word “God” (~yhil{a/) also very often occurs (100 times). It indicates that
God is the most important theological idea in the book. In fact, the book of Isaiah describes
many titles and images for God.

1. Titles for God

A. Yahweh of hosts (tAaêb'c. hw"åhy>)
This divine title occurs sixty-two times, and it describes God as a powerful warrior
who leads His forces into battle. Isaiah begins his first discourse by stressing that God
is a powerful, mighty God who leads His armies (1:9). The prophet especially uses
the divine title in the first third of the book (chaps 1-12 (21 times), chaps 13-23 (24
times)).
The situation of Judah was desperate. Assyria had invaded the land. All cities,
except for Jerusalem, had been stripped. In this context, the divine title seems to be
appropriate to encourage the people again. In spite of a distressed condition, God is
able to deliver His remaining people. In other sense, the divine title could be another
warning against those who do not repent of their sins. In fact, God also uses the
divine title, declaring that He will avenge Himself on those who have done evil
(1:24).

B. LORD Yahweh (hwIhy> yn"Üdoa])

This divine title occurs 22 times. LORD (yn"Üdoa]) means “the sovereign one.”
God is mighty and powerful as Yahweh of hosts. In addition, He is only sovereign
who rules everything in the world. He controls even the detailed affairs according to
His will, not arbitrarily (3:1).

C. Holy One of Israel (laeÞr"f.yI vAdïq.)

This divine title is a special title in Isaiah. It occurs 26 times in the book, but appears
only 7 times in the other biblical books. The title has a close relationship with titles
used in the Mount Sinai covenant. After the Mount Sinai covenant was made,
Yahweh was called “the God of Israel” (lae_r"f.yI yheäl{a/, Ex. 24:10), and the
representatives of Israel were called “the nobles of the children of Israel”
(laeêr"f.yI ynEåB. ‘yleycia], Ex. 24:11). Therefore, the name “the God of
Israel” can be understood as an official expression for covenant relationship.
 The divine title “Holy One of Israel” reflects this covenant relationship, and it also
emphasizes the holiness of the LORD. The basic meaning the word “holy” conveys is
“special, unique, set apart from that which is commonplace.” Most of all, the holiness
of the LORD is manifested in his transcendent sovereignty as the ruler of the world.
Therefore, the divine title “Holy One of Israel” portrays the sovereign King who rules
over His covenant people. Also, the holiness of the LORD is pictured in the call of
Isaiah (chap. 6). J. Alec Motyer describes the notion of holiness in Isaiah 6 as
follows: “holiness and transcendence,” (v. 1, 3) “holiness and judgment,” (vv. 4-5)
and “holiness and salvation” (v. 6).

D. The Mighty One of Israel (lae_r"f.yI rybiÞa] ,1:24), The Mighty One of Jacob
(bqo)[]y: rybiîa] ,49:26; 60:16)
It demonstrates the absolute power of God. This power is particularly a power of
vengeance.

E. The Rock of Israel (lae(r"f.yI rWcï, 17:10 “%ZEß[um' rWcï”, 26:4; 30:29)
Rock symbolizes a firm and everlasting thing. So the divine title shows His firm and
everlasting attribute. The only one whom the people of Israel depends on is the
LORD.

2. Images of God

Images Significance References

Potter It emphasizes God’s sovereign authority. 29:16; 41:25; 45:9; 64:8
Before God who is Potter, the people of
Israel are just clay. They are beings who
cannot say any word before God. The
prophet uses the image in order to rebuke
against the people who do not obey God.
Maker It also emphasizes God’s sovereign 17:7; 22:11 (KJV); 27:11;
authority. It often appears together the 29:16; 44:24 (NAS); 45:9;
image of Potter (29:16; 45:9). In 51:13, the 45:11; 51:13; 54:5
image is used to give an assurance to the
people.
Creator It demonstrates God’s almighty power, and 27:11; 40:28; 43:1 (NAS);
it is used to console and encourage the 43:15
people (40:28; 43:1, 15).
Husband It shows well the covenant relationship 54:1 (NIV); 54:5
between God and Israel. God pours His
love upon Israel who is bride, and He
requires her to devote herself to God. In
 other sense, bride loves other things except
for Him, He could be jealousy and angry.
Shepherd Shepherd is the one who leads and cares 13:14 (NIV); 40:11
for sheep. The image is used to prophesy
that God will restore the people from the
exile of Babylon.
Redeemer “The participle ‘lae¿AÀGO’ is the 41:14; 43:14; 44:6; 44:24;
technical term for the next-of-kin who has 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 49:26;
the right to take his helpless relative’s 54:5; 54:8; 59:20; 60:16;
needs as his own (Lv. 25:25; Nu. 5:8), and 63:16
is often used of the ‘avenger’ of a
murdered person. This is a good indication
of the substitutionary nature of the
relationship” (Motyer, 275). God will
avenge Himself on the enemy of His
people, and will redeem them (41:14;
43:14; 49:26; 59:20; 60:16).
Savior In a desperate situation, God seems to be 17:10 (NIV); 43:3; 43:11;
hiding Himself from His people (45:15). 45:15; 45:21; 49:26; 60:16;
However, God is a Savior. 62:21; 63:8
The image is used to confirm that the
LORD surely delivers the people of Israel
in His time.
King The image expresses a sovereign authority. 6:5; 32:1; 33:17; 33:22;
In addition, the image is also used to imply 43:15; 44:6
Messianic kingdom accomplished in a time
of future.
Judge God is a ruler over everything in the world. 3:13; 11:3-4; 33:22; 51:5
Therefore, He is only Judge who can judge
everything. The image reveals His
righteousness, and it has a close
relationship with the day of the LORD.

Bibliography

Bell, Robert D. The Theological Messages of the Old Testament Books.

Chisholm, Robert B. Handbook on the Prophets.

Grogan, G. W. Isaiah. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.

Motyer, J. Alec. The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary.

Watts, John D. W. WBC: Isaiah 1-33; Isaiah 34-66.