Isaiah 65:15

And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Isaiah 65:15 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah 65 delivers God’s message to Israel, looking forward to a future restoration and the promise of new heavens and a new earth. The verse declares a stark judgment: the rebellious portion of Israel will leave their name as a curse among God’s chosen people. The Lord will slay them and call His servants by another name, pointing to a decisive act of divine judgment and a subsequent transformation of identity for the faithful.

Meaning

The phrase “leave your name for a curse” means that the legacy of the disobedient will become a byword of reproach, used in curses and associated with judgment. The Lord God will slay them, referring to divine judgment, historically seen in the destruction by the Romans and continuing judgments. In contrast, God will call His servants by another name, signifying a new identity, honor, and relationship with Him. This new name is greater than the former, just as the name Israel was greater than Jacob.

The immediate context of Isaiah 65:13-16 contrasts the suffering of the rebellious with the rejoicing of the faithful. Verse 16 speaks of blessing and swearing by the God of truth, with former troubles forgotten. The chapter culminates in the creation of new heavens and a new earth, where former things are not remembered. This underscores the seriousness of rebellion and the grace of God in giving His people a new identity.

Biblical connections

Throughout Isaiah, there are repeated warnings of judgment for Israel’s idolatry and wickedness. The nation’s turning away from God led to conquest and exile, and this verse underscores that the consequences of rebellion include the loss of the nation’s name and reputation. Yet even amid judgment, the passage hints at God’s redemptive purpose. By calling His servants by another name, God signals a renewal of relationship and a fresh identity for the faithful remnant.

Application

Isaiah 65:15 warns believers of the seriousness of turning away from God and the reality of divine judgment. It also reminds us that God’s mercy includes providing a new identity for those who repent. As Christians, we are called to embrace the new name and identity given in Christ, living in obedience and humility, reflecting God’s character to the world. The passage encourages vigilance against complacency, urging believers to remain faithful, seek God’s will, and trust in His promise of restoration and new life.

Reflection

The verse highlights God’s sovereignty in both judgment and redemption. The name of the rebellious becomes a curse, but the servants of God are honored with a new name, illustrating the reversal of fortunes in God’s kingdom. For the Christian, this teaches the importance of faithfulness and the hope of being called by God’s new name, reflecting a life transformed by grace.