Isaiah 65:15
And yee shall leaue your name for a curse vnto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his seruants by another name: Isaiah 65:15 (KJV)
The book of Isaiah is a prophetic work in the Old Testament that delivers God’s messages to the people of Israel. In chapter 65 the prophet looks forward to a future restoration of Israel and the promise of new heavens and a new earth. The verse under study declares a stark judgment: the rebellious portion of Israel will “leave your name for a curse unto my chosen,” indicating that the name of the nation will become a by‑word among God’s chosen people. The Lord will “slay thee” and will “call his servants by another name,” pointing to a decisive act of divine judgment and a subsequent transformation of identity for those who remain faithful.
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 the pronouncement of 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.
The broader context of Isaiah affirms that, despite the severity of judgment, God preserves a remnant and promises ultimate restoration. The promise of new heavens and a new earth points to God’s final renewal of creation, where the faithful will experience a restored and glorified existence.
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 the provision of 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.
