Bible Witness TV (BWTV) has been broadcasting a weekly series titled “The Holy One of Israel”, presenting key theological and pastoral insights (from the Book of Isaiah) related to that designation of the LORD. The prophet Isaiah employs that designation of God twenty-five times, far more frequently than any other biblical writer. By utilising this title, Isaiah integrates two essential characteristics of God: His complete holiness and His distinct covenant relationship with His people.
The series of studies on BWTV will help shape our minds to think and act in ways that reflect the holiness of our God in our own time. (For all the episodes of this series, past and present, please visit BWTV’s Main Channel - https://biblewitnesstv.com/main).
Examining the significance of this title is not merely a matter of linguistic interest; it is a pursuit of deep theological understanding. This exploration opens up the heart of Isaiah’s message, where the majesty of divine holiness confronts the reality of human sin, and where God’s mercy is revealed through redemptive grace. For believers today, grasping the meaning of “The Holy One of Israel” enriches their comprehension of who God is, sharpens their awareness of sin, and inspires their commitment to holiness in both life and ministry.
The following topics are covered in this series:
The frequency of the title, “The Holy One of Israel”, in the Book of Isaiah is not accidental. Isaiah uses the title to emphasise God’s distinctiveness, transcendence, and intimate involvement with His chosen people. The phrase first emerges in Isaiah 1:4, where it is invoked in the context of Israel’s rebellion: “they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.” Here, the title functions as both an indictment, and a reminder that God is not merely a distant deity, but the Holy One whom Israel is called to worship and obey.
Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6 – in which the seraphims cry, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts” – sets the theological tone for the entire Book. The prophet is undone by God’s holiness, yet he is also cleansed and commissioned. This pattern—where God’s holiness exposes human sin, and yet also provides the way for forgiveness—runs like a thread through the whole Book of Isaiah. The Holy One of Israel is both Judge and Saviour, whose covenant faithfulness endures despite the failings of His people.
Throughout Isaiah, the title recurs in passages that span rebellion (Isaiah 1:4; 31:1), judgment (Isaiah 5:19; 30:11), comfort (Isaiah 41:14; 43:3), and eschatological hope (Isaiah 54:5; 60:9). These varied contexts reveal that the Holy One of Israel is both the source of righteous judgment and the fountain of redemptive mercy. His holiness is not opposed to His love; rather, it is the very ground upon which His faithfulness is built.
Furthermore, the title points to God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. In Isaiah 41:14, God assures Israel, “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Here, God’s holiness is not an abstract idea but a living reality – God’s very character shaping all His actions towards His people. The Holy One is trustworthy, steadfast, and actively involved in the history and destiny of Israel.
“The Holy One of Israel” also reveals His holiness through His faithful love towards Israel. His holiness guarantees Himself as the Promise-Keeper to His people. Though His people rebelled (“they have forsaken the LORD” – Isaiah 1:4), His faithfulness remained unbroken. Isaiah praises Him: “thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isa. 25:1). He remembers His covenants with Abraham, David, and Zion. Even when judgment falls, His mercy stands firm for He said, “neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed” (Isa. 54:10). What He speaks, He fulfils (Isa. 46:9–11). His promises rest not on man’s worthiness, but on His own holy character. The Servant Songs (Isa. 42–53) reveal that these promises reach their climax in Christ, where divine truth and mercy meet. In Him, every word of God stands confirmed. The grass withers, but His Word endures forever (Isa. 40:8). God’s holiness guarantees His faithfulness—what He begins, He completes.
Ultimately, in Isaiah, the Holy One reigns in majestic glory, yet graciously stoops to cleanse, restore, and commission His servant. Isaiah’s vision opens with overwhelming splendour: “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up” (Isa. 6:1). From that moment onwards, the prophet’s message unfolds the sovereign rule of this holy King over all creation. He is the true Ruler of nations, the One whose purposes cannot be overturned, whose Word stands forever. His dominion culminates in the declaration: “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us” (Isa. 33:22). Earthly empires rise and fall, yet His throne remains unshaken and eternal.
The radiant glory of this King fills Zion, and His light draws the nations to worship and obedience: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee” (Isa. 60:1). In the closing vision (Isa. 66), Isaiah beholds the consummation of all things when the Holy One, reigning in righteousness, is worshipped by all peoples. Thus, the Book ends where it has begun: with the Sovereign enthroned in glory. He is the Holy One of Israel, the Sovereign King of Glory, exalted in holiness, unshakable in majesty, steadfast in mercy, and supreme in power forever.
