For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
.....Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
Usually when I think of "trembling at someone's word," I think of cowering in fear of mistreatment or harm as I hear an angry voice approaching. Or I think of my toughest teacher announcing a major exam!
Is this how God wants His people to approach Him?! Am I to tremble when I read His Word and hear His voice?
Well, sometimes.
In the context of these verses, the people were serving themselves and expecting God to bless them. They were delighting in their sinful lifestyles. They had God's Word. They knew His commands. History recorded God's judgment of sin. But none of that put fear in their hearts.
The image here is not fear of mistreatment or abuse. It is the fearful trembling of a child who knows he has willfully disobeyed. He comes humble and broken before his parent, knowing that he deserves discipline.
Lord, help me to never delight in my sin. Heavenly Father, help me to never lose a reverential fear of your loving discipline.