Isaiah 2:21
To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
Original Language Analysis
הַצֻּרִ֔ים
of the rocks
H6697
הַצֻּרִ֔ים
of the rocks
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
וּבִסְעִפֵ֖י
and into the tops
H5585
וּבִסְעִפֵ֖י
and into the tops
Strong's:
H5585
Word #:
4 of 13
a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)
הַסְּלָעִ֑ים
of the ragged rocks
H5553
הַסְּלָעִ֑ים
of the ragged rocks
Strong's:
H5553
Word #:
5 of 13
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
מִפְּנֵ֞י
for
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֞י
for
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
פַּ֤חַד
fear
H6343
פַּ֤חַד
fear
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
7 of 13
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמֵהֲדַ֣ר
and for the glory
H1926
וּמֵהֲדַ֣ר
and for the glory
Strong's:
H1926
Word #:
9 of 13
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
בְּקוּמ֖וֹ
when he ariseth
H6965
בְּקוּמ֖וֹ
when he ariseth
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
11 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Isaiah 2:19And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.Isaiah 2:10Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.Job 30:6To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks.Exodus 33:22And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:Song of Solomon 2:14O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.
Historical Context
Earthquakes were common in the Levant, providing a natural analogy for divine intervention. Prophetic literature frequently employs seismic imagery for God's judgment (Amos 1:1; Zechariah 14:5).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's 'shaking' reveal about the insecurity of earthly confidences?
- How do we participate in the 'unshakeable kingdom' that remains after divine shaking?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Repetition of verse 19's imagery (hiding in clefts and rocks) emphasizes the universality and intensity of terror when God arises in judgment. The purpose clause—'when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth'—identifies divine theophany as the cause. This cosmic shaking anticipates Haggai 2:6-7 and Hebrews 12:26-29's warning that God will shake both heaven and earth, leaving only the unshakeable kingdom. God's judgment removes all false security, driving humanity to seek refuge in Him alone.