Isaiah 33:3
At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered.
Original Language Analysis
הָמ֔וֹן
of the tumult
H1995
הָמ֔וֹן
of the tumult
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
2 of 7
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
נָדְד֖וּ
fled
H5074
נָדְד֖וּ
fled
Strong's:
H5074
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively, to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away
עַמִּ֑ים
the people
H5971
עַמִּ֑ים
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Ancient warfare depended on maintaining army morale. Sudden panic could cause entire armies to flee (Judges 7:21-22, 2 Kings 7:6-7). When God struck 185,000 Assyrian soldiers dead, the survivors fled in terror. Sennacherib's hasty retreat to Nineveh (Isaiah 37:37) fulfilled this prophecy—at God's lifting up, the mighty nation scattered. No human army defeated them; divine intervention did.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God 'lifted Himself up' in your circumstances, causing seemingly overwhelming enemies to scatter?
- How does knowing God can scatter nations with His voice affect prayer and trust during threats?
- What modern 'nations' or powers seem overwhelming until God arises against them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
At the noise of the tumult the people fled (מִקּוֹל הָמוֹן נָדְדוּ עַמִּים, miqol hamon nadedu ammim)—at the קוֹל (qol, voice, noise) of הָמוֹן (hamon, tumult, roar, multitude) the עַמִּים (ammim, peoples) fled (נָדַד, nadad, flee, wander, retreat). At the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered (מֵרוֹמְמֻתֶךָ נָפְצוּ גּוֹיִם, meromemutekha nafs'u goyim)—when You lifted Yourself up (רוּם, rum, be exalted), גּוֹיִם (goyim, nations) were scattered (נָפַץ, nafats, scattered, dispersed).
God's response to prayer (v. 2): He arises, and enemies scatter. The 'noise of tumult' may be thunder (theophanic manifestation) or simply divine presence causing terror. Psalm 68:1: 'Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered.' When God 'lifts Himself up' (רוֹמֵמ, romem, exalts Himself), nations flee. The Assyrians experienced this—overnight catastrophe sent them fleeing (Isaiah 37:36-37). No battle was fought; God alone won victory. Psalm 46:6: 'He uttered his voice, the earth melted.'