Isaiah 64:2
As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!
Original Language Analysis
מַ֚יִם
causeth the waters
H4325
מַ֚יִם
causeth the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
4 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
תִּבְעֶה
to boil
H1158
תִּבְעֶה
to boil
Strong's:
H1158
Word #:
5 of 12
to gush over, i.e., to swell; (figuratively) to desire earnestly; by implication to ask
לְהוֹדִ֥יעַ
known
H3045
לְהוֹדִ֥יעַ
known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
שִׁמְךָ֖
to make thy name
H8034
שִׁמְךָ֖
to make thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 12
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
at thy presence
H6440
מִפָּנֶ֖יךָ
at thy presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 12
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Jeremiah 33:9And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.Jeremiah 5:22Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
Historical Context
Fire frequently accompanies theophany (burning bush, Sinai, Elijah at Carmel). This prayer requests a new fire-manifestation that would make God's power undeniable to all nations.
Questions for Reflection
- What would unmistakable divine manifestation accomplish in the world today?
- How does God make His name known through powerful action?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!' Fire imagery intensifies - melting, burning, boiling. The purpose: making God's name known and causing nations to tremble. Divine intervention serves revelatory purposes.