Isaiah 28:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:21
21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, judgment, covenant. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 28:21
21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.
Analysis
For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. God's judgment will be as decisive as past victories, but directed differently. Mount Perazim (har Peratsim, הַר פְּרָצִים) refers to David's victory over Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20, 1 Chronicles 14:11) where God "broke through" enemies like waters breaking through. Valley of Gibeon (emeq Givon, עֵמֶק גִּבְעוֹן) recalls Joshua's victory where God fought for Israel (Joshua 10:10-14), making the sun stand still. These were triumphs FOR Israel against enemies.
Now comes the reversal: his strange work...his strange act (ma'asehu zar...avodato nokhriyyah, מַעֲשֵׂהוּ זָר...עֲבֹדָתוֹ נָכְרִיָּה, His work is strange/alien...His deed is foreign). Zar (זָר, strange, alien) and nokhriyyah (נָכְרִיָּה, foreign, unusual) emphasize this is against God's nature and normal pattern. His delight is mercy, not judgment (Micah 7:18); His goodness is severe toward unbelief (Romans 11:22). Judging His own people is "strange"—necessary but grievous. Lamentations 3:33 says He doesn't "willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men."
Historical Context
In 701 BC, God defended Jerusalem from Assyria (2 Kings 19:35)—His normal work protecting His people. But in 586 BC, He fought AGAINST Jerusalem through Babylon—His "strange work" judging His people. Jesus wept over Jerusalem's coming destruction (Luke 19:41-44)—grieving over necessary judgment. At the cross, God's "strange act" was making His Son sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and crushing Him (Isaiah 53:10). Judgment, even righteous judgment, grieves God's heart while satisfying His justice. This paradox shows divine complexity: justice and mercy, holiness and love, wrath and compassion coexisting.
Reflection
- What does it mean that judging His people is God's 'strange work'—against His natural inclination?
- How does understanding that judgment grieves God affect your view of His discipline in your life?
- In what ways was the cross God's ultimate 'strange act'—necessary but grievous?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Joshua 10:10, 10:12, 2 Samuel 5:20, 5:25
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 28:19, 29:14, 1 Chronicles 14:11, 14:16, Lamentations 2:15