Isaiah 13:13

KJV

Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I will shake {H7264} the heavens {H8064}, and the earth {H776} shall remove {H7493} out of her place {H4725}, in the wrath {H5678} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and in the day {H3117} of his fierce {H2740} anger {H639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of ADONAI-Tzva'ot on the day of his fierce anger.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the wrath of the LORD of Hosts on the day of His burning anger.

American Standard Version

Therefore I will make the heavens to tremble, and the earth shall be shaken out of its place, in the wrath of Jehovah of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 13:13 is a powerful prophetic declaration within an oracle against Babylon, vividly portraying God's absolute sovereignty and immense power as He executes divine judgment. The verse describes a cosmic upheaval – the shaking of the heavens and the removal of the earth from its place – as a direct consequence of the "wrath of the LORD of hosts" and "the day of his fierce anger," signifying a cataclysmic intervention in history driven by God's righteous indignation and a complete disruption of the established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 13:13 is situated within the "burden of Babylon," an oracle commencing in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon"). This chapter initiates a significant section of the book of Isaiah (chapters [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") through [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")), which shifts focus from prophecies primarily concerning Judah and Israel to a series of pronouncements against various foreign nations. The language employed in this particular oracle is intensely dramatic and apocalyptic, utilizing vivid cosmic imagery to describe what is fundamentally an earthly political and military event: the downfall of a powerful empire. This heightened imagery serves to underscore the divine origin and overwhelming nature of the judgment, portraying it not merely as a historical shift but as a divinely orchestrated, world-altering catastrophe that impacts the very fabric of existence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the prophet Isaiah ministered in the 8th century BC, a period when Assyria was the dominant regional power, Babylon had not yet risen to its later imperial prominence that would lead to the conquest of Judah. Therefore, this prophecy against Babylon is forward-looking, anticipating its future ascendancy and subsequent, inevitable fall. Historically, Babylon would eventually be conquered by the Medes and Persians in 539 BC, an event powerfully foreshadowed in this chapter. Culturally, the ancient Near East frequently employed cosmic language to describe profound political or social upheavals. The collapse of an empire was often perceived as a shaking of the very foundations of the world, a concept that resonated deeply with the worldview of the time. The phrase "Day of the Lord" also carries immense theological weight, referring to a specific, decisive time when Yahweh intervenes in human history, typically bringing judgment upon His enemies and deliverance for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute control over all nations and the unfolding of history. It is God who declares, "I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove," emphasizing His active agency in bringing about these cataclysmic events. This theme is foundational to Isaiah's message, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing"), where God "brings princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing." Secondly, the use of **Cosmic Upheaval Imagery** (shaking heavens and earth) is a recurring prophetic motif, signifying the complete dismantling of established order and the collapse of societal foundations, whether political, social, or spiritual. This imagery is not always literal but powerfully conveys the magnitude of God's intervention, echoing similar descriptions of divine judgment found in [Joel 2:10](/joel/2-10 "Joel 2:10 - Sun and Moon Darkened") and [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - God Shakes Heaven and Earth"). Lastly, the "wrath of the LORD of hosts" and "day of his fierce anger" introduce the theme of **Divine Wrath and the Day of the Lord**, underscoring that God's judgment is righteous, purposeful, and a just response to human sin and rebellion. This "Day" is a time of ultimate reckoning, a concept further explored in [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14-18 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shake (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear)." This word conveys a sense of intense agitation, trembling, or violent movement. In Isaiah 13:13, it describes the profound and unsettling disturbance God will inflict upon the heavens, indicating a cosmic-level disruption that is both terrifying and absolute. It suggests a divine fury so immense that the very fabric of creation trembles under its force, signifying God's irresistible power in judgment.
* **wrath (Hebrew, _ʻebrâh'_):** This term denotes an "outburst of passion," specifically anger or rage. It emphasizes the intense, overflowing nature of God's indignation. Unlike a fleeting emotion, this "wrath" is a settled, righteous response to sin and rebellion, driving the severe judgment described in the verse. It is a powerful, active force emanating from God's holy character, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice against unrighteousness.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a period of time, whether literal (from sunrise to sunset) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In the context of "the day of his fierce anger," it refers to a specific, appointed time of divine intervention and judgment—the prophetic "Day of the Lord." This "day" is not merely a calendar day but a divinely appointed era or moment when God decisively acts in history to fulfill His purposes, often marked by intense displays of His power and justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I will shake the heavens":** This clause declares God's direct, volitional action, emphasizing His sovereign agency. The "heavens" here can refer to the celestial realm, the cosmic order, or metaphorically, the established powers and authorities that seem unassailable. God's act of "shaking" signifies a profound disturbance, an overturning of the natural order and the perceived stability of the world, indicating that no power, earthly or heavenly, is beyond His reach or immune to His judgment. It implies a complete destabilization of all that is considered secure.
* **"and the earth shall remove out of her place":** This parallel clause reinforces the magnitude of the impending judgment, extending its impact to the terrestrial realm. The "earth" represents the physical world, its inhabitants, and the societal structures built upon it. The idea of the earth "removing out of her place" is a powerful image of complete displacement, instability, and utter chaos. It suggests a fundamental disruption of existence, where everything that was once stable and certain is now uprooted and dislodged, signifying the total collapse of the existing order.
* **"in the wrath of the LORD of hosts":** This phrase identifies the divine motivation and the active agent behind the cosmic upheaval. The "wrath" (Hebrew: _ʻebrâh'_) is God's righteous indignation against sin, particularly the pride, idolatry, and oppression characteristic of Babylon. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth'_) emphasizes God's supreme authority as the commander of all creation, including angelic armies and celestial bodies. This title highlights His omnipotence and capacity to marshal all creation to achieve His purposes, particularly in judgment and warfare, underscoring that this is not arbitrary anger but a just response from the sovereign God.
* **"and in the day of his fierce anger":** This final clause specifies the timing and intensity of the judgment. "The day" refers to the prophetic "Day of the Lord," a specific period of decisive divine intervention. "Fierce anger" (Hebrew: _chârôwn 'aph'_) intensifies the description of God's wrath, portraying it as a burning, consuming fury that emanates from God's very being. This emphasizes the severity, inevitability, and consuming nature of the judgment, indicating a time of ultimate reckoning for those who oppose God and His righteous standards.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 13:13 is rich in **Hyperbole**, using exaggerated language to convey the immense scale and severity of God's judgment. The idea of the heavens literally shaking and the earth moving from its orbit is a hyperbolic expression designed to emphasize the cataclysmic nature of Babylon's fall and the overwhelming power of God. This also employs **Cosmic Imagery**, where natural phenomena of grand scale are invoked to describe political and social upheaval, implying that God's judgment affects not just human affairs but the very fabric of existence. The phrase "wrath of the LORD of hosts" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (anger/wrath) to God. This makes His response relatable to human experience while maintaining His divine transcendence and perfect righteousness. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Theophany**, a manifestation of God's presence and power, albeit one expressed through destructive judgment rather than direct appearance, underscoring His active and formidable involvement in history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 13:13 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, not only over human history and nations but over the very cosmos. The shaking of the heavens and earth symbolizes the complete disruption of all established order when God's righteous judgment is unleashed. This is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, affirming that no empire, no matter how powerful or seemingly stable, can ultimately withstand the divine will. It underscores the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, demonstrating that His wrath is a just and active force in the world, leading to inevitable consequences for those who oppose His purposes. Ultimately, this terrifying imagery for the unrighteous offers a profound assurance for the righteous: God is in control, He will judge evil, and He will ultimately establish His perfect and unshakable kingdom, providing a foundation for enduring hope.

* [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "God Shakes Heaven and Earth")
* [Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "The Unshakable Kingdom")
* [Revelation 6:12](/revelation/6-12 "Cosmic Disturbances at God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 13:13 calls believers to a profound trust in God's unwavering sovereignty amidst the chaos and instability of human history. In a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil, natural disasters, or personal crises, this verse reminds us that God remains firmly on His throne, actively orchestrating events according to His divine will. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of pride, oppression, and rebellion against God's ways, urging us to take sin seriously and to live in reverent submission to His commands. For those who walk in faith, this passage, though depicting terrifying judgment, offers a deep well of hope and assurance. It affirms that God will ultimately bring justice to the earth, right all wrongs, and establish a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which is truly enduring, and to share the good news of God's justice and mercy with a world in desperate need of both His truth and His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "shaking the heavens and earth" challenge my perception of stability and control in my own life and in the world?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to placing my trust in earthly powers or systems rather than in the ultimate sovereignty of the "LORD of hosts"?**
* **What does God's "fierce anger" and "wrath" reveal about His character, and how should this understanding shape my reverence for Him and my pursuit of righteousness?**
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate judgment on evil inform my prayers and actions for justice and righteousness in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Is the "shaking of the heavens and earth" in Isaiah 13:13 meant to be a literal cosmic event?**

Answer: While the language is highly dramatic and uses cosmic imagery, in the immediate context of Isaiah 13, it primarily functions as powerful prophetic hyperbole to describe a cataclysmic earthly event: the utter destruction and political collapse of Babylon. Ancient Near Eastern prophecy often employed such imagery to convey the profound magnitude of God's intervention in human history, signifying that the fall of a mighty empire was so significant it was as if the very foundations of the world were being shaken. However, this imagery also carries eschatological overtones, foreshadowing the ultimate, literal cosmic disturbances associated with the final "Day of the Lord" and the end times, as seen in passages like [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Signs") where celestial bodies are affected.

**How does this verse relate to the broader concept of "The Day of the Lord" in the Bible?**

Answer: Isaiah 13:13 explicitly refers to "the day of his fierce anger," which is a clear reference to the prophetic concept of "the Day of the Lord" (Hebrew: _yom Yahweh'_). This recurring theme in the Old Testament signifies a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history to execute judgment upon His enemies and to deliver His people. While this particular "Day" in Isaiah 13 refers to the historical fall of Babylon, the language and imagery often transcend a single historical event, pointing to a pattern of divine intervention that culminates in the ultimate, universal "Day of the Lord" at the end of time. This final "Day" will involve cosmic disturbances, divine judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as described in [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Signs of the Day of the Lord") and [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord Burns Like a Furnace").

**What is the significance of the title "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth'_) is one of the most powerful and frequently used divine titles in the prophetic books, particularly in Isaiah. "Yahweh" is God's covenant name, emphasizing His personal, self-existent nature. "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts." Therefore, "LORD of hosts" signifies God as the supreme commander of all armies – not just earthly ones, but also the celestial armies (angels) and the heavenly bodies. This title underscores God's omnipotence, His absolute authority over all creation, and His capacity to marshal all forces to accomplish His will, whether in judgment or in salvation. In Isaiah 13:13, it emphasizes that the cosmic shaking and the earth's removal are not random occurrences but are orchestrated by the all-powerful God who commands the universe, ensuring that His "wrath" is executed with irresistible force. This divine title assures the reader that the judgment is not merely a human conflict but a manifestation of the Almighty's sovereign power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 13:13 speaks of God's judgment on Babylon, its cosmic imagery and the concept of the "Day of the Lord" find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one through whom all judgment is executed, as He Himself declared, "For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son Judges")). The "shaking of the heavens and earth" prefigures the profound disruption inaugurated by Christ's first coming, which shook the spiritual powers and established orders, and will be consummated at His glorious second coming. The author of Hebrews explicitly connects Old Testament prophecies of shaking to Christ, stating, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven... to remove what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain" ([Hebrews 12:26-27](/hebrews/12-26-27 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). This passage reveals that Christ's kingdom is the unshakable reality that emerges from God's cosmic judgments. Furthermore, the "wrath of the LORD of hosts" that brings judgment upon the unrighteous was fully poured out upon Christ on the cross. He became the Lamb of God who bore the fierce anger of God against sin, offering a means of escape from that wrath for all who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Thus, in Christ, God's judgment is both revealed and averted, providing an ultimate hope that transcends any earthly shaking, as believers are granted an "unshakable kingdom" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")) that will endure forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:26

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

Hebrews 12:27

And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Nahum 1:4

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Haggai 2:6

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];