Isaiah 2:19

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall go {H935} into the holes {H4631} of the rocks {H6697}, and into the caves {H4247} of the earth {H6083}, for {H6440} fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068}, and for the glory {H1926} of his majesty {H1347}, when he ariseth {H6965} to shake terribly {H6206} the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People will enter cracks in the rocks and holes in the ground to escape the terror of ADONAI and his glorious majesty, when he sets out to convulse the earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

American Standard Version

And men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Jehovah, and from the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:19 offers a stark and terrifying prophetic vision of humanity's desperate flight into the most secluded natural shelters—the holes of the rocks and the caves of the earth. This panicked retreat is not from human adversaries but from the overwhelming, manifest presence of the Lord Himself, as He arises in His majestic glory to execute judgment and profoundly shake the very foundations of the world. The verse powerfully conveys the utter futility of human attempts to escape divine reckoning and serves as a solemn warning of the inescapable consequences for those who have exalted themselves against God's supreme authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:19 is strategically placed within a significant prophetic oracle (Isaiah 2:6-22) that stands in stark contrast to the preceding glorious vision of God's future kingdom centered in Zion, where all nations will stream to learn His ways and experience universal peace ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). Following this ideal, Isaiah pivots to the grim reality of Judah's present spiritual state, characterized by pervasive idolatry, arrogance, and a dangerous reliance on human strength and foreign alliances. Verses 6-8 meticulously detail the nation's spiritual apostasy, highlighting their embrace of foreign customs, divination, and an abundance of idols. Verses 9-11 introduce the "Day of the LORD," a recurring and formidable prophetic motif, emphasizing its purpose: to humble all human pride and exalt God alone. The verses immediately preceding 2:19 (Isaiah 2:12-18) systematically enumerate the objects of God's impending judgment—everything lofty and self-exalting, from the majestic cedars of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan to towering mountains, fortified cities, and the proud ships of Tarshish—all symbolizing human strength, achievement, and idolatrous objects of trust. Verse 19 then graphically depicts the terrified reaction of humanity as this comprehensive divine judgment unfolds, seeking refuge from the overwhelming and inescapable divine presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Isaiah transpired during a tumultuous period in the Kingdom of Judah (c. 740-681 BC), spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This era was dominated by the rising imperial power of Assyria, which posed an existential threat to both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Despite their covenant relationship with Yahweh, the people of Judah had largely succumbed to widespread idolatry, materialism, and a false sense of security derived from their wealth, military might, and ill-advised alliances with foreign powers, rather than from a steadfast trust in God. Culturally, syncretistic worship practices were prevalent, and there was a pervasive spirit of human self-importance and pride, vividly illustrated in passages like [Isaiah 2:7-8](/isaiah/2-7-8 "Isaiah 2:7-8 - Idolatry, Wealth, and Foreign Practices"). Geographically, the imagery of "holes of the rocks" and "caves of the earth" (KJV) is exceptionally fitting for the rugged, mountainous, and rocky terrain of ancient Judah. Such natural shelters were common features of the landscape and were frequently utilized as hiding places during times of invasion, war, or natural disaster. This vivid imagery would have resonated profoundly with Isaiah's original audience, painting a deeply impactful picture of a desperate flight into familiar, yet ultimately inadequate, havens.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 2:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes found throughout the book of Isaiah and broader biblical prophecy. It fundamentally underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, specifically the "Day of the LORD," which is portrayed not merely as a historical event but as a terrifying, cosmic manifestation of God's righteous wrath against human sin, pride, and idolatry ([Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the LORD against the Proud")). The verse vividly highlights the **Futility of Human Self-Reliance and Pride**, demonstrating unequivocally that no human strength, no grand achievement, and no physical hiding place can ultimately withstand or escape a direct encounter with God's supreme power and unblemished holiness. The desperate, panicked flight into caves powerfully illustrates the **Inescapable Nature of God's Presence** in judgment, revealing that all human attempts to conceal oneself from Him are utterly vain and doomed to failure. Furthermore, it emphatically emphasizes the **Majesty and Sovereignty of God**, whose active "arising" presence is so overwhelmingly powerful that it causes the very earth to "shake terribly," showcasing His absolute and unchallenged authority over all creation and humanity. This "fear" described in the verse is not reverential awe that leads to worship, but rather a profound, paralyzing terror, distinct from the salvific "fear of the LORD" that is the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** H6343. This term denotes a sudden alarm, dread, or terror. In the context of Isaiah 2:19, it refers to the overwhelming, paralyzing fear experienced by the ungodly and the proud in the face of God's manifest power and impending judgment. It is not the reverential awe that leads to worship and wisdom, but a visceral, existential terror that drives people to seek futile refuge from the divine presence.
* **glory (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** H1926. Derived from a root meaning "to magnify" or "to honor," this word signifies magnificence, splendor, beauty, or honor. Here, it describes the resplendent, awe-inspiring, and inherently dreadful manifestation of God's inherent greatness and unapproachable holiness. The hiding is "for the glory of his majesty" in the sense that His glorious, unveiled presence is the direct and terrifying cause of their flight, demonstrating His supreme and unchallengeable nature.
* **shake terribly (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** H6206. This primitive root means "to awe" or "to dread," and by implication, "to harass" or "to oppress." The Hiphil stem, used here, intensifies the action, conveying the idea of causing great fear, dread, or terror, and violently shaking or breaking. It vividly describes the profound, terrifying upheaval, disruption, and overwhelming force that God's arising presence inflicts upon the earth and its inhabitants, leaving no place untouched.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth":** This initial clause paints a stark and vivid picture of desperate flight and attempted concealment. The "holes of the rocks" (מְעָרוֹת הַצֻּרִים, _mᵉʻârôt haṣṣûrîm_) and "caves of the earth" (מְחִלּוֹת הֶעָפָר, _mᵉḥillôt heʻâphâr_) refer to natural crevices, fissures, and subterranean shelters. This imagery profoundly emphasizes the utter futility of human efforts to hide from God's omnipresent and omniscient judgment. People, regardless of their social standing or former pride, will seek any available refuge, no matter how humble or undignified, to escape the divine wrath, highlighting their complete helplessness and the stripping away of all earthly pretense.
* **"for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty":** This crucial phrase articulates the profound motivation behind their panicked flight. Their actions are a direct and unavoidable consequence of encountering the overwhelming "fear of the LORD" (מִפְּנֵי פַחַד יְהוָה, _mippᵉnê pachad Yᵉhôvâh_), which in this context signifies not reverential awe, but a paralyzing, existential terror. This terror is further intensified and directly caused by "the glory of his majesty" (וּמֵהֲדַר גְּאוֹנוֹ, _ûmêhâdâr gᵉʼônô_), referring to the resplendent, awe-inspiring, and dreadful manifestation of God's supreme authority, inherent greatness, and unapproachable holiness. It is the very unveiled presence of God in His unadulterated power that elicits this profound, all-consuming dread.
* **"when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth":** This final clause describes the specific, decisive action of God that precipitates the widespread terror and desperate flight. The phrase "when he ariseth" (בְּקוּמוֹ, _bᵉqûmô_) signifies God's active, deliberate intervention and decisive movement to execute His righteous judgment. The explicit purpose of His rising is "to shake terribly the earth" (לְעָרֵץ הָאָרֶץ, _lᵉʻârēṣ hâʼâreṣ_), implying a violent, awe-inducing upheaval, profound disruption, and utter destabilization of the entire world. This signifies a cosmic, cataclysmic event, a profound reordering that transcends mere human conflict, powerfully underscoring the absolute, unchallengeable, and sovereign power of God over all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:19 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its chilling and profound message. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid and concrete depiction of people fleeing into "holes of the rocks" and "caves of the earth." This creates a powerful, relatable, and visceral picture of desperation and the vain attempt to escape an overwhelming force. The phrase "for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty" utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "fear of the LORD" and "glory of his majesty" both point to the overwhelming, terrifying divine presence as the direct cause of the terror, thereby intensifying the sense of dread and inescapable judgment. The entire verse functions as **Hyperbole** to some extent, emphasizing the extreme and universal nature of God's impending judgment and the pervasive terror it evokes, suggesting that no place on earth, however hidden or fortified, will offer true refuge. Furthermore, the description of God "arising to shake terribly the earth" is a striking example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions (arising, shaking) to God. This device makes His powerful, decisive intervention comprehensible to human understanding while simultaneously conveying His cosmic, earth-shattering might and absolute sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:19 stands as a profound theological statement concerning the nature of God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitable consequences of human rebellion and pride. It vividly portrays the "Day of the LORD" as a time when God's inherent holiness, unapproachable majesty, and righteous judgment, often disregarded or obscured by humanity, will be undeniably and terrifyingly revealed. This revelation of His glory will not be a source of comfort or salvation for the unrighteous but will instead evoke overwhelming terror, demonstrating unequivocally that all human pride, self-sufficiency, and the idols in which people place their trust are utterly insignificant and powerless before His supreme authority. The desperate flight into caves underscores the profound futility of attempting to hide from an omniscient and omnipresent God, emphasizing that true security and refuge are found not in physical concealment but in spiritual reconciliation and humble, repentant submission to His divine will. This judgment is not arbitrary but a just and necessary response to humanity's persistent exaltation of itself above the Creator, serving ultimately to humble the proud and establish God's righteous and unchallenged rule over all creation.

* [Psalm 76:7](/psalm/76-7 "Psalm 76:7 - God's Terrifying Presence")
* [Hosea 10:8](/hosea/10-8 "Hosea 10:8 - Call to the Mountains to Cover Them")
* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Hiding from the Wrath of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:19 serves as a powerful, sobering, and eternally relevant reminder of the absolute sovereignty and unblemished holiness of God, and the inevitable, terrifying consequences for those who persist in defiance of Him. This verse compels us to deeply examine the foundations of our own lives: where do we truly place our trust and security? Do we, like the people depicted here, rely on our own strength, intellectual achievements, material possessions, or social standing for a false sense of security, or do we humbly and wholeheartedly submit to the Lordship of God? The passage powerfully underscores that true and lasting refuge is found not in vain attempts to hide from God's presence, but in drawing near to Him in genuine repentance, humble faith, and obedient worship. It calls us to cultivate a reverential fear of the Lord—a profound awe and respect that leads to obedience and wisdom—which is fundamentally distinct from the paralyzing terror described in the verse. Ultimately, this passage compels us to consider the ultimate destination of our souls and to ensure that we are found in Christ, who alone can enable us to stand before the Father's awesome majesty without fear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "holes of the rocks" or "caves of the earth" (i.e., coping mechanisms, self-reliance, or distractions) do I tend to run to when confronted with difficult truths, personal failures, or the consequences of my actions, instead of turning in humble repentance and faith to God?**
* **How does the terrifying aspect of God's majesty portrayed in this verse contrast with His boundless loving-kindness, enduring mercy, and unfathomable grace, and how do I reconcile these seemingly disparate attributes in my understanding of His complete character?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I unknowingly or knowingly be exhibiting pride, self-sufficiency, or a reliance on anything other than God, which needs to be humbly surrendered and brought under the Lordship of Christ?**
* **How does the "fear of the LORD" in this verse, which leads to terror and flight, fundamentally differ from the "fear of the LORD" that the Bible teaches is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, and what practical steps can I take to cultivate the latter in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the LORD" mentioned in this context?**

Answer: The "Day of the LORD" is a pervasive and significant prophetic theme throughout the Old Testament, referring to a specific time when God actively intervenes in human history to execute judgment upon His enemies and bring about salvation for His faithful people. While it can sometimes refer to specific historical events (such as the fall of powerful empires like Babylon or Assyria), it often carries a profound eschatological dimension, pointing toward a final, ultimate day of divine reckoning for all humanity. In Isaiah 2, it signifies a comprehensive and cosmic judgment that will utterly humble all human pride, dismantle all false securities, and exalt God alone. This culminates in a profound, terrifying, and universal shaking of the earth, as vividly described in [Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - The Day of the LORD's Terror").

**Why do people hide in "holes of the rocks" and "caves of the earth"?**

Answer: People hide in these natural shelters out of sheer, overwhelming terror and a desperate, though ultimately futile, attempt to escape the manifest, uncontainable presence and righteous judgment of God. The imagery of "holes of the rocks" and "caves of the earth" is particularly apt for the mountainous and rocky terrain of Judah, where such natural formations were common and often served as temporary refuges. It powerfully symbolizes the utter helplessness and vulnerability of humanity in the face of divine wrath, demonstrating unequivocally that no human-made fortress, no amount of wealth, and no natural hiding place can provide true or lasting refuge from an omniscient and omnipresent God when He rises in judgment. This vivid imagery finds a striking echo in the New Testament's description of the final judgment in [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Mighty Men Hide from God's Wrath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:19, with its terrifying portrayal of humanity fleeing in utter dread from the "fear of the LORD" and "the glory of his majesty," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the terror it describes, but in the redemptive and reconciling work of Jesus Christ. While the verse starkly highlights the inescapable judgment awaiting those who oppose God, the New Testament profoundly reveals that God's very majesty and glory were also perfectly and redemptively manifest in the incarnation, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection of His Son, Jesus. He alone provides the only true and eternal refuge from this impending wrath. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily bore the full, consuming weight of God's righteous judgment on the cross, becoming the ultimate and perfect hiding place for all who place their faith in Him. Those who are "in Christ" are no longer subject to the terror of the "Day of the LORD," for they have been fully reconciled to God through His atoning blood ([Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Justified by His Blood and Reconciled")). Instead of fleeing in terror from God's presence, believers are now graciously invited to draw near with confidence to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") because of Christ's finished work. Thus, the very "glory of his majesty" that causes terror for the unrighteous becomes, through Christ, the boundless source of eternal salvation, peace, and confident access for those who find their ultimate refuge in the crucified and risen Lord ([Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Serve God with Reverence and Awe")).

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

Isaiah 2:10

¶ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

Luke 23:30

Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

Hosea 10:8

The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us.

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.

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];

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.

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.