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.

To go {H935} into the clefts {H5366} of the rocks {H6697}, and into the tops {H5585} of the ragged rocks {H5553}, 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}.

Then they will enter the cracks in the rocks and the crevices in the cliffs to escape the terror of ADONAI and his glorious majesty, when he sets out to convulse the earth.

They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.

to go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of Jehovah, and from the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake mightily the earth.

Isaiah 2:21 vividly portrays a scene of terror and desperation on the Day of the Lord. It describes humanity attempting to hide from the overwhelming presence and power of God, seeking refuge in the most formidable natural shelters—the deep recesses and high points of rocky terrain—out of sheer dread for His majesty and the cataclysmic shaking of the earth.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic warning in Isaiah Chapter 2 concerning God's coming judgment. While the chapter begins with a glorious vision of Zion as a spiritual center for all nations (Isaiah 2:2-4), it quickly shifts to denounce the pride, idolatry, and self-sufficiency of Judah and Jerusalem. Verses 10-22 describe the humiliation of the proud and the utter destruction of idols when the LORD "arises to shake terribly the earth." Verse 21 specifically continues the imagery from Isaiah 2:19-20, where people cast away their idols and flee into caves and rocks to escape God's terrifying glory.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Awe: The primary theme is the fearful and irresistible judgment of God. His "majesty" is not merely glorious but also terrifying to those who stand against Him. The phrase "fear of the LORD" here denotes an overwhelming dread and terror, not merely reverence.
  • Futility of Hiding: The imagery of seeking refuge in "clefts of the rocks" and "ragged rocks" underscores the desperate but ultimately vain attempt to escape God's presence and judgment. No earthly hiding place can conceal one from the Almighty. This echoes sentiments found in Revelation 6:15-16.
  • The Day of the Lord: This verse powerfully contributes to the biblical concept of the "Day of the Lord," a recurring prophetic theme signifying a specific time when God intervenes decisively in human history to judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "shake terribly" is `arats (עָרַץ), which conveys the idea of causing terror, dread, or being broken with fear. It suggests a violent, awe-inspiring tremor that creates panic. The depiction of "clefts of the rocks" (נְקִיקֵי הַסְּלָעִים, neqiqei has-sela‘im) and "tops of the ragged rocks" (בְּצִיחֵי הַסְּלָעִים, betziḥei has-sela‘im) emphasizes the desolate, inaccessible, and precarious nature of these desperate hiding places, highlighting the extreme terror that drives people to such extremes.

Practical Application

Isaiah 2:21 serves as a profound warning and a call to reflection. It reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty and the inescapable reality of His judgment. For those who live in defiance of God, a terrifying reckoning awaits. However, for those who truly embrace the "fear of the LORD" in the sense of reverence and obedience, there is no need to hide. True refuge is found not in physical hiding places, but in a right relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). The verse urges us to humble ourselves now, before the day when God "arises to shake terribly the earth" in judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 2:19

    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.

  • Job 30:6

    To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, [in] caves of the earth, and [in] the rocks.

  • 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.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:14

    ¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

  • Exodus 33:22

    And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

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