Isaiah 2:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:21 vividly portrays the desperate and futile attempts of humanity to escape the terrifying presence and overwhelming judgment of God on the impending "Day of the LORD." Driven by profound dread of His majesty and the cataclysmic shaking of the earth, people seek refuge in the most inaccessible and formidable natural shelters—the deep fissures and high points of rocky terrain—underscoring the inescapable reality of divine reckoning for those who have defied Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle in [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord and God's Judgment"), which begins with a glorious vision of Zion as the spiritual epicenter for all nations in the latter days ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Zion as a Spiritual Center")). However, the prophet swiftly pivots to a scathing denunciation of Judah and Jerusalem's pervasive pride, idolatry, and self-sufficiency. Verses [Isaiah 2:10-22](/isaiah/2-10 "Isaiah 2:10-22 - Humiliation of the Proud") describe the dramatic humiliation of the haughty and the utter destruction of all idols when the LORD "arises to shake terribly the earth." [Isaiah 2:21](/isaiah/2-21 "Isaiah 2:21 - Hiding from God's Terror") specifically continues and intensifies the imagery from [Isaiah 2:19-20](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19-20 - Fleeing to Caves and Idols Cast Away"), where people, overwhelmed by God's terrifying glory, cast away their idols to moles and bats and flee into caves and rocks, seeking any conceivable shelter from His wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (c. 740-681 BC). This era was marked by increasing Assyrian expansion and the looming threat of foreign invasion, which often led Israel and Judah to rely on military alliances and idolatrous practices rather than trusting in God. The cultural landscape was steeped in pagan worship, social injustice, and a pervasive sense of human self-reliance, all of which Isaiah vehemently condemns. The imagery of hiding in "clefts of the rocks" and "ragged rocks" would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with the rocky, mountainous terrain of Judah, where caves and natural strongholds were indeed sought for refuge during times of war or natural disaster. However, Isaiah subverts this common experience by showing that even these seemingly impenetrable fortresses offer no escape from the Almighty.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 2:21](/isaiah/2-21 "Isaiah 2:21 - Hiding from God's Terror") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Awe**, emphasizing the fearful and irresistible nature of God's intervention in human history. His "majesty" is not merely glorious but also utterly terrifying to those who stand in rebellion against Him. The phrase "fear of the LORD" here signifies overwhelming dread and terror, distinct from reverential awe. Another crucial theme is the **Futility of Hiding from God**. The desperate imagery of seeking refuge in the most remote and desolate places underscores the ultimate impossibility of escaping God's omnipresence and omnipotence. No earthly hiding place, however formidable, can conceal one from the Creator of the heavens and the earth, a truth echoed in [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-13 - God's Omnipresence"). Finally, the verse is a potent articulation of the **Day of the Lord**, a recurring prophetic motif signifying a definitive time when God decisively intervenes in human affairs to judge the wicked, humble the proud, and vindicate His righteous purposes, as further described in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord") and [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** H6343. This term denotes a sudden, overwhelming alarm or dread. It describes not merely a feeling but often the object that causes such terror. In this context, it is the profound, paralyzing terror induced by the direct, unmediated presence of the LORD in His judgment, far beyond a respectful reverence.
* **glory (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** H1926. Derived from a root meaning "to be magnificent," _hâdâr_ refers to splendor, majesty, or honor. While often associated with God's beauty and excellency, here it highlights the terrifying aspect of His divine splendor when manifested in judgment, which is overwhelming and unbearable for the unrighteous.
* **shake terribly (Hebrew, _ʻârats'_):** H6206. A primitive root meaning "to awe" or "to dread," and by extension, "to harass" or "to break." When God "shakes terribly the earth," it implies a cataclysmic, fear-inducing tremor that not only physically disrupts the ground but also psychologically shatters those who experience it, causing profound terror and dread.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks,"**: This clause vividly depicts the desperate actions of people seeking refuge. "Clefts" (H5366, _nᵉqârâh_) refers to deep fissures or boreholes in rock, while "tops" (H5585, _çâʻîyph_) and "ragged rocks" (H5553, _çelaʻ_) indicate the highest, most inaccessible, and desolate parts of the rocky landscape. The imagery conveys a frantic, futile search for any physical hiding place, no matter how precarious or uncomfortable, to escape an impending catastrophe.
* **"for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty,"**: This phrase reveals the profound motivation behind the desperate flight. The "fear of the LORD" (H6343, _pachad_) here is not reverential awe, but abject terror and dread of God's direct intervention. This terror is directly linked to "the glory of his majesty" (H1926, _hâdâr_ and H1347, _gâʼôwn_), indicating that God's inherent splendor and supreme authority, when manifested in judgment, become an unbearable and terrifying presence for the unrighteous.
* **"when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth."**: This final clause specifies the catalyst for the terror and flight: God's decisive action. "Ariseth" (H6965, _qûwm_) signifies God's active intervention and readiness for judgment. The phrase "to shake terribly the earth" (H6206, _ʻârats_ and H776, _ʼerets_) describes a cataclysmic, fear-inducing upheaval that is both physical and spiritual, signifying a complete disruption of the established order and a manifestation of divine power that inspires profound dread in all creation.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:21 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of human desperation. The "clefts of the rocks" and "tops of the ragged rocks" evoke a sense of extreme remoteness and the futility of seeking physical shelter from an omnipresent God. The phrase "shake terribly the earth" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming scale and severity of God's judgment, suggesting a cosmic upheaval. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to the earlier vision of peace and worship on Mount Zion ([Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Zion as a Spiritual Center")), highlighting the stark contrast between God's blessing for the obedient and His terrifying judgment for the rebellious. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future day of divine reckoning that will humble all human pride and expose the emptiness of idolatry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:21 stands as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and the inescapable reality of His judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that no one can hide from the Creator of the universe when He chooses to reveal His power in judgment. This verse vividly portrays the reversal of human pride and self-sufficiency, demonstrating that all earthly strength, wealth, and idols will crumble before the majesty of the LORD. The terror described is a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion and idolatry, highlighting the just nature of God's wrath against sin. Ultimately, it calls humanity to consider their standing before a holy God and to seek true refuge before the Day of the Lord arrives.

* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Great Men Hide from God's Wrath")
* [Luke 23:30](/luke/23-30 "Luke 23:30 - Call to the Mountains to Fall on Them")
* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:21 serves as a profound and sobering warning, compelling us to confront the reality of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His judgment. It challenges any human tendency toward self-reliance, pride, or idolatry, reminding us that all such pursuits are utterly futile in the face of divine power. The desperate flight into rocky crevices illustrates the terrifying consequence of living in defiance of God—a future where there is no escape from His presence. For us today, this verse calls for a deep introspection: Where do we place our trust? In what do we find our security? Are we seeking refuge in temporary, earthly shelters, or in the eternal, unshakeable presence of God Himself? True wisdom begins with the "fear of the LORD" (in the sense of reverent awe and obedience), leading us not to flee from Him, but to draw near to Him in humility and repentance. This passage urges us to align our lives with God's will now, before the day when His majesty is revealed in judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rocks" or "clefts" do I tend to hide in when facing difficult truths or the consequences of my actions, rather than confronting them before God?**
* **How does the "fear of the LORD" described in this verse differ from, or relate to, the reverential "fear of the LORD" that is the beginning of wisdom?**
* **In what ways might I be relying on my own strength, possessions, or achievements (modern "idols") instead of trusting solely in God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **How does the inevitability of God's judgment, as depicted here, motivate me to live a life of greater humility, repentance, and obedience?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the LORD" mentioned in this verse and throughout Isaiah?**

Answer: The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring prophetic theme in the Old Testament, signifying a specific future time when God decisively intervenes in human history. It is often portrayed as a day of divine judgment, wrath, and destruction for the wicked and rebellious, but also a day of vindication, deliverance, and restoration for His faithful people. In [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - The Day of the Lord and God's Judgment"), it is depicted as a day when God will humble all human pride, destroy idols, and shake the earth, revealing His supreme majesty and power. This concept is not limited to a single historical event but encompasses various manifestations of God's judgment and ultimate eschatological intervention, as seen in passages like [Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord's Army") and [Zephaniah 1:7-18](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7-18 - The Great Day of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 2:21, with its terrifying portrayal of humanity fleeing from the wrath of God, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse depicts a desperate and futile attempt to escape divine judgment through physical hiding, the New Testament reveals that true and lasting refuge is found not in rocks and caves, but in Christ alone. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the ultimate hiding place for all who believe. His sacrifice atoned for sin, delivering believers from the "fear of the LORD" as a terrifying judgment, transforming it into a reverent awe and filial love. The "shaking of the earth" that Isaiah foretells is ultimately overcome by the unshakable kingdom of God established through Christ ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). Those who are "in Christ" are no longer condemned to hide from God's wrath but are welcomed into His presence through the new and living way He inaugurated ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Thus, the terror of Isaiah 2:21 is transformed into the peace of [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith"), as believers find salvation and security in the one who conquered sin, death, and the fear of judgment itself.

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 2:19

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: