Isaiah 28:21

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.

For the LORD {H3068} shall rise up {H6965} as in mount {H2022} Perazim {H6559}, he shall be wroth {H7264} as in the valley {H6010} of Gibeon {H1391}, that he may do {H6213} his work {H4639}, his strange {H2114} work {H4639}; and bring to pass {H5647} his act {H5656}, his strange {H5237} act {H5656}.

For ADONAI will arise, as at Mount P'ratzim, and storm with rage, as in the Giv'on Valley; so he can do his deed, his strange deed, and perform his task, his alien task.

For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task.

For Jehovah will rise up as in mount Perazim, he will 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.

Commentary

Isaiah 28:21 presents a powerful and somewhat unsettling prophecy regarding God's impending judgment upon His own people, particularly the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, who had become arrogant and rebellious.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in Isaiah 28, where the prophet condemns the spiritual drunkenness, pride, and false security of Ephraim (the northern kingdom of Israel) and Judah. The leaders in Jerusalem are characterized as "scornful men" who have made a "covenant with death" (Isaiah 28:15), relying on human alliances and their own wisdom rather than on the Lord. Isaiah's message, though clear, was mocked and dismissed by those who preferred pleasantries over challenging truths. In this context, verse 21 serves as a stark warning: God will act decisively, and His actions will be unexpected by those who have disregarded Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The primary theme is God's just and severe judgment against His rebellious people. This judgment is not arbitrary but a necessary consequence of their persistent sin and rejection of His covenant.
  • God's Sovereignty and Unexpected Methods: The verse highlights God's absolute control over history and His willingness to use extraordinary, even seemingly contradictory, means to achieve His purposes.
  • "His Strange Work": The phrase "his strange work" and "his strange act" is central. It emphasizes that for God, whose nature is to save, bless, and deliver His people, acting in judgment against them is an unusual, almost alien, task. It underscores the profound depth of their apostasy that necessitates such an action from a loving God.

Linguistic Insights and Historical Allusions

The KJV uses the word "strange" to translate the Hebrew word nakriy (Χ ΦΈΧ›Φ°Χ¨Φ΄Χ™), which means "foreign," "alien," or "unusual." It implies something out of the ordinary course of events, especially for God's relationship with His covenant people.

The verse draws on two significant historical events where God dramatically intervened on behalf of His people, but here, the tables are turned:

  • Mount Perazim: This refers to David's decisive victory over the Philistines (as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:20 and 1 Chronicles 14:11), where the Lord "broke forth upon" the enemies. Historically, it was a place of divine deliverance for Israel.
  • Valley of Gibeon: This alludes to Joshua's miraculous victory over the Amorite kings, where God cast down great stones from heaven and made the sun stand still (Joshua 10:10-14). This was another instance of God fighting for Israel against their foes.

By invoking these past victories, Isaiah creates a stark contrast: the God who once fought *for* His people will now fight *against* them due to their unfaithfulness. His "work" and "act" will be "strange" because it's contrary to His usual disposition towards His covenant people.

Practical Application

Isaiah 28:21 serves as a profound reminder of God's holiness and justice. While God is merciful and gracious, He is also righteous and will not tolerate persistent rebellion and scorn. This verse teaches us:

  • The Gravity of Sin: Sin, especially willful and prolonged rebellion against God's revealed will, has serious consequences.
  • God's Unpredictable Justice: We cannot put God in a box or assume His actions will always align with our comfortable expectations. He may act in ways that seem "strange" to us, but are perfectly just and necessary from His divine perspective.
  • A Call to Repentance: The warning embedded in this verse is a call for individuals and nations to humble themselves, acknowledge their sin, and turn back to God. It highlights the importance of heeding God's warnings and trusting in His ways, not our own false securities.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 14:11

    So they came up to Baalperazim; and David smote them there. Then David said, God hath broken in upon mine enemies by mine hand like the breaking forth of waters: therefore they called the name of that place Baalperazim.

  • Joshua 10:12

    Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.

  • 2 Samuel 5:20

    And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.

  • Joshua 10:10

    And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.

  • 2 Samuel 5:25

    And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.

  • Lamentations 2:15

    All that pass by clap [their] hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, [saying, Is] this the city that [men] call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

  • 1 Chronicles 14:16

    David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer.