Isaiah 29:6

KJV

Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt be visited {H6485} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} with thunder {H7482}, and with earthquake {H7494}, and great {H1419} noise {H6963}, with storm {H5492} and tempest {H5591}, and the flame {H3851} of devouring {H398} fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will be visited by ADONAI-Tzva'ot with thunder, earthquakes and loud noises, whirlwinds, tempests, flaming firestorms.

Berean Standard Bible

you will be visited by the LORD of Hosts with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with windstorm and tempest and consuming flame of fire.

American Standard Version

She shall be visited of Jehovah of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with whirlwind and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 29:6 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment upon Jerusalem, referred to as Ariel, through an overwhelming display of God's power. The verse vividly depicts this visitation as a cataclysmic event, employing imagery of thunder, earthquake, immense noise, violent storms, and consuming fire. This dramatic portrayal underscores the inescapable and devastating nature of the Lord of hosts' intervention against a people marked by spiritual complacency and rebellion, signifying a moment of profound divine reckoning that aims to purify and humble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 29:6 is centrally positioned within a significant oracle (Isaiah 29:1-24) directed at Jerusalem, symbolically named "Ariel," a term that can signify "lion of God" (referring to Jerusalem's strength or perhaps the altar's sacrificial fire) or "altar hearth." The preceding verses (Isaiah 29:1-5) establish Jerusalem's impending siege and distress, highlighting its spiritual deafness and self-reliance despite its religious outward appearance. The "visitation" described in verse 6 represents the culmination of this divine displeasure, a powerful and destructive act that follows the pronouncements of judgment and the city's deep spiritual slumber (Isaiah 29:9-12). The vivid imagery of natural phenomena in verse 6 serves to emphasize the irresistible force of God's judgment, setting the stage for the subsequent lament, the eventual promise of restoration for a repentant remnant (Isaiah 29:17-24), and the contrast between human wisdom and divine understanding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 29 is set against the tumultuous backdrop of Judah's political and spiritual landscape during the late 8th century BCE. Jerusalem, though the spiritual and political capital, had grown complacent and increasingly relied on human alliances, particularly with Egypt, rather than trusting solely in the Lord for security against the rising Assyrian Empire. During Isaiah's prophetic ministry, Assyria posed an existential threat, frequently encroaching upon Judah's borders. The "visitation" described in this verse, while potentially alluding to a military siege (such as Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem in 701 BCE), transcends mere human conflict through its use of cosmic, natural disaster language. For an ancient Near Eastern audience, powerful natural phenomena like thunder, earthquakes, and storms were universally understood as direct manifestations of divine power, wrath, and judgment, often associated with theophany (the appearance of God). This imagery would have evoked profound awe and terror, signifying an undeniable divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God's holiness and righteousness demand a response to sin, and persistent rebellion inevitably leads to severe consequences. The intensity of the natural phenomena symbolizes the overwhelming severity of this divine wrath, particularly against spiritual hypocrisy and formalistic worship, as starkly highlighted in [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Hypocrisy Condemned"). It also powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing that the [LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts") is the absolute commander of all creation and history, capable of executing His will through any means necessary. The imagery of destructive forces underscores His irresistible might and control over both the natural world and human affairs. Furthermore, the verse serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Unfaithfulness**, illustrating that outward religious practice without genuine inward devotion and trust in God leads to divine reckoning, a theme powerfully echoed in [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God's Rejection of Empty Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **visited (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This primitive root carries a wide semantic range, meaning "to visit." However, its context determines whether the visitation is for blessing, care, or, as in Isaiah 29:6, for hostile intent, oversight, or punishment. The accompanying imagery of destructive forces unequivocally points to a visitation of severe judgment and reckoning, implying that God is calling Jerusalem to account for its actions, bringing about a punitive and judicial intervention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, personal, and covenantal name of God, often rendered "the LORD" in English translations. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God. Its presence here emphasizes that this judgment is not random or impersonal, but a deliberate act of the sovereign God who, despite His covenant relationship with His people, holds them accountable for their unfaithfulness and rebellion.
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** A primitive word for fire, used literally or figuratively. In biblical contexts, fire often symbolizes God's presence, purity, and holiness, but also His consuming wrath against sin. The phrase "flame of devouring fire" (combining _lahab_ 'flame' and _ʼâkal_ 'devouring' with _ʼêsh_ 'fire') intensifies this destructive aspect, portraying an irresistible and all-consuming judgment that purifies through destruction, leaving nothing untouched by its intense heat and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent and the recipient of the action. "Thou" refers to Ariel/Jerusalem, the unfaithful city. The "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) signifies God as the absolute commander of heavenly armies and all creation, emphasizing His omnipotence, authority, and ability to execute His will. The term "visited" (Hebrew: *pâqad*) in this context denotes a punitive, judicial visitation, where God intervenes to bring judgment upon His unfaithful people, holding them accountable for their spiritual complacency and rebellion.
* **"with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise":** This tripartite description begins to unpack the nature of the divine visitation. "Thunder" (Hebrew: *raʻam*) and "earthquake" (Hebrew: *raʻash*) are powerful, awe-inspiring natural phenomena often associated with theophany (God's appearance) and divine judgment in the Old Testament, signifying God's overwhelming power and presence. "Great noise" (Hebrew: *gâdôwl qôwl*) further amplifies the sense of chaos, terror, and the sheer magnitude of the impending event, suggesting a cacophony of destruction and the terrifying sound of God's intervention.
* **"with storm and tempest":** These terms (Hebrew: *çûwphâh* and *çaʻar*) continue the imagery of violent natural forces. "Storm" and "tempest" evoke uncontrollable, destructive winds and torrential rains, further emphasizing the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's judgment. They suggest a complete upheaval and a force that sweeps away all resistance, leaving devastation in its wake, signifying a comprehensive and relentless divine assault.
* **"and the flame of devouring fire":** This final phrase culminates the destructive imagery, bringing it to a terrifying crescendo. "Flame" (Hebrew: *lahab*) and "fire" (Hebrew: *ʼêsh*) combine with "devouring" (Hebrew: *ʼâkal*) to portray a consuming, purifying, and utterly destructive force. This "devouring fire" is a recurring biblical motif for God's holy wrath and His unyielding opposition to sin, signifying a judgment that utterly consumes and purifies, leaving nothing untouched by its intensity.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 29:6 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of divine judgment through a cascade of natural phenomena. The prophet masterfully employs **Metaphor** and **Symbolism** by using "thunder," "earthquake," "storm," "tempest," and "devouring fire" not merely as literal weather events, but as potent representations of God's overwhelming wrath, irresistible power, and the terrifying nature of His intervention. This creates a powerful sense of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the scale of the destruction to convey the absolute magnitude and terrifying nature of the divine intervention. The cumulative effect of these destructive images creates a dramatic sense of **Climax**, building from audible terror (thunder, great noise) to physical upheaval (earthquake, storm) and finally to complete annihilation (devouring fire), emphasizing the escalating severity and totality of God's judgment. The repeated use of the preposition "with" (Hebrew: *bĕ*) creates a powerful **Parallelism** that reinforces the multifaceted, comprehensive, and inescapable nature of this divine visitation, underscoring that every aspect of creation is at God's command to execute His righteous decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 29:6 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God, as the sovereign Lord of hosts, is not merely a distant deity but an active, decisive participant in human history, who intervenes powerfully when His people stray from covenant faithfulness. This "visitation" underscores His unwavering holiness, justice, and righteousness, demonstrating that spiritual apathy, hypocrisy, and rebellion have severe and inescapable consequences. The imagery of overwhelming natural forces highlights God's absolute power and control over all creation, which He can wield as instruments of His righteous judgment. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's character encompasses both merciful love and consuming wrath, demanding genuine repentance, sincere worship, and unwavering trust from His people, lest they face the full weight of His divine reckoning.

* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Psalm 18:7-15](/psalm/18-7-15 "Psalm 18:7-15 - God's Theophany and Deliverance")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 29:6 serves as a potent spiritual mirror, calling us to examine the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our devotion. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to superficiality or hypocrisy; He desires a heart fully surrendered and reliant on Him, not on human wisdom, worldly power, or empty religious rituals. The overwhelming imagery of divine judgment compels us to take sin seriously and to cultivate a reverent fear of the Lord, recognizing His ultimate authority and power over all creation and all human affairs. This passage encourages us to move beyond mere outward religious observance to a deep, transformative relationship with God, ensuring that our trust is placed solely in Him. It's a profound call to humility, genuine repentance, and unwavering faith in the face of life's challenges, knowing that God's presence, whether in judgment or blessing, is always purposeful, just, and ultimately for our good, drawing us back to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on human wisdom, worldly security, or outward religious performance instead of fully trusting in and obeying the Lord?**
* **How might my outward religious practices sometimes mask an inward spiritual complacency, hypocrisy, or a lack of genuine devotion to God?**
* **What does the vivid imagery of God's powerful visitation in this verse reveal about His holiness, justice, and sovereignty, and how should this understanding shape my daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "LORD of hosts" mean in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Sabaoth*) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, omnipotence, and His role as the divine warrior. "Hosts" refers to armies, whether heavenly (angels) or earthly, signifying that God is the supreme commander of all forces in the universe. In [Isaiah 29:6](/isaiah/29-6 "Isaiah 29:6 - The Lord's Visitation"), it underscores that the impending judgment is not a random or chaotic event but a deliberate, powerful act orchestrated by the Almighty God, who commands all creation to execute His righteous will. This title reassures that no power, human or natural, can withstand His decree or thwart His purposes.

**Is the "visitation" in Isaiah 29:6 a literal prediction of natural disasters?**

Answer: While the language uses vivid imagery of natural phenomena like thunder, earthquake, storm, and fire, it is primarily **symbolic and metaphorical** rather than a literal prediction of specific natural disasters in isolation. These powerful images are employed to convey the overwhelming, inescapable, and destructive nature of God's judgment upon Jerusalem. They represent the severity and totality of His divine reckoning, which could manifest through various means, including military conquest (like the Assyrian siege), but ultimately orchestrated by God's sovereign hand. The focus is on the *divine power* and *purpose* behind the event, not necessarily the precise literal form it will take. Similar imagery is used in other prophetic books to describe God's powerful interventions, such as in [Psalm 18:7-15](/psalm/18-7-15 "Psalm 18:7-15 - God's Theophany and Deliverance") or [Nahum 1:3-6](/nahum/1-3-6 "Nahum 1:3-6 - The Lord's Vengeance and Goodness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 29:6 describes a terrifying visitation of judgment upon unfaithful Jerusalem, its profound imagery of divine power and reckoning finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "LORD of hosts" who brings judgment is the very same God who, in Christ, offers profound salvation and reconciliation. The consuming fire of God's holiness, which devours sin and rebellion, is fully satisfied in the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus, who bore the full weight of divine wrath on the cross. Through His atoning death, Christ became the propitiation for our sins, absorbing the "devouring fire" of God's judgment so that all who believe might be spared from condemnation and receive eternal life. Furthermore, the "visitation" of the Lord is transformed from one of punitive judgment for believers to one of merciful grace and spiritual renewal. Just as the Old Testament prophets spoke of a future day when God would shake the heavens and the earth, [Hebrews 12:26-29](/hebrews/12-26-29 "Hebrews 12:26-29 - The Unshakable Kingdom") reinterprets this shaking, not as a final destruction for those in Christ, but as a purification that leads to an unshakable kingdom. Thus, in Christ, the terrifying power of God's judgment is revealed as the very foundation for His redemptive love, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe, transforming the anticipated "storm and tempest" into the profound peace of God's abiding presence.

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

Mark 13:8

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.

Matthew 24:7

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

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.

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Revelation 16:18

And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Luke 21:11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.