Isaiah 33:16

KJV

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters [shall be] sure.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall dwell {H7931} on high {H4791}: his place of defence {H4869} shall be the munitions {H4679} of rocks {H5553}: bread {H3899} shall be given {H5414} him; his waters {H4325} shall be sure {H539}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Such a person will live on the heights, his refuge a fortress among the cliffs, his food and water in steady supply.

Berean Standard Bible

he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.

American Standard Version

He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; his bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:16 delivers a profound and comforting promise of divine security and unfailing provision for the righteous. It vividly portrays an individual dwelling in an elevated, impregnable fortress, receiving guaranteed sustenance. This imagery symbolizes God's steadfast care and unwavering faithfulness to those who walk in integrity amidst a world of turmoil and judgment, assuring believers that their ultimate safety and well-being are secured by God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is strategically placed within a larger prophetic unit (chapters 28-35) that masterfully weaves together pronouncements of divine judgment against Israel's enemies and promises of glorious restoration for the faithful remnant. The chapter itself opens with a "Woe" oracle directed at an unnamed "destroyer" (likely a veiled reference to Assyria, a dominant and oppressive power during Isaiah's time), depicting the widespread devastation and terror that will engulf the land. However, a dramatic shift in tone occurs around [Isaiah 33:10-13](/isaiah/33-10 "Isaiah 33:10-13 - God's Intervention and Judgment"), where God declares His imminent and powerful intervention, proclaiming, "Now will I rise; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself." This divine uprising brings terrifying judgment upon the wicked, who are depicted in [Isaiah 33:14](/isaiah/33-14 "Isaiah 33:14 - The Terror of God's Presence") as unable to endure "the devouring fire" or "everlasting burnings." In stark contrast to the fate of the unrighteous, [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Character of the Righteous") meticulously describes the character of the righteous person—one who "walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly," rejecting oppression and bribery. Verse 16 directly follows this description, serving as the climactic assurance of the blessed outcome and secure dwelling for such an individual, thereby completing the powerful antithesis between the destiny of the wicked and the righteous.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Isaiah, particularly those found in chapters 32-33, are deeply rooted in the historical reality of the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the formidable Assyrian Empire. During the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the nation faced immense political and military pressure, culminating in Sennacherib of Assyria's devastating invasion and siege of Jerusalem, vividly recounted in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance"). In this era of profound geopolitical instability and existential threat, the concepts of fortified cities and natural strongholds were not abstract but vital for survival, making the imagery of "munitions of rocks" powerfully resonant with the audience's lived experience. Furthermore, the guaranteed provision of "bread" and "waters" spoke directly to the most fundamental human needs in a land prone to drought and siege warfare, where access to sustenance was a matter of life and death. Culturally, the understanding of divine protection and provision was intrinsically linked to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's law was understood to correlate directly with divine blessing and security.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:16 profoundly articulates several overarching themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, portraying God as the ultimate arbiter who orchestrates both the terrifying judgment upon the wicked and the glorious salvation for the faithful. Secondly, it powerfully highlights the theme of **Righteousness and Its Reward**, emphasizing that a life characterized by integrity, justice, and moral uprightness is the indispensable prerequisite for experiencing divine favor and protection, standing in stark contrast to the dire fate of the unrighteous, as delineated in [Isaiah 33:14-15](/isaiah/33-14 "Isaiah 33:14-15 - The Wicked and the Righteous"). Thirdly, **God's Unfailing Protection and Provision** emerges as a central and comforting message, depicting Him as an impregnable fortress and an ever-present, inexhaustible source of sustenance. This theme resonates deeply with other biblical affirmations of God's care, such as those found in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") and [Psalm 23:1-2](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1-2 - The Lord is My Shepherd"). Finally, the verse offers a powerful message of **Hope and Assurance** in times of profound distress, presenting a vision of peace, stability, and security that transcends immediate circumstances, firmly rooted in God's unchanging character and His immutable promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shâkan (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** From H7931, meaning "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up)." This word denotes more than a temporary lodging; it signifies a settled, established, and secure dwelling. In the context of divine protection, it implies a stable and enduring safety, a permanent habitation under God's watchful care, rather than a fleeting shelter.
* **misgâb (Hebrew, _misgâb'_):** From H4869, meaning "properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge; defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in Moab; Misgab." This term vividly describes a natural, elevated stronghold—a place of ultimate security and inaccessibility to enemies. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God Himself as the ultimate defender, a refuge that is unassailable and provides absolute safety.
* **ʼâman (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From H539, meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain; hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right." When applied to "waters," it signifies that the supply is utterly reliable, unfailing, and guaranteed. This word underscores God's trustworthiness and the absolute certainty of His promised provision, implying an enduring and dependable source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall dwell on high:"** This opening clause immediately establishes a position of exalted security and prominence. The phrase "on high" (mârôwm, H4791) suggests a place beyond the reach of earthly threats and turmoil, implying a divinely bestowed elevation and protection. It speaks to a spiritual and physical safety that is superior to any human defense, a realm of peace and stability.
* **"his place of defence [shall be] the munitions of rocks:"** This expands upon the nature of the secure dwelling. "Place of defence" (misgâb, H4869) refers to an inaccessible refuge, while "munitions" (mᵉtsad, H4679) and "rocks" (çelaʻ, H5553) collectively reinforce the imagery of an unassailable, natural fortress. This is not a man-made stronghold, which could be breached, but a divinely provided bulwark, symbolizing absolute, unshakeable security and protection from all adversaries.
* **"bread shall be given him;"** This clause transitions from security of dwelling to the assurance of sustenance. "Bread" (lechem, H3899) represents essential physical nourishment, the most basic and universal form of provision necessary for life. The passive voice "shall be given" (nâthan, H5414) powerfully emphasizes that this provision is a direct, gracious act of God, not something earned or acquired through human effort, highlighting God's active and benevolent role as the ultimate provider.
* **"his waters [shall be] sure."** Complementing the provision of bread, "waters" (mayim, H4325) signify another fundamental necessity for life, especially vital in the often-arid climate of the ancient Near East. The word "sure" (ʼâman, H539) guarantees the consistency, reliability, and unfailing nature of this supply. It means the waters will not fail or run dry, emphasizing the unwavering and dependable character of God's comprehensive care for His righteous ones.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:16 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of divine security and provision. **Imagery** is paramount, painting a vivid mental picture of an individual dwelling "on high" in "munitions of rocks," immediately evoking a sense of impregnable safety and transcendence above earthly dangers. This visual is deepened by **Metaphor**, where God Himself is implicitly presented as this unassailable fortress and the ultimate source of sustenance. The "munitions of rocks" function as a powerful **Symbol** of God's protective power and unwavering strength, while "bread" and "waters" symbolize comprehensive, unfailing provision for all of life's necessities, encompassing both physical and spiritual well-being. The structure of the verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, contrasting the secure dwelling with the assured provision, thereby reinforcing the holistic and comprehensive nature of God's care. The certainty conveyed through the use of passive voice and future tense in phrases like "shall be given" and "shall be sure" contributes to a pervasive tone of **Assurance**, instilling profound confidence in the reader regarding God's faithfulness and reliability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 33:16 stands as a profound theological declaration concerning God's character as both the ultimate Protector and the faithful Provider for those who align themselves with His righteousness. It powerfully articulates the biblical principle that genuine faith, tangibly demonstrated through a life of integrity, justice, and moral uprightness (as meticulously described in [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Righteous Walk")), is the divinely ordained pathway to experiencing His profound favor and unwavering protection. This verse assures us that God's unwavering commitment to His faithful people extends to their most fundamental needs, encompassing both physical sustenance and existential security, offering an impregnable refuge in a tumultuous and often threatening world. The evocative imagery of an elevated fortress and unfailing sustenance speaks to a holistic security that far transcends human capabilities, rooted entirely in God's unchanging character and His immutable faithfulness.

* [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High"): "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Do Not Worry About Tomorrow"): "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"): "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a contemporary world often characterized by profound uncertainty, economic instability, and myriad threats to personal and global peace and security, Isaiah 33:16 offers a steadfast anchor for the soul. It issues a compelling call for believers to reorient their focus, shifting from reliance on fallible human institutions, fluctuating economic systems, or even personal efforts, to the ultimate and unshakeable security found in God alone. Living a life of righteousness, as meticulously outlined in the preceding verse, is presented not merely as a moral imperative or a set of rules, but as the divinely appointed pathway to experiencing God's promised protection and abundant provision. This verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate unwavering integrity in our actions, words, and intentions, trusting implicitly that God Himself will be our impregnable fortress and our unfailing source of sustenance. It serves as a powerful reminder that true peace and profound security emanate from resting confidently in His sovereign and benevolent care, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to His promises, even when external circumstances appear dire or overwhelming. This divine assurance empowers us to live boldly, free from debilitating anxiety about our basic needs, and to courageously pursue justice, truth, and righteousness in every facet of our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "dwelling on high" and "munitions of rocks" challenge your current understanding of security and stability in today's volatile world?**
* **In what specific ways does this verse encourage you to deepen your trust in God for your daily provisions, encompassing both your physical necessities and your spiritual sustenance?**
* **How does the profound connection between righteous living (as described in Isaiah 33:15) and divine protection and provision (as promised in Isaiah 33:16) shape your understanding and practice of practical Christian living?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "He" in Isaiah 33:16, and what does it mean for them to "dwell on high"?**

Answer: The "He" in Isaiah 33:16 refers to the righteous person, whose character is meticulously described in the preceding verse, [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Character of the Righteous"). This individual is one who "walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil." To "dwell on high" signifies a position of divine favor, elevated security, and spiritual prominence. It implies a refuge and protection from God that transcends earthly dangers and the judgments that afflict the wicked, much like a fortress built on an inaccessible cliff. This is a state of profound spiritual and existential safety, a secure dwelling place beyond vulnerability.

**Is the "bread" and "waters" mentioned in this verse only about physical sustenance?**

Answer: While "bread" and "waters" certainly refer to essential physical provisions necessary for survival, the biblical context often expands these terms to encompass comprehensive well-being and spiritual sustenance. In a broader, more profound sense, they symbolize God's complete and holistic provision for all of life's necessities—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as physical food and water sustain the body, God provides spiritual nourishment, such as His life-giving Word (as highlighted in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone"), where man does not live by bread alone), and the "living water" that Jesus offers (as promised in [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). These spiritual provisions sustain the soul and spirit, ensuring a full, abundant, and eternally secure life under His faithful care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The righteous one, whose security and provision are divinely guaranteed, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who alone lived a life of absolute and unblemished righteousness, perfectly fulfilling the character described in [Isaiah 33:15](/isaiah/33-15 "Isaiah 33:15 - The Character of the Righteous"). He is our true "place of defence" and "munitions of rocks," the ultimate refuge and impregnable stronghold for all who place their faith in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ became our secure dwelling, elevating us to a position of spiritual safety and exalted status "on high" with Him, as we are seated with Him in the heavenly places (as seen in [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")). Moreover, Jesus unequivocally declared Himself to be the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies, and the inexhaustible source of "living water" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), providing unfailing spiritual sustenance that quenches all thirst for eternity. Thus, the promises of secure dwelling and unfailing provision in Isaiah 33:16 are not merely earthly blessings but find their eternal, complete, and glorious reality in Christ, who guarantees both spiritual and ultimate physical provision for His redeemed people (as promised in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")) and offers a secure, eternal dwelling in His very presence ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - My Father's House")).

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

Luke 12:29

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

Luke 12:31

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Isaiah 32:18

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

Proverbs 1:33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Psalms 107:41

Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh [him] families like a flock.

Psalms 111:5

He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.