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Translation
King James Version
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Look H2372 upon Zion H6726, the city H7151 of our solemnities H4150: thine eyes H5869 shall see H7200 Jerusalem H3389 a quiet H7600 habitation H5116, a tabernacle H168 that shall not be taken down H6813; not one of the stakes H3489 thereof shall ever H5331 be removed H5265, neither shall any of the cords H2256 thereof be broken H5423.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Look at Tziyon, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Yerushalayim a secure abode, a tent that will not be removed, whose pegs will never be pulled out and whose guy-ropes will not be cut.
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Berean Standard Bible
Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken.
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American Standard Version
Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tent that shall not be removed, the stakes whereof shall never be plucked up, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.
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World English Bible Messianic
Look at Zion, the city of our appointed festivals. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, a tent that won’t be removed. Its stakes will never be plucked up, nor will any of its cords be broken.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Looke vpon Zion the citie of our solemne feastes: thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation, a Tabernacle that can not be remooued: and the stakes thereof can neuer be taken away, neither shall any of the cordes thereof be broken.
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Young's Literal Translation
See Zion, the city of our meetings, Thine eyes see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, A tent not taken down, Not removed are its pins for ever, And none of its cords are broken.
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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Isaiah 33:20 presents a glorious prophetic vision of Jerusalem, often synonymous with Zion, as a divinely secured and eternally stable dwelling place. Amidst prophecies of judgment and deliverance, this verse serves as a powerful promise of God's unwavering protection and the establishment of a lasting peace for His people. It depicts the city as a permanent, unshakeable tabernacle, symbolizing God's enduring presence and the inviolable security granted to those who trust in Him, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of earthly powers and human structures.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Isaiah 33 is a dramatic prophetic oracle that shifts from a lament over Assyrian oppression and a prayer for divine intervention to a magnificent vision of God's righteous reign and the blessed future of His people. The chapter begins with a "Woe to you, O destroyer" Isaiah 33:1, depicting the Assyrian empire's treachery and the subsequent desolation of the land. Following this, the prophet offers a fervent prayer for God's mercy and exaltation Isaiah 33:2-6. The Lord's response details His mighty acts of judgment against the oppressors and His establishment of justice and righteousness Isaiah 33:7-13. The focus then shifts to the righteous who will inhabit Zion, contrasting them with the ungodly who fear God's consuming fire Isaiah 33:14-19. Verse 20, therefore, describes the blessed state of Jerusalem (Zion) after God has delivered His people from their adversaries and established His righteous reign, painting a picture of lasting peace and inviolable security that stands in stark contrast to the preceding turmoil and the terror of God's judgment.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The prophecies in Isaiah 33 are generally understood to be set against the backdrop of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, specifically around 701 BC. The Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, was a formidable military power that had already conquered much of the ancient Near East and was threatening Jerusalem. The people of Judah faced immense fear, destruction, and the imminent threat of exile, as many cities had already fallen. In this context, the imagery of a "tabernacle" is particularly potent. The tabernacle (and later the Temple) was the central place of worship and the symbolic dwelling of God's presence in Israel. Its temporary, portable nature, with stakes and cords, was well understood from the wilderness wanderings. Thus, the promise that this "tabernacle" would not be taken down, nor its stakes removed or cords broken, directly counters the contemporary experience of cities being besieged, conquered, and dismantled, offering a profound message of divine permanence and security in a time of extreme vulnerability and national crisis.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights Divine Security and Protection, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to safeguard His chosen city and people. Jerusalem is depicted as a "quiet habitation," signifying a place of profound peace and safety, divinely secured from any external threat, a theme echoed in other prophetic assurances like Psalm 46:5. Secondly, the imagery conveys Permanence and Stability. Unlike temporary tents or human structures that can be dismantled or destroyed, God's dwelling among His people is eternal and unshakeable, directly contrasting with the transient nature of earthly powers and human endeavors. This enduring quality points to the ultimate, unshakeable kingdom of God (Hebrews 12:28). Thirdly, the "tabernacle" imagery underscores God's Enduring Presence. The tabernacle symbolized God's presence among Israel in the wilderness, and here it signifies His perpetual presence in Jerusalem, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem where God's tabernacle will be with humanity forever (Revelation 21:3). Finally, for a people facing invasion and uncertainty, this verse offers a profound message of Hope and Restoration, assuring them that despite current hardships, God has a glorious and secure future planned for them, characterized by peace and stability under His watchful eye.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Look (Hebrew, châzâh', H2372): This primitive root means "to gaze at," "mentally to perceive," "contemplate (with pleasure)," or "to have a vision of." In this context, it is an imperative, a command to the people to actively observe and contemplate the future state of Zion. It implies not just a casual glance, but a focused, hopeful gaze, inviting them to internalize the divine promise and find comfort in the vision God is revealing. It suggests a prophetic insight into a reality that is guaranteed by God.
  • Solemnities (Hebrew, môwʻêd', H4150): This term refers to "an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season," specifically a "festival," "assembly," or "place of meeting." When Jerusalem is called "the city of our solemnities," it highlights its central role as the spiritual hub where God's appointed feasts and sacred assemblies were observed. This emphasizes Jerusalem's identity not merely as a political capital, but as the consecrated place where God met with His people, where covenants were renewed, and where worship was performed according to His divine appointments. The permanence of this city implies the permanence of true worship and covenant relationship.
  • Tabernacle (Hebrew, ʼôhel', H168): Derived from a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous from a distance," this word refers to a "tent" or "dwelling place." While commonly associated with a temporary, portable structure (like the wilderness tabernacle), its use here, coupled with the emphatic negation of its dismantling, transforms its meaning. It symbolizes God's dwelling place among His people, but with an added layer of absolute permanence and security. This imagery powerfully conveys that God's presence and the security He provides are not fleeting but are eternally established in Zion.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities:" This opening command directs the audience's attention to Zion (Jerusalem), identifying it as the central place where God's appointed festivals and sacred gatherings occur. It invites a hopeful contemplation of the city's future, grounding its significance in its spiritual purpose as the hub of Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God.
  • "thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation," This clause promises a future state of profound peace and tranquility for Jerusalem. "Quiet habitation" (Hebrew: shaʼănân nâveh) signifies a secure, undisturbed dwelling place, free from the turmoil, invasion, and threats that characterized their present reality. It's a vision of divinely ordained serenity, a state of rest and security brought about by God's intervention.
  • "a tabernacle [that] shall not be taken down;" Here, Jerusalem is metaphorically described as a "tabernacle" (tent), which traditionally implies portability and temporariness. However, the emphatic declaration that it "shall not be taken down" directly contradicts this usual understanding. This signifies its absolute permanence and invulnerability, a structure that God Himself ensures will never be dismantled or removed, standing as a testament to His enduring covenant.
  • "not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed," This further reinforces the idea of absolute permanence and stability. The "stakes" (Hebrew: yâthêd) were crucial for securing a tent, anchoring it firmly to the ground. The promise that not even one stake will be removed emphasizes that no part of this divine dwelling place will be loosened, weakened, or displaced, indicating a complete and total security.
  • "neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken." Completing the imagery of an indestructible tent, this final clause assures that the "cords" (Hebrew: chebel), which held the tent fabric to the stakes, will also remain intact. This signifies that the entire structure, down to its smallest components, is divinely preserved and will never suffer damage or disintegration, guaranteeing its eternal integrity and security against all adversaries.

Literary Devices

Isaiah 33:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and divine security. Central to the verse is Metaphor, where Jerusalem is described as a "tabernacle that shall not be taken down." This transforms the common understanding of a temporary tent into a symbol of absolute permanence and stability, directly contrasting with the transient nature of earthly cities and empires. The "stakes" and "cords" further extend this metaphor, representing the foundational and connective elements that ensure its unshakeable nature. Symbolism is also prominent, with "Zion" and "Jerusalem" symbolizing not just the physical city but also the spiritual community of God's people and the center of His redemptive plan. The "city of our solemnities" highlights its symbolic role as the consecrated place of divine appointment and worship. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Repetition and Emphasis through its strong negations: "shall not be taken down," "not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed," and "neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken." This triple negation powerfully underscores the absolute and unwavering nature of God's promise of security and permanence for His chosen dwelling place, leaving no room for doubt regarding its inviolability.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Isaiah 33:20 profoundly speaks to the theological themes of God's covenant faithfulness, His sovereign protection, and the ultimate destiny of His people. The vision of Jerusalem as an unshakeable tabernacle underscores God's commitment to establish a secure and eternal dwelling place for Himself among humanity. This permanence is not based on human strength or political stability, but on the divine decree and power. It points to an eschatological hope where God's presence is fully realized, and His people experience complete peace and security, free from any threat or disruption. This vision transcends the immediate historical context of Assyrian invasion, providing a glimpse into the eternal kingdom of God, where His reign is absolute and His dwelling is forever secure, serving as a beacon of hope for all generations.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In a world characterized by constant change, instability, and uncertainty, Isaiah 33:20 offers a profound anchor for the soul. Just as ancient Judah faced the threat of destruction, we too encounter various forms of turmoil—personal crises, societal unrest, and global anxieties. This verse reminds us that our ultimate security and peace are found not in fleeting earthly structures or human institutions, but in the eternal, unshakeable "habitation" that God provides. It invites us to shift our gaze from the temporary to the eternal, to find our "quiet habitation" in Christ and His unshakable kingdom. When we feel our own "stakes" are being pulled up or our "cords" are breaking, we can rest in the assurance that God's promises for His people are eternally secure, offering a spiritual home that no earthly power can dismantle. This truth calls us to live with confident hope, knowing that our true citizenship is in a city whose builder and maker is God, a city of perpetual peace and divine presence, enabling us to face life's storms with unwavering faith.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "stakes" or "cords" in your life currently feel threatened or unstable, and how can the promise of Isaiah 33:20 bring you peace amidst that instability?
  • How does understanding Jerusalem as the "city of our solemnities" (a place of worship and divine appointment) shape your view of the Church's role and your personal participation in corporate worship?
  • In what ways can you actively "look upon Zion" (contemplate God's eternal purposes and promises) in your daily life to cultivate a sense of quiet habitation?

FAQ

What is the significance of Jerusalem being called "the city of our solemnities"?

Answer: "The city of our solemnities" (Hebrew: môwʻêd) highlights Jerusalem's central role as the designated place for Israel's sacred festivals, appointed times of worship, and covenant assemblies. It was where God had commanded His people to gather to meet with Him, offer sacrifices, and celebrate His faithfulness. This designation emphasizes Jerusalem's spiritual importance beyond its political or geographical status, marking it as the consecrated hub of Israel's relationship with God. The promise of its permanence in Isaiah 33:20 therefore implies the enduring nature of true worship and God's covenant presence among His people, ensuring that the place of divine encounter would remain secure.

How can a "tabernacle," which is typically temporary, be described as "not taken down" and permanent?

Answer: The imagery of the "tabernacle" (Hebrew: ʼôhel) in Isaiah 33:20 is a powerful metaphor. While a tabernacle or tent is by nature temporary and portable, the prophet uses this familiar image to emphasize God's direct intervention to reverse its usual transient quality. By stating that it "shall not be taken down," and that "not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken," Isaiah is conveying absolute, divine permanence. It signifies that God's dwelling place among His people, and the security He provides, are not subject to human destruction or the passage of time, but are eternally established by His sovereign power. It transforms a symbol of temporariness into one of eternal stability, promising an unshakeable divine presence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Isaiah 33:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant reality He inaugurated. The vision of Jerusalem as a "quiet habitation" and an unshakeable "tabernacle" points forward to the eternal security and peace found in Christ. He is the true dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of God's presence, as John 1:14 declares that the Word "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us"). The permanence promised to Zion is realized in the unshakeable kingdom established by Christ, a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" Hebrews 12:28. Through His atoning work, believers are brought into this spiritual Zion, the "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" Hebrews 12:22, where God's presence is not merely symbolic but intimately real through the Holy Spirit who indwells believers 1 Corinthians 3:16. Ultimately, this prophecy culminates in the New Jerusalem of Revelation, where God's "dwelling place is with man, and he will dwell with them" Revelation 21:3, and Christ Himself is the temple Revelation 21:22. Thus, the secure, permanent tabernacle of Isaiah's vision is fully realized in Christ, who provides an eternal, unshakeable home and peace for all who believe, ensuring a perpetual spiritual solemnity.

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Commentary on Isaiah 33 verses 13–24

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here is a preface that commands attention; and it is fit that all should attend, both near and afar off, to what God says and does (Isa 33:13): Hear, you that are afar off, whether in place or time. Let distant regions and future ages hear what God has done. They do so; they will do so from the scripture, with as much assurance as those that were near, the neighbouring nations and those that lived at that time. But whoever hears what God has done, whether near or afar off, let them acknowledge his might, that it is irresistible, and that he can do every thing. Those are very stupid who hear what God has done and yet will not acknowledge his might. Now what is it that God has done which we must take notice of, and in which we must acknowledge his might?

I. He has struck a terror upon the sinners in Zion (Isa 33:14): Fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. There are sinners in Zion, hypocrites, that enjoy Zion's privileges and concur in Zion's services, but their hearts are not right in the sight of God; they keep up secret haunts of sin under the cloak of a visible profession, which convicts them of hypocrisy. Sinners in Zion will have a great deal to answer for above other sinners; and their place in Zion will be so far from being their security that it will aggravate both their sin and their punishment. Now those sinners in Zion, though always subject to secret frights and terrors, were struck with a more than ordinary consternation from the convictions of their own consciences. 1. When they saw the Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem, and ready to set fire to it and lay it in ashes, and burn the wasps in the nest. Finding they could not make their escape to Egypt, as some had done, and distrusting the promises God had made by his prophets that he would deliver them, they were at their wits' end, and ran about like men distracted, crying, "Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Let us therefore abandon the city, and shift for ourselves elsewhere; one had as good live in everlasting burnings as live here." Who will stand up for us against this devouring fire? so some read it. See here how the sinners in Zion are affected when the judgments of God are abroad; while they were only threatened they slighted them and made nothing of them; but, when they come to be executed, they run into the other extreme, then they magnify them, and make the worst of them; they call them devouring fire and everlasting burnings, and despair of relief and succour. Those that rebel against the commands of the word cannot take the comforts of it in a time of need. Or, rather, 2. When they saw the Assyrian army destroyed; for the destruction of that is the fire spoken of immediately before, Isa 33:11, Isa 33:2. When the sinners in Zion saw what dreadful execution the wrath of God made they were in a great fright, being conscious to themselves that they had provoked this God by their secretly worshipping other gods; and therefore they cry out, Who among us shall dwell with this devouring fire, before which so vast an army is as thorns? Who among us shall dwell with these everlasting burnings, which have made the Assyrians as the burnings of lime? Isa 33:12. Thus they said, or should have said. Note, God's judgments upon the enemies of Zion should strike a terror upon the sinners in Zion, nay, David himself trembles at them, Psa 119:120. God himself is this devouring fire, Heb 12:29. Who is able to stand before him? Sa1 6:20. His wrath will burn those everlastingly that have made themselves fuel for it. It is a fire that shall never be quenched, nor will ever go out of itself; for it is the wrath of an everlasting God preying upon the conscience of an immortal soul. Nor can the most daring sinners bear up against it, so as to bear either the execution of it or the fearful expectation of it. Let this awaken us all to flee from the wrath to come, by fleeing to Christ as our refuge.

II. He has graciously provided for the security of his people that trust in him: Hear this, and acknowledge his power in making those that walk righteously, and speak uprightly, to dwell on high, Isa 33:15, Isa 33:16. We have here,

1.The good man's character, which he preserves even in times of common iniquity, in divers instances. (1.) He walks righteously. In the whole course of his conversation he acts by rules of equity, and makes conscience of rendering to all their due, to God his due, as well as to men theirs. His walk is righteousness itself; he would not for a world wilfully do an unjust thing. (2.) He speaks uprightly, uprightnesses (so the word is); he speaks what is true and right, and with an honest intention. He cannot think one thing and speak another, nor look one way and row another. His word is to him as sacred as his oath, and is not yea and nay. (3.) He is so far from coveting ill-gotten gain that he despises it. He thinks it a mean and sordid thing, and unbecoming a man of honour, to enrich himself by any hardship put upon his neighbour. He scorns to do a wrong thing, nay, to do a severe thing, though he might get by it. He does not over-value gain itself, and therefore easily abhors the gain that is not honestly come by. (4.) If he have a bribe at any time thrust into his hand, to pervert justice, he shakes his hands from holding it, with the utmost detestation, taking it as an affront to have it offered him. (5.) He stops his ears from hearing any thing that tends to cruelty or bloodshed, or any suggestions stirring him up to revenge, Job 31:31. He turns a deaf ear to those that delight in war and entice him to cast in his lot among them, Pro 1:14, Pro 1:16. (6.) He shuts his eyes from seeing evil. He has such an abhorrence of sin that he cannot bear to see others commit it, and does himself watch against all the occasions of it. Those that would preserve the purity of their souls must keep a strict guard upon the senses of their bodies, must stop their ears to temptations, and turn away their eyes from beholding vanity.

2.The good man's comfort, which he may preserve even in times of common calamity, Isa 33:16. (1.) He shall be safe; he shall escape the devouring fire and the everlasting burnings; he shall have access to, and communion with, that God who is a devouring fire, but shall be to him a rejoicing light. And, as to present troubles, he shall dwell on high, out of the reach of them, nay, out of the hearing of the noise of them; he shall not be really harmed by them, nay, he shall not be greatly frightened at them: The floods of great waters shall not come nigh him; or, if they should attack him, his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, strong and impregnable, fortified by nature as well as art. The divine power will keep him safe, and his faith in that power will keep him easy. God, the rock of ages, will be his high tower. (2.) He shall be supplied; he shall want nothing that is necessary for him: Bread shall be given him, even when the siege is straitest and provisions are cut off; and his waters shall be sure, that is, he shall be sure of the continuance of them, so that he shall not drink his water by measure and with astonishment. Those that fear the Lord shall not want any thing that is good for them.

III. He will protect Jerusalem, and deliver it out of the hands of the invaders. This storm that threatened them should blow over, and they should enjoy a prosperous state again. Many instances are here given of this prosperity.

1.Hezekiah shall put off his sackcloth and all the sadness of his countenance, and shall appear publicly in his beauty, in his royal robes and with a pleasing aspect (Isa 33:17), to the great joy of all his loving subjects. Those that walk uprightly shall not only have bread given them, and their water sure, but they shall with an eye of faith see the King of kings in his beauty, the beauty of holiness, and that beauty shall be upon them.

2.The siege being raised, by which they were kept close within the walls of Jerusalem, they shall now be at liberty to go abroad upon business or pleasure without danger of falling into the enemies' hand: They shall behold the land that is very far off; they shall visit the utmost corners of the nation, and take a prospect of the adjacent countries, which will be the more pleasant after so long a confinement. Thus believers behold the heavenly Canaan, that land that is very far off, and comfort themselves with the prospect of it in evil times.

3.The remembrance of the fright they were in shall add to the pleasure of their deliverance (Isa 33:18): Thy heart shall meditate terror, meditate it with pleasure when it is over. Thou shalt think thou still hearest the alarm in thy ears, when all the cry was, "Arm, arm, arm! every man to his post. Where is the scribe or secretary of war? Let him appear to draw up the muster-roll. Where is the receiver and pay-master of the army? Let him see what he had in bank, to defray the charge of a defence. Where is he that counted the towers? Let him bring in the account of them, that care may be taken to put a competent number of men in each." Or these words may be taken as Jerusalem's triumph over the vanquished army of the Assyrians, and the rather because the apostle alludes to them in his triumphs over the learning of this world, when it was baffled by the gospel of Christ, Co1 1:20. The virgin, the daughter of Zion, despises all their military preparations. Where is the scribe or muster-master of the Assyrian army? Where is their weigher (or treasurer), and where are their engineers that counted the towers? They are all either dead or fled. There is an end of them.

4.They shall no more be terrified with the sight of the Assyrians, who were a fierce people naturally, and were particularly fierce against the people of the Jews, and were of a strange language, that could understand neither their petitions nor their complaints, and therefore had a pretence for being deaf to them, nor could themselves be understood: "They are of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive, which will make them the more formidable, Isa 33:19. Thy eyes shall no more see them thus fierce, but their countenances changed when they shall all become dead corpses."

5.They shall no more be under apprehensions of the danger of Jerusalem-Zion, and the temple there (Isa 33:20): "Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities, the city where our solemn sacred feasts are kept, where we used to meet to worship God in religious assemblies." The good people among them, in the time of their distress, were most in pain for Zion upon this account, that it was the city of their solemnities, that the conquerors would burn their temple and they should not have that to keep their solemn feasts in any more. In times of public danger our concern should be most about our religion, and the cities of our solemnities should be dearer to us than either our strong cities or our store-cities. It is with an eye to this that God will work deliverance for Jerusalem, because it is the city of religious solemnities: let those be conscientiously kept up, as the glory of a people, and we may depend upon God to create a defence upon that glory. Two things are here promised to Jerusalem: - (1.) A well-grounded security. It shall be a quiet habitation for the people of God; they shall not be molested and disturbed, as they have been, by the alarms of the sword either of war or persecution, Isa 29:20. It shall be a quiet habitation, as it is the city of our solemnities. It is desirable to be quiet in our own houses, but much more so to be quiet in God's house and have none to make us afraid there. Thus it shall be with Jerusalem; and the eyes shall see it, which will be a great satisfaction to a good man, Psa 128:5, Psa 128:6. "Thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem, and peace upon Israel; thou shalt live to see it and share in it." (2.) An unmoved stability. Jerusalem, the city of our solemnities, is indeed but a tabernacle, in comparison with the New Jerusalem. The present manifestations of the divine glory and grace are nothing in comparison with those that are reserved for the future state. But it is such a tabernacle as shall not be taken down. After this trouble is over Jerusalem shall long enjoy a confirmed peace; and her sacred privileges, which are the stakes and cords of her tabernacle, shall not be removed from her, nor any disturbance given to the course and circle of her religious services. God's church on earth is a tabernacle, which, though it may be shifted from one place to another, shall not be taken down while the world stands; for in every age Christ will have a seed to serve him. The promises of the covenant are its stakes, which shall never be removed, and the ordinances and institutions of the gospel are its cords, which shall never be broken. They are things which cannot be shaken, though heaven and earth be, but shall remain.

6.God himself will be their protector and Saviour, Isa 33:21, Isa 33:22. This the principal ground of their confidence: "He that is himself the glorious Lord will display his glory for us and be a glory to us, such as shall eclipse the rival-glory of the enemy." God, in being a gracious Lord, is a glorious Lord; for his goodness is his glory. God will be the Saviour of Jerusalem and her glorious Lord, (1.) As a guard against their adversaries abroad. He will be a place of broad rivers and streams. Jerusalem had no considerable river running by it, as most great cities have, nothing but the brook Kidron, and so wanted one of the best natural fortifications, as well as one of the greatest advantages for trade and commerce, and upon this account their enemies despised them and doubted not but to make an easy prey of them; but the presence and power of God are sufficient at any time to make up to us the deficiencies of the creature and of its strength and beauty. We have all in God, all we need or can desire. Many external advantages Jerusalem has not which other places have, but in God there is more than an equivalent. But, if there be broad rivers and streams about Jerusalem, may not these yield an easy access to the fleet of an invader? No; these are rivers and streams in which shall go no galley with oars, no man of war or gallant ship. If God himself be the river, it must needs be inaccessible to the enemy; they can neither find nor force their way by it. (2.) As a guide to their affairs at home: "For the Lord is our Judge, to whom we are accountable, to whose judgment we refer ourselves, by whose judgment we abide, and who therefore (we hope) will judge for us. He is our lawgiver; his word is a law to us, and to him every thought within us is brought into obedience. He is our King, to whom we pay homage and tribute, and an inviolable allegiance, and therefore he will save us." For, as protection draws allegiance, so allegiance may expect protection, and shall have it with God. By faith we take Christ for our prince and Saviour, and as such depend upon him and devote ourselves to him. Observe with what an air of triumph, and with what an emphasis laid upon the glorious name of God, they comfort themselves with this: Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Lawgiver, Jehovah is our King, who, being self-existent, is self-sufficient, and all-sufficient to us.

7.The enemies shall be quite infatuated, and all their powers and projects broken, like a ship at sea in stress of weather, that cannot ride out the storm, but having her tackle torn, her masts split, and nothing wherewith to repair them, is given up for a wreck, Isa 33:23. The tacklings of the Assyrian are loosed; they are like a ship whose tacklings are loose, or forsaken by the ship's crew, when they give it over for lost, finding that they cannot strengthen the mast, but it will come down. They thought themselves sure of Jerusalem; but when they were just entering the port as it were, and though all was their own, they were quite becalmed, and could not spread their sail, but lay wind-bound till God poured the fury of his wrath upon them. The enemies of God's church are often disarmed and unrigged when they think they have almost gained their point.

8.The wealth of their camp shall be a rich booty for the Jews: Then is the prey of a great spoil divided. When the greater part were slain the rest fled in confusion, and with such precipitation that (like the Syrians) they left their tents as they were, so that all the treasure in them fell into the hands of the besieged; and even the lame take the prey. Those that tarried at home did divide the spoil. It was so easy to come at that not only the strong man might make himself master of it, but even the lame man, whose hands were lame, that he could not fight, and his feet, that he could not pursue. As the victory shall cost them no peril, so the prey shall cost them no toil. And there was such abundance of it that when those who were forward, and came first, had carried off as much as they would, even the lame, who came late, found sufficient. Thus God brought good out of evil, and not only delivered Jerusalem, but enriched it, and abundantly recompensed the losses they had sustained. Thus comfortably and well do the frights and distresses of the people of God often end.

9.Both sickness and sin shall be taken away; and then sickness is taken away in mercy when this is all the fruit of it, and the recovery from it, even the taking away of sin. (1.) The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick. As the lame shall take the prey, so shall the sick, notwithstanding their weakness, make a shift to get to the abandoned camp and seize something for themselves; or there shall be such a universal transport of joy upon this occasion that even the sick shall, for the present, forget their sickness and the sorrows of it, and join with the public in its rejoicings; the deliverance of their city shall be their cure. Or it intimates that, whereas infectious diseases are commonly the effect of long sieges, it shall not be so with Jerusalem, but the inhabitants of it with their victory and peace shall have health also, and there shall be no complaining upon the account of sickness within their gates. Or those that are sick shall bear their sickness without complaining as long as they see it goes well with Jerusalem. Our sense of private grievances should be drowned in our thanksgivings for public mercies. (2.) The people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity, not only the body of the nation forgiven their national guilt in the removing of the national judgment, but particular persons, that dwell therein, shall repent, and reform, and have their sins pardoned. And this is promised as that which is at the bottom of all other favours; he will do so and so for them, for he will be merciful to their unrighteousness, Heb 8:12. Sin is the sickness of the soul. When God pardons the sin he heals the disease; and, when the diseases of sin are healed by pardoning mercy, the sting of bodily sickness is taken out and the cause of it removed; so that either the inhabitant shall not be sick or at least shall not say, I am sick. If iniquity be taken away, we have little reason to complain of outward affliction. Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–24. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 20 and following) Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnity: your eyes shall see Jerusalem, a wealthy habitation: a tabernacle that cannot be moved, and its nails shall not be taken away forever, and all its cords shall not be broken. For our Lord is only magnificent there: a place of wide and open rivers, no ship of rowers shall pass through it: nor shall any great trireme pass over it. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king, he will save us. Your ropes are loosened, and they will not prevail; so will be your evil, that you cannot extend your sign. Then the spoils of many spoils will be divided: the lame will plunder the prey. And the neighbor will not say: I am faint: the people who dwell in it will be taken away by iniquity. LXX: Behold, Zion is a city of our salvation: your eyes will see Jerusalem. A wealthy city, immovable dwellings: its tent pegs will not be taken away forever, and its cords will not be torn apart. For the name of the Lord is great for you: your place will be wide and spacious rivers and streams: no ship propelled by oars will enter through it. For my God, the Lord, is great: the Lord our judge will not pass over me, the Lord our leader, the Lord our king, the Lord Himself will save us. Your cables have been disrupted (or plundered), because they did not prevail: your evil is bent, to let out the sails: it will not raise the sign, until it is delivered into desolation. Therefore, many will make booty of the closed goods: and the people who inhabit them will not say, I will labor, their offense will be forgiven. O just one, to whom it has been said above: your heart will meditate fear; and you will not see the unwise (or impudent) people; and those whom you have heard before, your eyes will see the king in his beauty, contemplate the city of our solemnity, see the Church of Christ, in which the true solemnity is; your eyes will behold the vision of peace, and the unexpected riches, which the eye has not seen, nor the ear heard, nor have they ascended into the heart of man, and the tabernacle that cannot be transferred. For first the tabernacle which had the people of the Jews was translated and lifted up. Neither shall the nails thereof be moved forever, and all the cords thereof shall be strong; so that the Lord may dwell in it, who is the place of all flowing rivers and running streams, through which no one of the adverse party shall be able to sail: neither shall the great trireme, which is interpreted the devil, be able to pass over it: for the Lord himself is the judge, and prince, and king, and our Savior, and under his protection we shall fear no ambushes of any kind. These things are said about the city of our solemnity, about Jerusalem, the richest dwelling place, which the Lord himself will surround and fortify with his rivers. But now he speaks to earthly Jerusalem, because the cords of her tent have been loosened and they are unable to support the tent, and her mast, on which once hung the most beautiful sails, has fallen with the cords broken, so that she is not only unfit for sailing, but also marked by a mutilation. But after their ship has been destroyed and their tent scattered, so that the ropes are torn on both sides, the spoils will be divided to the victors: those who are so weak in their own strength that they are called cripples; and yet, with God's wrath giving them strength, they will not feel any weakness, nor will they say 'I have labored.' For whoever is among them, injustice and sin will be taken away from him, for he has carried out God's will.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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