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.
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}.
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.
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.
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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Psalms 46:5
God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early. -
Isaiah 54:2
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; -
Isaiah 32:18
And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; -
Revelation 3:12
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name. -
Psalms 78:68
But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. -
Psalms 78:69
And he built his sanctuary like high [palaces], like the earth which he hath established for ever. -
Matthew 16:18
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Commentary on Isaiah 33:20 (KJV)
Isaiah 33:20 offers a beautiful and profound vision of peace and security for Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion. This verse stands as a promise of divine protection and stability amidst the surrounding prophecies of judgment and deliverance.
Context
Chapter 33 of Isaiah is a powerful prophetic passage that begins with a woe against the Assyrian oppressor, who had been devastating the land of Judah. The prophet then records a prayer for God's mercy and intervention. Following the Lord's mighty acts of judgment against the enemy and His exaltation, the focus shifts to the glorious future of those who trust in Him. This verse, therefore, describes the blessed state of Jerusalem (Zion) after God has delivered His people from their adversaries and established His righteous reign. It paints a picture of lasting peace and inviolable security, contrasting sharply with the turmoil and threats faced by Judah at that time.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The terms "Zion" (Hebrew: צִיּוֹן, Tziyon) and "Jerusalem" (Hebrew: יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim) are often used interchangeably in prophetic literature, representing both the physical city and the spiritual community of God's people. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, is presented not merely as a physical location but as the spiritual center of God's redemptive plan.
The phrase "city of our solemnities" (Hebrew: מוֹעֲדֵינוּ, mo'adeinu) refers to Jerusalem as the place where God's appointed festivals and sacred assemblies were held. This highlights its central role in Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. The imagery of a "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel) is significant. While a tabernacle is typically a temporary, portable dwelling, the emphatic declaration that "not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken" directly counteracts its usual transient nature, emphasizing divine permanence and invulnerability.
Practical Application
Isaiah 33:20 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. Just as God promised security and stability to ancient Jerusalem, He provides a spiritual "quiet habitation" for those who trust in Him. In a world full of change, uncertainty, and turmoil, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security rests not in earthly institutions or fleeting circumstances, but in God's eternal promises and His unwavering presence. We can find peace and stability in our relationship with Him, knowing that He is faithful to uphold His covenant and provide a lasting spiritual dwelling place for His people. It points to a spiritual reality where God's kingdom is unshakeable, offering true peace and an enduring home for all who are part of His spiritual Zion.