Isaiah 33:21

KJV

But there the glorious LORD [will be] unto us a place of broad rivers [and] streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

KJV (with Strong's)

But there the glorious {H117} LORD {H3068} will be unto us a place {H4725} of broad {H7342}{H3027} rivers {H5104} and streams {H2975}; wherein shall go {H3212} no {H1077} galley {H590} with oars {H7885}, neither shall gallant {H117} ship {H6716} pass {H5674} thereby.

Complete Jewish Bible

But there in his splendor ADONAI will be with us, in a place of rivers and broad streams. But no boat with oars will go there, no majestic ship will pass by.

Berean Standard Bible

But there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass.

American Standard Version

But there Jehovah will be with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams, wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 33:21 presents a powerful prophetic declaration, contrasting the preceding turmoil with a future vision of absolute security and abundant divine provision for God's people, specifically Zion. This verse proclaims that the glorious LORD Himself will become their impenetrable sanctuary, symbolized by vast, life-giving waterways that are paradoxically unnavigable by any hostile vessel. It paints a vivid picture of a divinely established realm where profound peace and safety reign supreme, free from the threat of invasion or oppression, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 33 is a dramatic and dynamic chapter, pivoting sharply from a lament over Assyrian aggression and a fervent plea for divine intervention in its initial verses (1-12) to a triumphant affirmation of God's righteous judgment and ultimate salvation (13-24). The first half vividly portrays the terror and distress experienced by God's people in the face of a formidable enemy, highlighting the dire consequences of unrighteousness. However, a crucial turning point occurs around verse 13, where the divine voice asserts God's immeasurable power and promises to arise. Verses 17-19 then shift to a future vision, depicting the king in his beauty and the complete eradication of past terrors. Verse 20 introduces Zion as a secure and peaceful dwelling, leading directly into verse 21, which explicitly identifies the LORD Himself as the source of this unparalleled security. The concluding verses (22-24) further elaborate on God's multifaceted role as King, Lawgiver, and Savior, promising healing and forgiveness, thereby reinforcing the comprehensive nature of His future blessings. This verse stands as a vital component of Isaiah's broader eschatological vision, anticipating the establishment of God's kingdom and the new heavens and new earth, a theme richly developed in passages such as [Isaiah 65:17-25](/isaiah/65-17-25 "Isaiah 65:17-25 - The New Heavens and New Earth").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 33 is the intense period of Assyrian imperial dominance, particularly during the reign of Sennacherib (circa 701 BC). Assyria was the preeminent military power of the ancient Near East, notorious for its brutal campaigns, effective siege warfare, and widespread devastation. In this era, rivers were indispensable for commerce, agriculture, and, critically, for military logistics, enabling the transport of troops and supplies via galleys and other vessels. Major cities like Nineveh on the Tigris or Babylon on the Euphrates were strategically located to leverage these waterways for both trade and defense, but also faced vulnerability to naval attack. Jerusalem, in contrast, was not situated on a major river; it was a highland city, dependent on springs and cisterns for its water supply. This geographical reality makes the imagery of "broad rivers and streams" in Isaiah 33:21 profoundly symbolic rather than literal. The prophecy ingeniously subverts the typical understanding of rivers as potential invasion routes, transforming them into a unique, divinely provided defense that no enemy vessel can penetrate. This highlights God's capacity to provide security in ways that transcend natural limitations and human military strategies, a powerful theme echoed in [Psalm 46:4-7](/psalm/46-4-7 "Psalm 46:4-7 - God is Our Refuge and Strength").
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 33:21 significantly contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Divine Presence and Sovereignty**. The "glorious LORD" is not merely a distant protector but actively becomes the "place" of security itself, signifying an intimate and pervasive divine presence that guarantees enduring peace. Secondly, it profoundly develops the theme of **Ultimate Security and Peace**. The vivid imagery of rivers impassable to enemy ships conveys the absolute cessation of all external threats and the establishment of an unassailable, enduring peace, a stark contrast to the pervasive warfare and fear characteristic of the ancient world. This resonates deeply with the broader prophetic vision of a future era when nations "shall beat their swords into plowshares," as majestically foretold in [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares"). Thirdly, the "broad rivers and streams" symbolize **Abundant Provision and Blessing**. In a land where water was a precious commodity, this imagery speaks to God's lavish and unfailing supply of all necessities for life and prosperity, ensuring the comprehensive well-being of His people. Finally, it sharply highlights the **Contrast Between Human and Divine Strength**. While human kingdoms rely on military might and strategic geography, God's people are secure because the LORD Himself is their defense, demonstrating that true strength and salvation emanate from Him alone, as powerfully affirmed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorious (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** Derived from a root signifying "wide" or "large," this term extends figuratively to convey concepts of "powerful," "excellent," "famous," "gallant," or "mighty." When attributed to the LORD, it underscores His majestic splendor, overwhelming power, and supreme authority. It speaks to His inherent greatness and the awe-inspiring nature of His being, which serves as the foundational guarantee for the security and provision He offers His people.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, consistently rendered as "Jehovah" or "the LORD" (in all caps) in English translations. It denotes God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who unfailingly fulfills His promises. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the promised security and blessing are guaranteed by the very nature and unwavering faithfulness of God Himself, rather than by any temporary or created means.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** Properly signifying "a standing" or "a spot," this word is broadly employed to refer to a locality, a specific physical location, or even a particular condition or state. In this profound context, it signifies that the LORD Himself *becomes* the secure dwelling place, the very environment of safety and unwavering stability for His people. It is not merely that He provides a place of refuge, but rather that He *is* that place, embodying the ultimate sanctuary and haven.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there the glorious LORD [will be] unto us a place of broad rivers [and] streams;":** This initial clause introduces a dramatic divine reversal of fortune. "There" implicitly refers to Zion, the chosen dwelling place of God's people. The "glorious LORD" (YHWH in His full majesty and power) is explicitly identified as the ultimate source of security. The imagery of "broad rivers and streams" traditionally evokes abundant life, fertility, and often serves as a natural defense. However, the unique and transformative aspect here is that the LORD Himself *is* this "place" of abundant, life-giving waters, thereby transforming a potential vulnerability (rivers as invasion routes) into an impenetrable, divinely sustained sanctuary.
* **"wherein shall go no galley with oars, ":** This segment immediately clarifies the extraordinary nature of these divine "rivers." In stark contrast to typical navigable waterways, these celestial "rivers" are utterly impassable to "galley with oars," which represented the formidable warships of the ancient world. This signifies a complete and absolute cessation of military threat and invasion. The explicit mention of the absence of oars suggests either an inherent unsuitability for rowing (perhaps divinely obstructed, too shallow, or too turbulent) or, more profoundly, that no enemy vessel will ever be permitted to enter this divinely secured realm.
* **"neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.":** This second negative declaration powerfully reinforces the first, cementing the promise of total security. A "gallant ship" (utilizing the same Hebrew word for "glorious," _ʼaddîyr_, implying a mighty or impressive vessel) will likewise be utterly unable to traverse these sacred waters. This double negation underscores the complete, permanent, and unassailable nature of the promised security. Regardless of the enemy's power or technological advancement, they will be entirely incapable of penetrating the divine defense that the LORD Himself provides. The imagery paints a vivid picture of a future where God's people are perpetually free from the fear of war, oppression, and external aggression.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 33:21 is profoundly rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**. The "broad rivers and streams" are deeply symbolic; they do not refer to literal waterways surrounding Jerusalem, which was geographically not situated on a major river. Instead, they symbolize boundless life, divine provision, and impenetrable security. The central **Metaphor** is profound: "the glorious LORD [will be] unto us a place of broad rivers and streams." Here, God Himself is directly equated with this life-giving, protective environment, rather than merely providing it. This emphasizes His immanence, His active presence, and His very being as the ultimate source of all blessing and safety. There is also a powerful element of **Contrast** within the verse: earthly rivers, which historically served as avenues for invasion, are starkly contrasted with these divine "rivers" that specifically exclude hostile ships, highlighting the qualitative difference between human-derived and divinely established security. The repeated **Negation** ("no galley," "neither shall gallant ship") serves to underscore the absolute and complete nature of this promised peace and protection, leaving no room for doubt regarding its efficacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the eschatological hope of a divinely secured future for God's covenant people. It transcends mere physical protection, articulating a profound theological truth: God Himself is the ultimate sanctuary, the source of all good, and the guarantor of perpetual peace. The vivid imagery of unnavigable rivers for enemy ships points to a future era of perfect tranquility where all external threats are definitively removed, not through human military might, but solely by divine decree and the abiding presence of the Almighty. This vision anticipates the New Creation, where God's dwelling is intimately with humanity, and sorrow, crying, and pain are forever banished. It powerfully speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace that is eternal, unassailable, and utterly dependent on His glorious presence.

* [Psalm 46:4](/psalm/46-4 "Psalm 46:4 - A River Whose Streams Make Glad the City of God")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")
* [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 33:21 offers profound comfort and serves as a powerful anchor for faith in a world perpetually characterized by instability, conflict, and uncertainty. It serves as a vital reminder that our ultimate security, provision, and well-being do not reside in human institutions, military might, economic stability, or material wealth, but solely and irrevocably in the glorious LORD. When confronted with overwhelming challenges, personal anxieties, or global unrest, this verse calls us to deliberately shift our gaze from the turbulent "waters" of this fallen world to the unwavering, majestic presence of God, who Himself becomes our impenetrable "place of broad rivers and streams." It encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in His sovereign protection, knowing with absolute certainty that no "galley with oars"—no threat, no enemy, no circumstance, however formidable—can ultimately breach the divine sanctuary He provides for His people. This magnificent promise invites us to live in a state of profound peace, confident that God is actively working to sustain, defend, and bless us, both in the present moment and in the glorious future when His kingdom is fully established, and every tear is finally wiped away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to seek security or provision from sources other than the glorious LORD?**
* **How does the imagery of God as an unassailable "place of broad rivers and streams" deepen or challenge your understanding of divine protection and immanence?**
* **What "galleys with oars" or "gallant ships" (e.g., fears, anxieties, spiritual attacks, worldly pressures) do you need to surrender to the Lord's complete and final authority, trusting in His impenetrable defense?**

### FAQ
**What do the "broad rivers and streams" symbolize in Isaiah 33:21?**

Answer: The "broad rivers and streams" in Isaiah 33:21 are profoundly symbolic, not literal waterways around Jerusalem. They primarily represent two crucial aspects of God's provision: **abundant life and sustenance** and **impenetrable security**. In the ancient Near East, rivers were essential for life, providing water for agriculture and human consumption, thus signifying life-giving abundance. However, they were also common routes for military invasion by ships and galleys. The prophetic genius of this verse lies in its paradoxical twist: these divine "rivers" are uniquely unnavigable by enemy warships, signifying a divinely established defense that ensures absolute peace and freedom from all threats. The glorious LORD Himself is the source and nature of this provision and security, transforming a potential vulnerability into an unassailable sanctuary, a theme beautifully echoed in [Psalm 46:4](/psalm/46-4 "Psalm 46:4 - A River Whose Streams Make Glad the City of God").

**How is the LORD a "place" for His people?**

Answer: The phrase "the glorious LORD [will be] unto us a place" employs a powerful and intimate metaphor to convey God's direct and active role in the security and well-being of His people. It signifies that God Himself embodies the sanctuary, the refuge, and the very environment of safety and stability. He is not merely providing a safe location or a defensive barrier; He *is* the very essence of that security. This highlights His immanence, His personal presence, and His active involvement as the ultimate source of protection, stability, and provision. It conveys that true and lasting safety is found not in physical fortifications, strategic geography, or human strength, but in a direct, covenantal relationship with the sovereign God, who is an ever-present help in times of trouble, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 91:1-2](/psalm/91-1-2 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High").

**What is the significance of "no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby"?**

Answer: This specific double negation is crucial for fully grasping the verse's promise of ultimate and permanent peace. Galleys with oars and "gallant ships" (mighty, impressive warships) represented the pinnacle of naval invasion capability and military power in the ancient world. By explicitly stating that no such vessels can pass through these divine "rivers," Isaiah emphasizes the absolute and permanent cessation of all military threats and foreign oppression. It paints a vivid and comforting picture of a future where God's people live in complete peace, utterly free from the fear of war, siege, or invasion. This imagery powerfully underscores that the security provided by the LORD is not merely temporary or partial, but total, eternal, and unassailable, serving as a foretaste of the perfect peace of God's kingdom where war will be no more, as promised in [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 33:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "glorious LORD" who becomes a "place of broad rivers and streams" is fully revealed in Jesus, who is God incarnate, the very embodiment of divine presence, provision, and protection. He is the true sanctuary and the inexhaustible source of living water, as He Himself declared, inviting all who thirst to come to Him and drink, promising that "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). In Christ, the promised security from all "galleys with oars" and "gallant ships" is realized, not merely as protection from physical enemies, but from the ultimate adversaries of humanity: sin, death, and the devil. Through His perfect atoning sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus has definitively conquered these spiritual foes, offering a profound and abiding peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). He is our unshakeable refuge, the "chief cornerstone" upon whom the church is built, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). The prophetic vision of a Jerusalem free from invasion foreshadows the glorious reality of the New Jerusalem, where God dwells eternally with His people, and there will be "no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")), because Christ has secured eternal peace, abundant life, and an unassailable dwelling for all who believe in Him. He is indeed our glorious LORD, our ultimate place of security and everlasting streams.

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

Psalms 46:4

[There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

Psalms 46:5

God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.

Isaiah 48:18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Isaiah 66:12

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees.

Isaiah 41:18

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.