Isaiah 64:2

As [when] the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, [that] the nations may tremble at thy presence!

As when the melting {H2003} fire {H784} burneth {H6919}, the fire {H784} causeth the waters {H4325} to boil {H1158}, to make thy name {H8034} known {H3045} to thine adversaries {H6862}, that the nations {H1471} may tremble {H7264} at thy presence {H6440}!

It would be like fire kindling the brush, and the fire then makes the water boil. Then your enemies would know your name, the nations would tremble before you!

as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!

as when fire kindleth the brushwood, and the fire causeth the waters to boil; to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!

Isaiah 64:2 is part of a passionate prayer of lament and petition from the prophet Isaiah, representing the exiled people of Israel. The chapter opens with a fervent plea for God to intervene dramatically, to "rend the heavens" and cause mountains to "flow down" (Isaiah 64:1). This verse continues that plea, invoking powerful imagery of divine manifestation.

Context

The prophet is longing for a powerful, undeniable display of God's presence and might, similar to historical interventions when God manifested His glory. The Israelites are in a state of distress, feeling separated from God due to their sins, and they yearn for Him to reveal Himself once more, not just for their deliverance but also to demonstrate His sovereignty to the surrounding nations who do not acknowledge Him. The desire is for God to act in such a way that His name is known among the nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Power and Presence: The imagery of "melting fire burneth" and "fire causeth the waters to boil" vividly portrays God's overwhelming, transformative, and irresistible power. It suggests a force that can reshape the natural world and overwhelm any opposition.
  • Revelation to Adversaries: The primary purpose of this powerful display is "to make thy name known to thine adversaries." God's actions are not random; they are purposeful demonstrations of His character, authority, and identity to those who oppose or are ignorant of Him.
  • Awe and Trembling: The desired outcome is that "the nations may tremble at thy presence!" This emphasizes the awe-inspiring and fearful aspect of encountering the holy God. It signifies a recognition of His ultimate authority and power, leading to a profound sense of reverence or dread among all peoples.
  • God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's absolute control over creation and history. His power is unmatched, and His will ultimately prevails, leading to the acknowledgment of His reign by all.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew imagery in this verse is highly evocative. The description of fire causing water to boil and mountains to melt (implied from the preceding verse) speaks to an intense, overwhelming, and uncontainable power. The phrase "make thy name known" is significant; in Hebrew thought, a "name" (shem) often encapsulates the very essence, character, and reputation of a person. Thus, to make God's name known is to reveal His true nature, His attributes, and His power to the world. The word for "tremble" (ragaz) conveys a strong sense of violent shaking or quaking, expressing a profound fear or agitation in the face of divine majesty.

Practical Application

Isaiah 64:2 reminds us of God's immense power and His ability to intervene decisively in human affairs. For believers, it is a source of comfort and assurance that our God is mighty and capable of overcoming any obstacle. It also serves as a call to reverence, reminding us that God is holy and His presence demands awe. The "fear of the Lord," often described as the beginning of wisdom, is not a cowering dread but a profound respect and recognition of His supreme majesty. For those who do not know God, this verse points to a future revelation where His truth and power will be undeniable. This powerful imagery echoes descriptions of God's dramatic presence, such as at the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, underscoring His consistent nature.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 99:1

    ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  • Jeremiah 33:9

    And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

  • Ezekiel 38:22

    And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

  • Ezekiel 38:23

    Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Isaiah 37:20

    Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD, [even] thou only.

  • Exodus 14:4

    And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

  • Psalms 102:15

    So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

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