Isaiah 64:3

KJV

When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou didst {H6213} terrible things {H3372} which we looked {H6960} not for, thou camest down {H3381}, the mountains {H2022} flowed down {H2151} at thy presence {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you did tremendous things that we were not expecting, we wished that you would come down, so that the mountains would shake at your presence!

Berean Standard Bible

When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence.

American Standard Version

When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains quaked at thy presence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 64:3 is a passionate and urgent plea from the prophet, speaking on behalf of a suffering Israel, for God to dramatically intervene in their desperate circumstances. It powerfully recalls God's past, awe-inspiring acts of divine power, where His very descent caused the mountains to tremble and melt, signifying His overwhelming presence and irresistible might. The verse expresses a profound longing for a renewed manifestation of God's glory and power, specifically for Him to perform "terrible things"—deeds that inspire both dread and wonder—to deliver His people as He has done throughout their history, demonstrating His unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 64 is a deeply moving communal lament and prayer of confession, strategically placed within the latter section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as Second Isaiah. This chapter immediately follows a poignant confession of Israel's sin and a recounting of God's past faithfulness in [Isaiah 63:7-19](/isaiah/63-7-19 "Isaiah 63:7-19 - A Lament and Prayer for God's Mercy"). The prayer in [Isaiah 64:1-12](/isaiah/64 "Isaiah 64 - A Prayer for Restoration") transitions from this confession to an earnest, almost desperate, supplication for divine intervention, beginning with the fervent cry for God to "rend the heavens and come down" ([Isaiah 64:1](/isaiah/64-1 "Isaiah 64:1 - A Plea for God to Rend the Heavens")). Verse 3 functions as a powerful rhetorical anchor, reminding God of His historical, terrifyingly glorious interventions as the foundation and precedent for the current request. It vividly sets the stage for a profound yearning for God to act decisively amidst the people's desolation, perceived abandonment, and the overwhelming consequences of their unfaithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this fervent prayer is most likely the post-exilic period, or perhaps the late exilic period, when the Jewish people had returned to a homeland devastated by war and neglect. They faced ongoing oppression, spiritual apathy, and the daunting task of rebuilding their society and faith. The temple, the central place of worship and God's dwelling, was either in ruins or in the arduous process of reconstruction, making the promises of restoration seem distant and elusive. Culturally, the memory of God's dramatic appearances (theophanies) was foundational to Israel's identity and understanding of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The most prominent of these was the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was manifested with fire, smoke, thunder, and a trembling earth ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Descent on Mount Sinai")). This verse deeply taps into that collective memory, appealing to God's established character as one who powerfully intervenes in history, often with overwhelming displays of might that reshape the natural world and human circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 64:3 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Intervention and Theophany**, as the people long for God to "come down" and manifest His presence in a tangible, undeniable way, echoing the awe-inspiring displays of power seen at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). It highlights **God's Overwhelming Power and Sovereignty**, depicted through the vivid imagery of mountains flowing down at His presence, emphasizing that no earthly obstacle, no matter how formidable, can withstand His might. The phrase "terrible things [which] we looked not for" introduces the theme of **God's Unexpected and Awe-Inspiring Acts**, reminding the audience that God's ways and interventions are often beyond human expectation, inspiring both dread and profound wonder. Finally, underlying this desperate appeal is a profound **Longing for Revival and Restoration**, a yearning for God to break through the spiritual stagnation and physical oppression to renew His covenant people, as He promised throughout [the book of Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **terrible things (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_):** This word (H3372) is derived from a primitive root meaning "to fear," "to revere," or "to frighten." In the context of God's actions, particularly in this verse, it describes deeds (plural, *nora'ot*) that inspire profound awe, dread, or reverence. These are not merely difficult or negative events in a mundane sense, but rather acts that evoke a sense of the sublime and terrifying power of God, often associated with His judgments against enemies or miraculous, overwhelming deliverance for His people. It emphasizes the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of God's acts, underscoring that His power is beyond human comprehension and control.
* **camest down (Hebrew, _yârad_):** This primitive root (H3381) signifies "to descend," "to go downwards," or "to fall." In this context, it refers to God's literal or metaphorical descent from heaven to earth, signifying His direct, personal intervention in human affairs. It is a powerful anthropomorphism, indicating God's active involvement and the manifestation of His presence, often accompanied by dramatic displays of power, as seen in the theophanies of the Old Testament. The prophet longs for a repeat of such a decisive divine "coming down."
* **flowed down (Hebrew, _zâlal_):** This primitive root (H2151) primarily means "to shake (as in the wind)" or "to quake." Figuratively, it can imply being loose or worthless. In this verse, coupled with "mountains" (H2022, *har*, meaning a mountain or range of hills, often symbolizing stability and strength), it vividly portrays the utter instability and collapse of the most steadfast elements of creation in the face of God's overwhelming presence. It speaks to an irresistible divine force that can cause even the most imposing natural structures to melt or dissolve, demonstrating God's absolute power over creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou didst terrible things [which] we looked not for,"**: This clause serves as a powerful rhetorical device, recalling God's past interventions that were utterly beyond human expectation, planning, or comprehension. The "terrible things" (Hebrew *nora'ot*) refer to God's awe-inspiring, fear-inducing, and often miraculous deeds, such as the Exodus plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, or the conquest of Canaan. The phrase "we looked not for" underscores the element of surprise and the supernatural nature of these divine acts, which transcend human foresight or anticipation, highlighting God's sovereign initiative.
* **"thou camest down,"**: This is the central action and the core of the prophet's plea, appealing directly to God's historical pattern of descending from His heavenly abode to intervene directly on earth. This "coming down" implies a visible manifestation of His presence (a theophany) and an active, personal engagement with human history, often to deliver His people from oppression or execute judgment upon their enemies. It signifies God's direct involvement and the tangible display of His power, which the prophet desperately desires to see repeated in their current distress.
* **"the mountains flowed down at thy presence."**: This powerful and hyperbolic imagery describes the dramatic, physical effect of God's manifest presence. Mountains, which are universally recognized symbols of permanence, stability, and immovability, are depicted as melting, quaking, and dissolving like wax or liquid. This extreme exaggeration emphasizes the incomparable and irresistible power of God, before whom even the most formidable elements of creation are utterly powerless and transformed. It serves as a vivid illustration of the overwhelming impact of divine glory and power, indicating that no obstacle can stand when God chooses to act.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 64:3 is replete with striking **Imagery**, painting a vivid and unforgettable picture of God's overwhelming power. The most prominent example is the **Hyperbole** of "mountains flowed down," which emphasizes the unimaginable force of God's presence by depicting the most stable elements of creation as melting like liquid. This extreme exaggeration underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the futility of any resistance against Him. The verse also employs **Theophany**, recalling historical instances where God's descent was accompanied by dramatic natural phenomena, signifying His direct and powerful manifestation to humanity. The phrase "thou camest down" is an instance of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (descending) to God, making His intervention relatable while still conveying His divine, transcendent power. Furthermore, the "mountains" serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only physical obstacles but also the stability, power, or even the oppressive forces that stand against God's people, all of which are rendered insignificant and mutable in His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 64:3 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His active, often dramatic, involvement in human history. It portrays a God who is not distant or passive, but one who "comes down" to intervene, executing His will with irresistible power that transcends natural laws and human expectations. The "terrible things" are a testament to His unique, awe-inspiring nature, demonstrating that His ways are higher than our ways, and His power is beyond our comprehension. This verse invites believers to cultivate a radical trust in a God who can shatter all obstacles and bring about unexpected deliverance, reminding us that true hope lies in His active presence and mighty deeds. It calls us to remember God's past faithfulness and to anticipate His future interventions with both reverence and eager expectation.

* [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Descent on Mount Sinai")
* [Psalm 68:8](/psalm/68-8 "Psalm 68:8 - The Earth Trembled at God's Presence")
* [Habakkuk 3:6](/habakkuk/3-6 "Habakkuk 3:6 - God's Presence Shakes the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 64:3 serves as a profound call to prayer and a wellspring of enduring hope for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Like the Israelites in distress, we are invited to pray boldly for God's dramatic intervention in our lives and in the world, asking Him to "come down" and display His power, even when circumstances appear hopeless or solutions are entirely beyond our grasp. This verse encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in God's sovereign plan, recognizing that His methods are often unexpected and awe-inspiring, working in ways we "looked not for." His interventions, though "terrible" in their power and scope, are always for His righteous purposes and ultimate glory, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people. Furthermore, meditating on the vivid imagery of mountains flowing reminds us of God's immense and incomparable power, fostering a posture of humility, awe, and worship before the Creator. It compels us to remember God's past faithfulness and mighty deeds, strengthening our faith and hope for His future interventions, knowing that nothing is impossible for Him and that His manifest presence can transform any reality, no matter how daunting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mountains" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life or in the world do you long for God to "flow down" and overcome?**
* **How does the idea of God doing "terrible things [which] we looked not for" challenge or expand your expectations of how God should act in your circumstances?**
* **In what specific ways can recalling God's past interventions (whether in Scripture, history, or your own personal journey) strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's overwhelming power and sovereign presence in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "terrible things" mean in this context, and why would the prophet ask for them?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "terrible things" is *nora'ot* (נוֹרָאוֹת), derived from the root *yare*, meaning "to fear" or "to be in awe." It describes actions that inspire profound fear, dread, or reverence. These are not simply negative or difficult events in the modern sense of "terrible," but rather actions that evoke a sense of the sublime and terrifying power of God, often in the context of His judgments against enemies or miraculous interventions on behalf of His people. The prophet asks for these "terrible things" because they are precisely the kind of overwhelming, undeniable displays of divine power that God has historically used to deliver His people and demonstrate His sovereignty, as seen in the Exodus ([Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Terrible Deeds at the Red Sea")) or the conquest of Canaan. The people are desperate for God to act in a way that is unmistakably divine and radically transformative, breaking through their despair with His mighty hand.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 64:3, with its fervent plea for God to "come down" and for mountains to "flow down at thy presence," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The very "coming down" that Israel longed for was realized in the **Incarnation** of the Son of God, who, though being in the form of God, "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation and Incarnation")). Jesus is the **manifestation of God's presence** in a way far more intimate and powerful than any Old Testament theophany; He is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus performed "terrible things"—not in the sense of causing fear in His followers, but in the sense of awe-inspiring, unexpected, and utterly transformative acts that shattered the power of sin and death, things humanity "looked not for" but desperately needed. His ultimate act of love on the cross, followed by His glorious resurrection, was God's decisive, world-shaking intervention, causing the "mountains" of human sin, spiritual bondage, and death to "flow down" before His conquering presence. The longing for God's powerful, saving intervention is fully met in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and who will one day "come with the clouds, and every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Second Coming")), bringing about the final, complete fulfillment of this ancient prayer for divine intervention and ultimate restoration.

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

Habakkuk 3:3

¶ God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.

Psalms 65:5

[By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea:

Psalms 65:6

¶ Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; [being] girded with power:

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Psalms 106:22

Wondrous works in the land of Ham, [and] terrible things by the Red sea.

Deuteronomy 10:21

He [is] thy praise, and he [is] thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.