Isaiah 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

And he shall be for a sanctuary {H4720}; but for a stone {H68} of stumbling {H5063} and for a rock {H6697} of offence {H4383} to both {H8147} the houses {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, for a gin {H6341} and for a snare {H4170} to the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

He is there to be a sanctuary. But for both the houses of Isra'el he will be a stone to stumble over, a rock obstructing their way; a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Yerushalayim.

And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Commentary

Isaiah 8:14 presents a powerful and dualistic prophecy concerning the nature of God's presence among His people, Israel. It reveals how the Lord, Yahweh, becomes either a source of safety and refuge or an inescapable obstacle and judgment, depending entirely on the response of His people.

Context

This verse is situated within a critical period for the Southern Kingdom of Judah, facing imminent threats from the Assyrian Empire and an alliance between Aram (Syria) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). In the preceding verses (Isaiah 8:11-13), God specifically warns Isaiah and his disciples not to align themselves with the fears and conspiracies of the people but to sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself, making Him their fear and dread. Isaiah 8:14 then elaborates on the consequences of either heeding or rejecting this divine instruction.

Key Themes

  • Dual Nature of God's Presence: The most striking theme is God's paradoxical role. For those who trust and obey Him, He is a "sanctuary" – a holy, safe haven. However, for those who reject His authority and refuse to believe, He becomes a "stone of stumbling" and a "rock of offence," an unavoidable obstacle leading to their downfall.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The Lord is portrayed as actively orchestrating events, determining the destiny of both nations and individuals. His presence is not neutral; it brings either salvation or judgment.
  • Consequences of Unbelief: The verse explicitly states that God will be a trap ("gin and snare") for "both the houses of Israel" and "the inhabitants of Jerusalem," highlighting the widespread unbelief and disobedience within the very people He chose. This foreshadows the judgment and exile that would eventually befall them.
  • Messianic Foreshadowing: While immediately referring to God's presence in Isaiah's time, the New Testament frequently applies the imagery of a "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offence" to Jesus Christ Himself. For example, Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:8 directly quote or allude to this prophetic concept, emphasizing that Christ, though a cornerstone for believers, became an offense to those who rejected Him.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is miqdash (מִקְדָּשׁ), signifying a holy place, a consecrated dwelling, or a refuge.
  • "Stone of stumbling" (even negef, אֶבֶן נֶגֶף) literally means a stone that causes a trip or fall.
  • "Rock of offence" (tzur mikshol, צוּר מִכְשׁוֹל) refers to a large rock that causes a snare or obstruction, leading to a spiritual downfall.
  • The terms "gin" (pach, פַּח) and "snare" (moqesh, מוֹקֵשׁ) are commonly used for traps set to catch birds or animals, emphasizing the inescapable nature of the judgment for those who oppose God.

Practical Application

Isaiah 8:14 serves as a timeless reminder of how we perceive and respond to God. Do we view Him as our ultimate sanctuary and source of security, especially amidst life's challenges and uncertainties? Or does His truth, His commands, or His very nature become an obstacle that causes us to stumble and fall away? For believers, God is a sure foundation and a safe haven, much like the psalmist declares, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." However, for those who resist His will or reject His saving grace, His presence can become a source of judgment and an inescapable trap. This verse calls us to examine our hearts and ensure our posture towards God is one of reverence, trust, and obedience, so that He remains our sanctuary and not our stumbling block.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • Romans 9:32

    Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

  • Romans 9:33

    As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

  • Isaiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

  • Luke 2:34

    And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

  • Ezekiel 11:16

    Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

  • Psalms 46:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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