And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
ISAIAH 2:19KJVWhat does Isaiah 2:19 mean?
Isaiah 2:19 describes people fleeing into caves and holes in the ground because they are terrified of the LORD’s presence and the overwhelming display of His majesty when He rises to shake the earth. The verse paints a picture of fear and awe as God’s power becomes unmistakably real and inescapable.
The prophet Isaiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about a future time when God will reveal Himself in judgment. The context is a vision where human pride is brought low, and people realize how powerless they are before God’s glory. The verse uses vivid imagery to show that no one can hide from God’s authority when He acts.
The Hebrew behind Isaiah 2:19
- "Fear" (פַּחַד, pachad): This word means terror or dread, emphasizing the intense fear people feel in God’s presence, not just respect but overwhelming fright.
- "Majesty" (גָּאוֹן, ga'on): This word refers to exalted greatness or splendor, highlighting that it is God’s sheer greatness and glory that causes people to hide.
- "Shake terribly" (עָרוֹץ, arots): This verb means to cause to tremble or quake violently, showing that God’s intervention is so powerful it shakes the very earth and the people on it.
Why Isaiah 2:19 matters
- Isaiah 2:19 clears up the idea that people can escape God’s judgment by hiding; the verse shows that even the deepest caves offer no protection from His presence.
- The verse emphasizes the seriousness of God’s majesty and power, showing that human pride and self-reliance collapse in the face of divine reality.
- This verse connects to the larger theme in Isaiah 2, where God alone is exalted and all human arrogance is humbled, helping readers understand the scope of God’s authority over creation.