Isaiah 28:21

For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim. He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon, to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task.

Study Bible

For the LORD will rise up
The phrase "For the LORD will rise up" suggests a divine intervention that is both intentional and powerful. The Hebrew root for "rise up" is "קוּם" (qum), which conveys the idea of standing up or taking action. This indicates that God is not passive but actively involved in the affairs of humanity. Historically, this reflects God's readiness to act in judgment or deliverance, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

as at Mount Perazim
Mount Perazim is a reference to a specific event where God intervened on behalf of David against the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20). The name "Perazim" means "breaches" or "breakthroughs," symbolizing God's ability to break through obstacles. This historical context emphasizes God's power to overcome any opposition, reinforcing the idea that His actions are decisive and victorious.

He will rouse Himself
The phrase "He will rouse Himself" uses the Hebrew root "עוּר" (ur), meaning to awaken or stir up. This suggests a deliberate awakening of God's might and presence. It implies that God is fully aware and prepared to act, countering any notion of divine indifference. This is a call to recognize God's sovereignty and readiness to fulfill His purposes.

as in the Valley of Gibeon
The Valley of Gibeon recalls another miraculous event where God aided Israel by halting the sun and moon (Joshua 10:12-14). This historical reference underscores God's control over creation and His willingness to intervene supernaturally for His people. It serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and His ability to alter the natural order for His divine purposes.

to do His work, His strange work
The phrase "to do His work, His strange work" highlights the unexpected nature of God's actions. The Hebrew word for "strange" is "זָר" (zar), which can mean foreign or unusual. This suggests that God's methods may not always align with human expectations, yet they are purposeful and just. It challenges believers to trust in God's wisdom, even when His ways seem mysterious.

and to perform His task, His alien task
Similarly, "His alien task" uses the Hebrew word "נָכְרִי" (nokri), meaning foreign or unfamiliar. This reinforces the idea that God's plans may be beyond human comprehension. It calls for humility and faith, recognizing that God's ultimate goals are for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His divine will. This phrase encourages believers to embrace God's sovereignty, even when His actions defy human logic.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as rising up to perform a unique and unexpected work.

2. Mount Perazim
A location where God previously intervened on behalf of Israel, associated with a victory over the Philistines during King David's reign (2 Samuel 5:20).

3. Valley of Gibeon
Another site of divine intervention, where God aided Israel in battle by causing the sun to stand still during Joshua's leadership (Joshua 10:10-14).

4. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers this message, warning of God's impending judgment and unexpected actions.

5. Israel/Judah
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, facing impending judgment due to their disobedience and lack of faith.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
God is sovereign and can intervene in history in unexpected ways. His actions may seem strange or alien to us, but they are always purposeful and aligned with His divine plan.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
The context of Isaiah 28:21 involves judgment, yet it also serves as a reminder of God's mercy. His strange work is often a call to repentance and a demonstration of His desire to restore His people.

Trust in God's Plan
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when it seems incomprehensible. His past interventions at Mount Perazim and the Valley of Gibeon assure us of His faithfulness and power.

Call to Repentance
Just as Israel was called to repentance, we too must examine our lives and turn back to God, recognizing that His ways are higher and His purposes are for our ultimate good.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of Mount Perazim and the Valley of Gibeon enhance our understanding of God's "strange work" in Isaiah 28:21?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and unexpected interventions in our own lives today?

3. How do the events described in Isaiah 28:21 challenge us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems strange or difficult to understand?

4. What lessons can we learn from Israel's need for repentance in Isaiah's time that apply to our personal spiritual journey?

5. How can we reconcile the idea of God's judgment with His mercy, as seen in the context of Isaiah 28:21 and other related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 5:20
This passage describes the event at Mount Perazim, where God broke through the enemies of Israel like a flood, symbolizing divine intervention and victory.

Joshua 10:10-14
The account of the Valley of Gibeon, where God miraculously extended the day to ensure Israel's victory, highlighting His power and willingness to act on behalf of His people.

Isaiah 55:8-9
These verses emphasize that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, aligning with the idea of His "strange" and "alien" work in Isaiah 28:21.

Habakkuk 1:5
This verse speaks of God doing a work in the days of the prophet that people would not believe even if told, paralleling the unexpected nature of God's actions in Isaiah 28:21.