The verse reminds us that God’s power remains steadfast and limitless.
Isaiah declares, “For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be stirred up as in the valley of Gibeon, To do His task, His unusual task, And to work His work, His extraordinary work” (v.21). By harkening back to these ancient battlegrounds, the prophet underscores the LORD’s power to intervene on behalf of His people in moments of crisis. Mount Perazim was the site where King David defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20), demonstrating God’s ability to deliver His chosen people from their enemies. The significant location known as the valley of Gibeon lies a few miles northwest of Jerusalem, historically marking another instance of God’s intervention for the Israelites (Joshua 10:10). In Isaiah’s time (c. 8th century BC), these names conjured vivid examples of the LORD’s might and faithfulness.
Here, Isaiah presents a dual portrayal of divine action that is both terrifying and marvelous. When he says that the LORD will “do His task, His unusual task” and “work His work, His extraordinary work” (v.21), the prophet hints at God’s purposeful upheaval—shaking complacent hearts and judging injustices with an authority beyond human expectation. These words also align with the broader biblical message: God’s ways can appear unusual or perplexing to us, yet He always acts in divine righteousness and precise timing (Romans 11:33). In a New Testament context, believers see God’s ultimate, extraordinary work displayed in Jesus Christ, who brings deliverance and hope, just as the LORD acted to preserve and guide His people in Isaiah’s day.
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Isaiah 28:21 meaning
Isaiah declares, “For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be stirred up as in the valley of Gibeon, To do His task, His unusual task, And to work His work, His extraordinary work” (v.21). By harkening back to these ancient battlegrounds, the prophet underscores the LORD’s power to intervene on behalf of His people in moments of crisis. Mount Perazim was the site where King David defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20), demonstrating God’s ability to deliver His chosen people from their enemies. The significant location known as the valley of Gibeon lies a few miles northwest of Jerusalem, historically marking another instance of God’s intervention for the Israelites (Joshua 10:10). In Isaiah’s time (c. 8th century BC), these names conjured vivid examples of the LORD’s might and faithfulness.
Here, Isaiah presents a dual portrayal of divine action that is both terrifying and marvelous. When he says that the LORD will “do His task, His unusual task” and “work His work, His extraordinary work” (v.21), the prophet hints at God’s purposeful upheaval—shaking complacent hearts and judging injustices with an authority beyond human expectation. These words also align with the broader biblical message: God’s ways can appear unusual or perplexing to us, yet He always acts in divine righteousness and precise timing (Romans 11:33). In a New Testament context, believers see God’s ultimate, extraordinary work displayed in Jesus Christ, who brings deliverance and hope, just as the LORD acted to preserve and guide His people in Isaiah’s day.