Isaiah 33:3
At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just describe God scattering enemies; it highlights that the "noise" of His presence causes them to flee, and His "lifting up" (like an athlete preparing to strike) scatters entire nations. This points to an overwhelming divine power so immense that the sheer sound and presence of God is enough to shatter armies.
This passage comes right after God's people have cried out to Him for deliverance from the terrifying Assyrian army that has conquered so many nations. The prophet assures them that God hears their prayer and will personally intervene, likening His mighty action to a powerful storm that will scatter their enemies. The following verses will then describe the rich spoil the Israelites will gather from the defeated Assyrian camp.
This verse speaks directly to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. The 'noise of the tumult' refers to the terrifying approach of the Assyrian forces, but the 'lifting up' of God signifies His decisive intervention, scattering the invaders and ensuring His people's survival.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem. This event created immense fear and uncertainty for the people of Judah.
c. 701 BC
Divine Judgment on Assyrian Army
According to 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp overnight, causing the army to collapse and Sennacherib to retreat in shame.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Retreat and Sennacherib's Assassination
Sennacherib returns to Nineveh after the devastating loss. Years later, he is assassinated by his own sons.
This passage directly describes the historical event alluded to in Isaiah 33:3, where an angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army, causing them to flee.
Exodus 14:13-14This shows a similar divine intervention where God 'lifts himself up' against oppressors, causing His people to stand still and watch their enemies scattered by His power.
Psalm 29:3-9This psalm vividly portrays the voice and power of the Lord as a tumultuous storm that scatters nations and brings awe, echoing the 'noise of the tumult' and 'lifting up' described in Isaiah.
Revelation 19:11-16This prophetic passage describes Christ returning to conquer His enemies, depicting a divine 'lifting up' that results in the scattering and defeat of nations in a powerful, divinely orchestrated judgment.
bensonIsaiah 33:3: "At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered."
Isaiah 33:3-4 . At the noise of the tumult — Which shall be made upon the angel’s destroying the army; the people fled — Namely, those of the army who escaped that stroke. At the lifting up of thyself — To execute judgment; the nations were scattered — The people of divers nations which made up Sennacherib’s army. And your spoil — That treasure which you have raked together by spo…
clarkeIsaiah 33:3: "At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered."
"But now will I arise, saith Jehovah; Now will I be exalted." Isaiah 33:3At the noise of the tumult "From thy terrible voice" - For המון hamon, "multitude," the Septuagint and Syriac read אמיך amica, "terrible," whom I follow.
The verse doesn't just describe God scattering enemies; it highlights that the "noise" of His presence causes them to flee, and His "lifting up" (like an athlete preparing to strike) scatters entire nations. This points to an overwhelming divine power so immense that the sheer sound and presence of God is enough to shatter armies.
This passage comes right after God's people have cried out to Him for deliverance from the terrifying Assyrian army that has conquered so many nations. The prophet assures them that God hears their prayer and will personally intervene, likening His mighty action to a powerful storm that will scatter their enemies. The following verses will then describe the rich spoil the Israelites will gather from the defeated Assyrian camp.
This passage comes right after God's people have cried out to Him for deliverance from the terrifying Assyrian army that has conquered so many nations. The prophet assures them that God hears their prayer and will personally intervene, likening His mighty action to a powerful storm that will scatter their enemies. The following verses will then describe the rich spoil the Israelites will gather from the defeated Assyrian camp.
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"At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when you lift yourself up, nations are scattered," — The verse doesn't just describe God scattering enemies; it highlights that the "noise" of His presence causes them to flee, and His "lifting up" (like an athlete preparing to strike) scatters entire…
