The text doesn't just describe God's anger; it shows the ongoing nature of his outstretched hand. Even after the devastating earthquake and the unburied dead, God's hand is still extended, emphasizing that the punishment is not over and that deeper judgment is still to come.
Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them, and the mountains quaked; and their corpses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a series of woes pronounced against various sins, this verse describes the severe divine judgment that results. God's anger, kindled by their persistent rejection of His law, leads to devastating blows that shake the land and leave the dead strewn like refuse. Yet, even these calamities are insufficient to appease His wrath, signaling that further punishment is yet to come.
Why do the mountains tremble when God's anger is kindled? This verse paints a vivid picture of divine wrath, connecting natural phenomena to spiritual realities.
A World in Turmoil
Isaiah 5:25 vividly describes God's anger manifesting in a way that shakes the very foundations of the earth:
God's judgment leaves behind more than just destruction; it strips away dignity and leaves a grim testament to sin's consequences.
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The Scars of Sin
The verse starkly portrays the devastating outcome of God's anger:
Understand the original words
'ap · Hebrew Noun
The righteous indignation of God against sin and rebellion. It is a holy response to the violation of His covenant and character, manifesting in judgment.
This passage vividly describes God's judgment on Judah for their persistent sin and unfaithfulness. The mention of trembling mountains and widespread death points to a historical context that includes natural disasters like earthquakes, alongside the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, highlighting the multifaceted ways God enacted His wrath against His people.
c. 760 BC
Great Earthquake in Judah
A massive earthquake struck Judah, causing widespread devastation. This event was so significant that it's mentioned in the titles of prophetic books (like Amos 1:1) and referenced by later prophets.
Mid-8th Century BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry in Judah, a time marked by increasing corruption, social injustice, and a turning away from God's law.
c. 740-730 BC
Assyrian Expansion and Threat
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III expands its territory, posing a significant military threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and scattering them throughout the empire.
This passage references the earthquake that likely occurred during the reign of Uzziah, which scholars believe might have happened around the time Isaiah was prophesying and is alluded to in Isaiah 5:25.
Leviticus 26:18This verse from Leviticus speaks of God's continued anger and punishment if Israel does not repent, mirroring Isaiah 5:25's declaration that 'his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.'
Jeremiah 4:24Jeremiah uses similar imagery of the earth trembling ('the mountains quaked') to describe the devastating consequences of God's judgment, aligning with the powerful, earth-shattering imagery in Isaiah 5:25.
Zechariah 14:5This prophecy also mentions the earth shaking, linking it to the Lord coming with his saints, suggesting a divine presence and power associated with such tremors, as seen in Isaiah's description.
Psalm 18:7This psalm describes God's immense power and presence, noting that 'the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the mountains also quaked and were badly shaken,' echoing the dramatic geological upheaval described in Isaiah 5:25 as a sign of God's wrath.
clarkeIsaiah 5:25: "Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
The hills did tremble "And the mountains trembled" - Probably referring to the great earthquakes in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, in or not long before the time of the prophet hi…
barnesIsaiah 5:25: "Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."
Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled - The Lord is "enraged," or is angry. Similar expressions often occur; Numbers 11:33 ; 2 Kings 23:26 ; Deuteronomy 11:17 ; Psalm 56:1-13 :4…
The text doesn't just describe God's anger; it shows the ongoing nature of his outstretched hand. Even after the devastating earthquake and the unburied dead, God's hand is still extended, emphasizing that the punishment is not over and that deeper judgment is still to come.
Following a series of woes pronounced against various sins, this verse describes the severe divine judgment that results. God's anger, kindled by their persistent rejection of His law, leads to devastating blows that shake the land and leave the dead strewn like refuse. Yet, even these calamities are insufficient to appease His wrath, signaling that further punishment is yet to come.
Following a series of woes pronounced against various sins, this verse describes the severe divine judgment that results. God's anger, kindled by their persistent rejection of His law, leads to devastating blows that shake the land and leave the dead strewn like refuse. Yet, even these calamities are insufficient to appease His wrath, signaling that further punishment is yet to come.
"Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them, and the mountains quaked; and their corpses were as refuse in the midst of the streets.…" — The text doesn't just describe God's anger; it shows the ongoing nature of his outstretched hand. Even after the devastating earthquake and the unburied dead, God's hand is still extended, emphasiz…
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Last reviewed October 2026
