Isaiah 28:21 – “The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon—to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Isaiah 28:21 speaks of God taking action in a way that may seem unusual or unexpected. The verse references historical moments—Mount Perazim and the Valley of Gibeon—where God intervened decisively for His purposes. In both cases, God displayed His power in miraculous ways, such as granting victory to Israel against their enemies.
Here, however, Isaiah describes God’s work as “strange” and “alien.” This likely refers to the unusual and shocking nature of His judgment against His own people. While God’s judgment is consistent with His holy character, it feels foreign because it is not His ultimate desire. God would rather bless His people, but their persistent rebellion has made judgment necessary.
Historical Context
Isaiah’s audience was the people of Judah during a time of spiritual decline and political instability. They had turned away from God, relying on alliances with foreign nations and indulging in idolatry. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Isaiah, they refused to repent.
The reference to Mount Perazim recalls the time when God helped David defeat the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:20), and the Valley of Gibeon refers to when God caused the sun to stand still so Joshua could defeat the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14). In those instances, God’s intervention was celebrated as a deliverance. However, Isaiah warns that God’s next intervention will bring judgment rather than rescue.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals that God’s actions are always rooted in His justice and holiness. While His preference is to bless and deliver, He will bring judgment when necessary to uphold righteousness. The idea of God’s “strange work” highlights His reluctance to bring judgment—it is alien to His nature as a loving and merciful God, but it is required by His holiness.
It also serves as a reminder that God’s ways are beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). His actions may seem strange to us, but they always serve His perfect purposes.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses vivid imagery and historical references to emphasize the seriousness of God’s intervention. The words “rise up” and “rouse himself” convey a sense of urgency and power, while “strange work” and “alien task” create a sense of unease, underscoring the extraordinary nature of God’s judgment.
The structure of the verse draws a direct connection between God’s past acts of deliverance and His current act of judgment, illustrating the consistency of His justice across time.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 5:20: David acknowledges God’s intervention at Mount Perazim, where He broke out against David’s enemies.
- Joshua 10:12-14: God’s miraculous intervention at Gibeon during Joshua’s battle.
- Isaiah 55:8-9: A reminder that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
- Ezekiel 33:11: God declares that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that they turn from their ways and live.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Isaiah 28:21 is a call to take God’s justice seriously. It reminds us that God’s love and mercy do not negate His holiness and righteousness. While He is patient and slow to anger, there are consequences for persistent rebellion.
This verse also encourages believers to trust in God’s purposes, even when His actions seem hard to understand. Whether through blessings or discipline, God is always working to fulfill His ultimate plan of redemption.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The fact that God’s judgment is described as “strange” and “alien” reflects His loving character. God’s desire is not to bring destruction but to lead His people to repentance and restoration. His discipline is always purposeful, intended to correct and bring about spiritual renewal.
God’s love is evident even in His judgment, as it demonstrates His commitment to justice and His refusal to let sin go unchecked.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate resolution to the tension between God’s judgment and His mercy. On the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of God’s judgment for sin, taking on the “strange work” of suffering and death so that humanity could be saved.
Through Christ, believers experience God’s deliverance rather than His judgment. His sacrifice transforms the “strange work” of judgment into the joyous work of redemption, fulfilling God’s desire to save rather than to condemn (John 3:16-17).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
- Are there areas in your life where you need to respond to God’s warnings and turn back to Him?
- How does the idea of God’s “strange work” encourage you to trust in His purposes, even when they seem difficult?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrate God’s desire to save rather than judge?
- How can you help others see the balance of God’s justice and love in their own lives?
Isaiah 28:21 reminds us that God’s actions, whether in judgment or deliverance, are always rooted in His holy character. Through Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate expression of God’s justice and mercy, offering hope and redemption to all who trust in Him. Let this verse inspire you to live in awe of God’s holiness and to respond to His call with humility and faith.