Isaiah 24:18

Translations

Modern

Whoever flees the sound of panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Traditional

And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

Literal

And it will come to pass that he who flees from the sound of terror will fall into the pit, and he who comes up from the midst of the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows on high have been opened, and the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Latin

Et erit: qui fugerit a voce formidinis cadet in foveam; et qui se explicaverit de fovea tenebitur laqueo; quia cataractæ de excelsis apertæ sunt et concutientur fundamenta terræ.

Original

Hebrew

English

Whoever flees the sound of panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Notes

Isaiah 24:18

No one can avoid the day of the Lord (see study note on Isaiah 2:5–22).
the windows of heaven are open: This image is similar to the great flood in Noah's time (see study note on Genesis 7:11–12).
the foundations of the earth are shaken: An earthquake often marks a theophany, which is a physical sign of God's presence (see also Isaiah 6:4; 13:13; 19:1).

Isaiah 24:1–23

Here, the judgments described in Isaiah 13–23 apply to all of creation.

Isaiah 24:1–27:13

This section is often called the Little Apocalypse. It is given this name because it has similarities to the book of Revelation.

In these chapters, Isaiah moves from his present time into a vision of the future. The language is broad and universal. Because of this, it is difficult to connect the events to one specific historical situation.

These chapters are not meant to provide a detailed timeline of future events. They are not a historical blueprint. Instead, Isaiah uses vivid images to describe a dramatic future world that is both similar to and different from the present.

The vision includes elements of both the old age and the new age. For example, the people of Zion are described as righteous (new), yet they still wait for their full redemption (old). This pattern fits with the New Testament teaching that the future age has already begun but has not yet fully arrived (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4).

Peter wrote that believers were already living in the last days (1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:3). At the same time, he said that the final day of the Lord is still future (2 Peter 3:10). These passages show that the present age and the future age overlap.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah Apocalyptic Literature Salvation in Isaiah

Events

Prophecies of Isaiahc. 759 BC

Related verses

Psalm 18:7
Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.
Genesis 7:11
In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.
Joshua 10:10–11
And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah.
Amos 5:19
It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.
Job 20:24
Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him.
Psalm 46:2–3
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,
Psalm 18:15
The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed, at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
1 Kings 20:29–30
For seven days the armies camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle ensued, and the Israelites struck down the Arameans—a hundred thousand foot soldiers in one day.
Deuteronomy 32:22–26
For a fire has been kindled by My anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and scorches the foundations of the mountains.
2 Kings 7:2
But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”
Genesis 19:24
Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens.
Job 18:8–16
For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh.

Glossary

Earth Hunting Isaiah, Book of

Topics

Clouds: Called The: Windows of Heaven Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena: General Scriptures Concerning Wicked (People): Punishment of

Isaiah 24:18

Translations?

Original?

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Events?

Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Glossary

Topics