Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Their stronghold will fall because of terror; at the sight of the battle standard their commanders will panic,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. New Living Translation Even the strongest will quake with terror, and princes will flee when they see your battle flags,” says the LORD, whose fire burns in Zion, whose flame blazes from Jerusalem. English Standard Version His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Berean Literal Bible And his stronghold will pass away at the terror, and his princes will be frightened at the banner,” says YHWH, whose fire unto Him is in Zion, and a furnace unto Him is in Jerusalem. King James Bible And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. New King James Version He shall cross over to his stronghold for fear, And his princes shall be afraid of the banner,” Says the LORD, Whose fire is in Zion And whose furnace is in Jerusalem. New American Standard Bible “His rock will pass away because of panic, And his officers will be terrified by the flag,” Declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. NASB 1995 “His rock will pass away because of panic, And his princes will be terrified at the standard,” Declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. NASB 1977 “And his rock will pass away because of panic, And his princes will be terrified at the standard,” Declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Legacy Standard Bible “His rock will pass away because of terror, And his princes will be dismayed at the standard,” Declares Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Amplified Bible “His rock [his stronghold] will pass away because of panic, And his princes will be terrified at the [sight of the battle] standard,” Declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Berean Annotated Bible Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard, declares the LORD {YHWH}, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem (city of peace). Christian Standard Bible His rock will pass away because of fear, and his officers will be afraid because of the signal flag. This is the LORD’s declaration—whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Holman Christian Standard Bible His rock will pass away because of fear, and his officers will be afraid because of the signal flag. This is the LORD’s declaration—whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. American Standard Version And his rock shall pass away by reason of terror, and his princes shall be dismayed at the ensign, saith Jehovah, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Contemporary English Version Their fortress will fall when terror strikes; their army officers will be frightened and run from the battle. This is what the LORD has said, the LORD whose fiery furnace is built on Mount Zion. English Revised Version And his rock shall pass away by reason of terror, and his princes shall be dismayed at the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. GOD'S WORD® Translation In terror they will run to their stronghold, and their officers will be frightened at [the sight of] the battle flag. The LORD declares this. His fire is in Zion and his furnace is in Jerusalem. Good News Translation Their emperor will run away in terror, and the officers will be so frightened that they will abandon their battle flags." The LORD has spoken--the LORD who is worshiped in Jerusalem and whose fire burns there for sacrifices. International Standard Version Their stronghold will vanish by reason of terror, and their commanders will be filled with alarm because of the battle standard," declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. NET Bible They will surrender their stronghold because of fear; their officers will be afraid of the LORD's battle flag." This is what the LORD says--the one whose fire is in Zion, whose firepot is in Jerusalem. New Heart English Bible His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his officers will be afraid of the banner," says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Webster's Bible Translation And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleTheir rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. World English Bible His rock will pass away by reason of terror, and his princes will be afraid of the banner,” says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he passes on [to] his rock from fear, "" And his princes have been frightened by the ensign—a declaration of YHWH, "" Who has a light in Zion, "" And who has a furnace in Jerusalem! Berean Literal Bible And his stronghold will pass away at the terror, and his princes will be frightened at the banner,” says YHWH, whose fire unto Him is in Zion, and a furnace unto Him is in Jerusalem. Young's Literal Translation And to his rock from fear he passeth on, And affrighted by the ensign have been his princes -- an affirmation of Jehovah, Who hath a light in Zion, And who hath a furnace in Jerusalem! Smith's Literal Translation And his rock shall pass through from fear, and his chiefs were terrified from the signal, says Jehovah whose light to him in Zion, and furnace to him in Jerusalem. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd his strength shall pass away with dread, and his princes fleeing shall be afraid: the Lord hath said it, whose die is in Sion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Catholic Public Domain Version And his strength will pass away in terror, and his princes will flee in fear. The Lord has said it. His fire is in Zion, and his furnace is at Jerusalem. New American Bible He shall rush past his crag in panic, and his princes desert the standard in terror, Says the LORD who has a fire in Zion and a furnace in Jerusalem. New Revised Standard Version His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic,” says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he shall dwell in his rocky habitation, and his princes shall be defeated from before the standard, says the LORD, whose fire is in Zion and his furnace in Jerusalem. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he shall leave the cliffs of his dwelling and they shall be defeated before the standards of his Princes, says LORD JEHOVAH, whose fire is in Zion and his furnace in Jerusalem OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And his rock shall pass away by reason of terror, And his princes shall be dismayed at the ensign, Saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, And His furnace in Jerusalem. Brenton Septuagint Translation for they shall be compassed with rocks as with a trench, and shall be worsted; and he that flees shall be taken. Thus saith the Lord, Blesses is he that has a seed in Sion, and household friends in Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt…8“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. 9Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Cross References Their rock will pass away for fear, Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies concede. Isaiah 17:10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and failed to remember the Rock of your refuge. Therefore, though you cultivate delightful plots and set out cuttings from exotic vines— Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” Jeremiah 4:6 Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction. Jeremiah 46:5 Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 50:2 “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ declares the LORD, Zechariah 1:3 So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ Jeremiah 23:24 “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. Malachi 1:2 “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, whose fire is in Zion, Lamentations 4:11 The LORD has exhausted His wrath; He has poured out His fierce anger; He has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has consumed her foundations. Lamentations 2:4 He has bent His bow like an enemy; His right hand is positioned. Like a foe He has killed all who were pleasing to the eye; He has poured out His wrath like fire on the tent of the Daughter of Zion. 2 Kings 25:9 He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Jeremiah 6:27-30 “I have appointed you to examine My people like ore, so you may know and try their ways. / All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt. / The bellows blow fiercely, blasting away the lead with fire. The refining proceeds in vain, for the wicked are not purged. … Ezekiel 22:18-22 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. / Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you. … Isaiah 48:10 See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 30:31-33 For Assyria will be shattered at the voice of the LORD; He will strike them with His scepter. / And with every stroke of the rod of punishment that the LORD brings down on them, the tambourines and lyres will sound as He battles with weapons brandished. / For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. Treasury of Scripture And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, said the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. the ensign Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 18:3 All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. whose fire Isaiah 44:1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: Isaiah 29:6 Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. Jump to Previous Afraid Altar Banner Battle Chiefs Commanders Desert Dismayed Ensign Fall Fear Fire Flag Flight Furnace Hold Jerusalem Officers Panic Princes Reason Rock Sight Standard Strong Stronghold Terrified Terror ZionJump to Next Afraid Altar Banner Battle Chiefs Commanders Desert Dismayed Ensign Fall Fear Fire Flag Flight Furnace Hold Jerusalem Officers Panic Princes Reason Rock Sight Standard Strong Stronghold Terrified Terror ZionIsaiah 31 1. The prophet shows the folly and danger of trusting Egypt, and forsaking God6. He exhorts to conversion 8. He shows the fall of Assyria Their rock will pass away for fear This phrase suggests the collapse of what the people considered their stronghold or source of security. In biblical terms, "rock" often symbolizes strength and protection (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4). Here, it indicates that the false security of the Egyptians, whom the Israelites were tempted to rely on, will fail. This reflects the broader biblical theme that reliance on anything other than God is ultimately futile (Psalm 18:2). and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard, declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as a powerful and protective force for His people. 2. Assyria A dominant empire during the time of Isaiah, known for its military might and oppression of Israel. 3. The Rock A metaphor for God, symbolizing strength, stability, and refuge. 4. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, representing the spiritual and political heart of God's people. 5. Isaiah The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them against relying on foreign powers instead of God. Teaching Points Reliance on God Over Human StrengthTrust in God should supersede reliance on worldly powers or alliances. Just as Judah was warned against depending on Assyria, we must prioritize our faith in God's sovereignty. God as Our Rock The imagery of God as a rock emphasizes His unchanging nature and reliability. In times of trouble, we should seek refuge in His strength and stability. The Futility of Opposing God The verse highlights the futility of opposing God's will. Assyria's downfall serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against God's purposes. The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance Just as Jerusalem needed to remain spiritually vigilant, we must be aware of the spiritual battles we face and rely on God's guidance and protection. God's Sovereign Protection God's protection is assured for those who trust in Him. This assurance should encourage us to live boldly and confidently in our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Isaiah 31:9?2. How does Isaiah 31:9 emphasize reliance on God over earthly powers? 3. What does "His fire is in Zion" reveal about God's presence? 4. How can Isaiah 31:9 inspire trust in God's protection today? 5. Connect Isaiah 31:9 with another scripture about God's strength and refuge. 6. How should Isaiah 31:9 influence our response to worldly threats and fears? 7. What is the significance of the "rock" mentioned in Isaiah 31:9 in biblical theology? 8. How does Isaiah 31:9 reflect God's power and protection over His people? 9. What historical events might Isaiah 31:9 be referencing regarding Assyria's defeat? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 31? 11. Isaiah 12:6: Does calling on the name of the Lord in Zion conflict with other biblical passages that suggest God's presence is not confined to a single geographic location? 12. In Isaiah 31:5, the idea of God defending Jerusalem 'like birds hovering' seems miraculous--where is the historical or archaeological proof that such protection ever occurred? 13. (Psalm 14:7) Is there any concrete proof for the promise of salvation 'coming out of Zion,' or is this purely a symbolic statement? 14. What is Zion's significance in biblical prophecy? What Does Isaiah 31:9 Mean Their rock will pass away for fearIsaiah pictures the enemy’s chief source of confidence—its “rock,” whether understood as literal fortresses, idols, or military power—melting away in sheer terror. The word choice intentionally contrasts with the LORD, repeatedly called “my rock” (Psalm 18:2). Just as Deuteronomy 32:31–37 mocks the impotence of pagan “rocks,” Isaiah proclaims that every substitute refuge collapses when God arises. The scene is not figurative only; history records the swift retreat of Assyria’s army after the angel of the LORD struck them (Isaiah 37:36). When God acts, earthly strengths evaporate. • Confidence based on human alliances (Isaiah 31:1) or idols (1 Samuel 5:3–4) cannot stand. • Only the LORD remains unshakable, “the everlasting Rock” (Isaiah 26:4). Their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard When God unfurls His banner, leaders who once boasted in chariots lose heart. Exodus 15:15 describes a similar dread that gripped Canaanite rulers as Israel advanced. Here, Isaiah foresees nobles who “panic” before the divine standard— a reversal of their former arrogance. Isaiah 30:17 has already warned Judah that trusting Egypt would leave them fleeing at the mere rustle of a flag; now the prophecy shifts to the aggressors, proving the LORD’s impartial justice. • Proud commanders fall apart (Nahum 3:13) because human authority is derivative and temporary (Psalm 2:10–12). • God’s standard signifies His personal engagement in the battle (Isaiah 11:12); no army can withstand Him. Declares the LORD The phrase seals the prophecy with divine authority. As Isaiah 46:10 reminds us, God “declares the end from the beginning,” guaranteeing fulfillment. Prophetic words are not educated guesses; they are history written in advance. Jeremiah 1:12 echoes the certainty: “I am watching over My word to accomplish it”. Because the LORD speaks, the outcome is irrevocable—strengthening faith and urging repentance. Whose fire is in Zion Fire symbolizes both protection and judgment. Earlier, Isaiah 10:17 promises, “The Light of Israel will become a fire, and His Holy One a flame.” Within Zion, God’s presence is a consuming blaze that defends His people (Zechariah 2:5) while burning away dross. Hebrews 12:29 applies the same imagery to believers: “Our God is a consuming fire.” The implication is twofold: • Enemies are burned if they assault Zion (2 Kings 19:35). • God’s own people are refined, not destroyed (Malachi 3:2–3). Whose furnace is in Jerusalem A furnace intensifies heat for purification. Isaiah links God’s refining work uniquely to Jerusalem, the city of His covenant. Earlier, Isaiah 29:6 foretold “thunder and earthquake and great noise… and a flame of consuming fire.” Trials that strike the city ultimately forge a faithful remnant (Isaiah 1:25–26). For New-Covenant believers, the furnace echoes Peter’s assurance that fiery ordeals test the genuineness of faith (1 Peter 1:6–7). • Judgment begins “with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17), but ends in restoration. • The same heat that melts the foe tempers the faithful. summary Isaiah 31:9 promises that when the LORD engages, every counterfeit rock crumbles, proud leaders panic, and His word stands unchallenged. His fiery presence in Zion both shields and purifies, turning Jerusalem into a furnace that refines His people and consumes their enemies. Trusting any power other than the LORD proves futile; abiding in Him ensures security and cleansing. (9) He shall pass over to his strong hold for fear.--Most recent critics translate, His rock will pass away for terror, the "rock" (not the same word, however, as that elsewhere, e.g., Deuteronomy 32:31, used for God) being the symbol of Assyria's strength. The laws of parallelism point to our taking the noun as the subject of the sentence, corresponding to "princes" in the next clause, and so exclude the Authorised version.Whose fire is in Zion.--Fire, as the symbol of the Divine glory, giving light and warmth to the faithful, and burning up the evil. (Comp. Isaiah 10:16-17.) Verse 9. - And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear; rather, and his Rock shall pass away for fear (marginal rendering). It is generally agreed by recent commentators (Kay, Delitzsch, Cheyne), that the rock intended, which is contrasted with the "princes" of the next clause, is Assyria's king (see the contrast of the king, who is "a great rock," and his princes, in Isaiah 32:1, 2). (On the hurried flight of Sennacherib to Nineveh, see below, Isaiah 37:37.) His princes shall be afraid of the ensign. The word nes, ensign, seems to be here used collectively. The Assyrian princes would tremble at every signal that they saw displayed along their line of route, expecting some enemy to fall upon them. His furnace. Jehovah was at once a Light to his people, and "a consuming Fire" (Hebrews 12:29) to his enemies. His presence, indicated by the Shechinah in the holy of holies, was at once for blessing and for burning. |
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