A frequent misinterpretation reduces this verse to a literal prediction of a future apocalyptic earthquake forcing physical hiding in rocks, overlooking its prophetic poetry depicting God's judgment on arrogant humanity throughout history, such as invasions of Judah, rather than isolated natural disasters; it ignores the spiritual truth that no earthly shelter avails against God's holiness, often leading to fear-mongering without the hope of repentance and refuge in Him.
Isaiah 2:21
King James Version (1769)
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
Isaiah 2:21 portrays the terrifying Day of the Lord when God rises in judgment to shake the earth, prompting even the haughtiest individuals to desperately seek refuge in rock clefts and crags out of fear of His majestic glory, emphasizing the futility of human pride and hiding places before divine sovereignty and the universal call to humility and reverence toward the inescapable Judge.