45 The precise point of vv. 20–21 is not entirely clear. Are they taking the idols into their hiding places with them, because they are so attached to their man-made images? Or are they discarding the idols along the way as they retreat into the darkest places they can find? In either case it is obvious that the gods are incapable of helping them.
46 Heb “from the dread of the Lord,” that is, from the dread that he produces in the objects of his judgment.” The words “trying to escape” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
47 Or “land.” It is not certain if these verses are describing the judgment of Judah (see vv. 6–9) or a more universal judgment on all proud men. Almost all English versions translate “earth,” taking this to refer to universal judgment.

In other versions

to enter the caverns of the rocks

and the clefts of the cliffs,

from before the terror of the Lord,

and from the splendor of his majesty,

when he rises to terrify the earth.

They will flee to caverns in the rocks

and to the overhanging crags

from the fearful presence of the Lord

and the splendor of his majesty,

when he rises to shake the earth.

They will go into the caves of the rocks

and the crevices in the cliffs,

away from the terror of the Lord

and from his majestic splendor,

when he rises to terrify the earth.

while they crawl away into caverns

and hide among the jagged rocks in the cliffs.

They will try to escape the terror of the Lord

and the glory of his majesty

as he rises to shake the earth.

to enter into the crevices of the rocks

and into the clefts of the crags

from the presence of the terror of Yahweh

and from the glory of his majesty,

when he rises to terrify the earth.

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.

Public Domain