Isaiah 26:20

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed.

Study Bible

Go, my people
The phrase "Go, my people" is a direct call from God to His chosen ones, the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "go" is "לֵךְ" (lekh), which is an imperative form, indicating urgency and immediacy. This command reflects God's protective nature, urging His people to take action for their safety. Historically, this reflects God's consistent guidance and deliverance of Israel, as seen in the Exodus narrative where God led His people out of Egypt.

enter your rooms
The term "rooms" in Hebrew is "חֲדָרִים" (ḥadarim), which can also mean inner chambers or private spaces. This suggests a place of safety and refuge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, inner rooms were considered the most secure part of a house. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to enter into a place of spiritual refuge and intimacy with God, away from the chaos of the world.

and shut your doors behind you
The act of shutting doors signifies protection and separation from external dangers. The Hebrew word "סְגֹר" (segor) means to close or lock, emphasizing the need for security. This imagery is reminiscent of the Passover in Exodus, where the Israelites were instructed to stay indoors as the angel of death passed over. It symbolizes God's provision of safety amidst judgment.

Hide yourselves a little while
"Hiding" here is from the Hebrew "חֲבִי" (ḥavi), which implies concealment for protection. The phrase "a little while" suggests that the period of danger is temporary. This reflects the biblical theme of God's wrath being momentary compared to His everlasting mercy. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, knowing that trials are temporary.

until the wrath has passed
The "wrath" refers to God's righteous judgment against sin. The Hebrew word "זַעַם" (za'am) denotes indignation or anger. Historically, this could relate to specific judgments upon nations or peoples, but it also points to the eschatological wrath described in prophetic literature. The assurance that it "has passed" offers hope and reassurance of God's ultimate deliverance and restoration for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during a time of great turmoil and change in Israel and Judah, delivering messages of both judgment and hope.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, often the primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and internal spiritual decline.

3. God's Wrath
Refers to the divine judgment and punishment that God brings upon nations or individuals due to sin and disobedience. In this context, it is a temporary period of divine retribution.

4. Rooms
Symbolic of places of safety and refuge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, homes were seen as places of protection and security.

5. The Day of the Lord
A prophetic theme throughout the Bible, referring to a future time when God will intervene decisively in human history to bring judgment and salvation.

Teaching Points

Divine Protection
God provides a place of safety for His people during times of judgment. Believers are called to trust in God's protection and provision.

Spiritual Preparation
Just as the Israelites prepared for the Passover, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared for times of trial and judgment by maintaining a close relationship with God.

Temporary Trials
The phrase "a little while" reminds us that trials and divine judgments are temporary. God's ultimate plan is for restoration and peace.

Faith in Action
The act of entering and shutting the doors signifies an active response to God's command. Faith requires action, not just belief.

Hope in God's Timing
Believers can find hope in knowing that God's timing is perfect. His wrath will pass, and His promises of redemption and restoration will be fulfilled.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to "enter your rooms and shut your doors" apply to our spiritual lives today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for times of trial and judgment, as suggested by Isaiah 26:20?

3. How does the concept of God's wrath in Isaiah 26:20 relate to the New Testament understanding of the Day of the Lord?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate faith in action, as seen in the response to God's command in this verse?

5. How can we find hope and encouragement in the temporary nature of trials, as indicated by the phrase "a little while"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The instruction to "shut your doors" echoes the Passover event, where the Israelites were to stay inside their homes, marked by the blood of the lamb, as God's judgment passed over Egypt.

Matthew 6:6
Jesus instructs believers to go into their rooms and pray in secret, highlighting the importance of private communion with God, which can be seen as a spiritual refuge.

Revelation 15-16
Describes the outpouring of God's wrath in the end times, providing a New Testament parallel to the concept of divine judgment and the need for God's people to be spiritually prepared.