Isaiah 2:10

KJV

¶ Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Enter {H935} into the rock {H6697}, and hide {H2934} thee in the dust {H6083}, for {H6440} fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068}, and for the glory {H1926} of his majesty {H1347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come into the rock, hide in the dust to escape the terror of ADONAI and the glory of his majesty.

Berean Standard Bible

Go into the rocks and hide in the dust from the terror of the LORD and the splendor of His majesty.

American Standard Version

Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, from before the terror of Jehovah, and from the glory of his majesty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 2:10 issues a profound and urgent summons for humanity to humble itself to the point of extreme self-abasement and concealment. This command is given in anticipation of the overwhelming and terrifying manifestation of the Lord's presence, driven by the sheer dread inspired by His unapproachable holiness and the radiant glory of His majesty. The verse serves as a stark prophetic warning against human pride and self-sufficiency, emphasizing the infinite chasm between the Creator's transcendent splendor and the fleeting, vulnerable existence of His creatures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 2:10 is strategically placed within a pivotal prophetic sequence that transitions sharply from a glorious eschatological vision to a severe indictment of Judah's present spiritual state. The chapter begins with the majestic prophecy of [the mountain of the Lord's house](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") being established above all others, drawing all nations to learn God's ways and experience universal peace. This idyllic future is immediately contrasted with the grim reality of Judah's pervasive idolatry, materialism, and reliance on human strength, as detailed in [Isaiah 2:6-9](/isaiah/2-6-9 "Isaiah 2:6-9 - Judah's Idolatry, Worldliness, and Pride"). The call to "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust" in verse 10 is thus a direct, visceral response to the divine judgment provoked by these sins. It serves as a dramatic prelude to the explicit declaration of the "Day of the Lord" in [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against Human Pride"), a recurring theme signifying God's decisive intervention to humble human arrogance and exalt His own name. Therefore, verse 10 functions as a bridge, vividly illustrating the only possible, albeit desperate, human posture in the face of God's imminent and terrifying intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the 8th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical instability for Judah. The reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were overshadowed by the formidable rise of the Assyrian Empire, which posed a constant and growing threat to the smaller nations of the Levant, including Judah and Israel. Culturally, Judah had increasingly assimilated the pagan practices of its neighbors, leading to widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a departure from the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The nation's trust had shifted from God to military alliances, accumulated wealth, and self-aggrandizement. The imagery of seeking refuge "into the rock" and hiding "in the dust" is deeply rooted in the geography and cultural practices of ancient Judah. The land was characterized by numerous caves and rocky formations, which historically served as natural shelters during times of war, invasion, or natural disaster. Hiding "in the dust" further evokes ancient Near Eastern expressions of extreme humility, mourning, or abasement, where one might cast dust upon their head or prostrate themselves in the dust as a sign of utter submission or despair.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 2:10 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Awe**, portraying the inevitable and terrifying consequences of humanity's rebellion against a holy God. The imperative to hide reflects the overwhelming nature of God's wrath and the utter inability of sinful humanity to withstand His presence. Secondly, the verse highlights the stark **Contrast Between God's Majesty and Human Pride**. The preceding verses detail Judah's arrogance, self-exaltation, and reliance on idols and material possessions. Verse 10 serves as a dramatic counterpoint, demonstrating that all human glory, strength, and self-sufficiency are utterly insignificant and crumble before the "glory of his majesty." This theme is further developed and emphasized in [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Haughtiness of Man Humbled"), which declares that "the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day." Thirdly, the verse introduces the pervasive prophetic motif of the **Day of the Lord**, a concept that emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty and His decisive intervention in history to judge the wicked and establish His righteous kingdom. The "fear of the LORD" mentioned here is not merely reverential awe but a profound dread born of a direct encounter with divine power and justice, a necessary and terrifying response to the coming judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** From H6343, this word denotes a (sudden) alarm, properly the object feared, by implication, the feeling of dread or terror. In Isaiah 2:10, it signifies an overwhelming, visceral terror that grips individuals when confronted by the awesome, unapproachable holiness and power of the Lord. This _pachad_ compels them to seek desperate concealment, representing a response not of reverential awe alone, but of profound dread in the face of impending divine judgment and the sheer, unmediated presence of God.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _hâdâr'_):** From H1926, meaning magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor. It speaks to the inherent beauty, majesty, and excellency of God. Here, it is the radiant, overwhelming splendor of God's presence and character that inspires terror in the unrighteous, highlighting the infinite disparity between His perfection and human sinfulness. This "glory" is not merely an abstract attribute but an active, consuming, and utterly overwhelming manifestation of divine being.
* **Majesty (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, meaning arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament. While it can refer to human pride (often negatively), when applied to God, it refers to His inherent, unassailable greatness, His exalted dignity, and His supreme authority. In Isaiah 2:10, it is the sheer, unapproachable grandeur of God's being—His inherent pomp and excellency—that causes humanity to shrink in terror and seek to hide, recognizing their utter insignificance and vulnerability before Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Enter into the rock":** This clause is a direct, imperative command, demanding immediate and desperate action. The "rock" (Hebrew: _tsur_) typically symbolizes strength, stability, and refuge. However, in this context, it implies a frantic, perhaps futile, attempt to burrow into the earth or seek shelter in natural crevices, not as a place of secure rest, but as a desperate hiding place from an inescapable, terrifying presence. It underscores the overwhelming need for concealment from divine wrath.
* **"and hide thee in the dust":** This phrase intensifies the preceding command, escalating the imagery of abasement. "Dust" (Hebrew: _ʻâphâr_) signifies extreme lowliness, mortality, and utter submission, recalling humanity's origin from the dust of the earth. To hide in the dust is to abase oneself completely, to become one with the earth, acknowledging one's utter vulnerability and insignificance before God. It is an image of profound humiliation and a desperate, self-effacing attempt to escape divine scrutiny.
* **"for fear of the LORD":** This clause provides the primary motivation for the desperate actions commanded. The "fear" (Hebrew: _pachad_) here is not merely reverential awe but a profound dread and terror induced by the impending manifestation of God's power and judgment. It is the natural, instinctive response of sinful humanity to the holy and just God. "The LORD" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to the covenant God of Israel, whose character is both loving and righteous, but whose holiness demands a response of fear from those who oppose Him.
* **"and for the glory of his majesty":** This second causal clause further explains the reason for hiding, complementing the first. It is the sheer, overwhelming "glory" (Hebrew: _hâdâr_) and "majesty" (Hebrew: _gâʼôwn_) of God that compels this response. This refers to God's inherent splendor, supreme authority, and unapproachable holiness. The brilliance, grandeur, and inherent excellency of His being are so immense and terrifying to sinful humanity that they expose their weakness and unworthiness, driving them to seek concealment from His consuming presence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 2:10 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent and terrifying message. The use of **imperative verbs** ("Enter," "hide") creates a sense of direct command and immediate necessity, drawing the reader into the scene of impending judgment and demanding an urgent response. **Parallelism** is evident in the two complementary commands, "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust," which reinforce the core message of desperate concealment and abasement through similar yet distinct images. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, with "rock" and "dust" representing contrasting yet unified ideas: the rock, typically a place of refuge, here becomes a symbol of desperate, perhaps futile, escape from divine wrath, while "dust" symbolizes utter lowliness, mortality, and abasement, emphasizing humanity's utter insignificance before God. The phrase "fear of the LORD" functions as a **metonymy**, where the emotion (fear/dread) stands for the terrifying reality of God's judgment and overwhelming presence that evokes it. Finally, the entire verse is a powerful example of **hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the terror and the desperate measures taken to escape, thereby emphasizing the absolute, uncontainable power, holiness, and judgment of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 2:10 serves as a stark reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and the terrifying reality of His holiness when confronted by human sin. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth: humanity, in its pride and rebellion, cannot stand before the pure, consuming fire of God's glory. The call to hide reflects the natural and instinctive response of a fallen creation to its holy Creator, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment upon all who refuse to humble themselves and acknowledge God's supreme authority. This verse also introduces and powerfully illustrates the pervasive prophetic theme of the "Day of the Lord," a time when God will decisively intervene in history to humble human arrogance and exalt His own name, ensuring that "the Lord alone will be exalted in that day" ([Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Haughtiness of Man Humbled")). It highlights the profound contrast between human self-exaltation and the unapproachable majesty of the Divine.

* [Revelation 6:15-17](/revelation/6-15-17 "Revelation 6:15-17 - Kings and Great Men Hide from the Lamb's Wrath")
* [Luke 23:30](/luke/23-30 "Luke 23:30 - Call to the Mountains to Fall on Us")
* [Psalm 90:11](/psalms/90-11 "Psalm 90:11 - Who Knows the Power of Your Anger?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 2:10, though a passage steeped in the language of judgment and dread, offers profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. It compels us to cultivate a profound and healthy "fear of the LORD," not as a paralyzing terror, but as a deep reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's infinite power, unblemished holiness, and unwavering justice. This fear should lead to genuine humility, prompting us to acknowledge our utter dependence on Him and the absolute futility of human pride, self-reliance, and worldly achievements. In a world that frequently exalts human ingenuity, material prosperity, and personal autonomy, this verse serves as a powerful corrective, calling us to remember that all earthly glory pales into utter insignificance and is ultimately exposed as fleeting before the eternal majesty of God. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust – whether in our own strength, accumulated wealth, human wisdom, or in the sovereign and all-sufficient Lord. Ultimately, while the verse vividly describes a desperate hiding *from* God's impending judgment, the glorious message of the gospel reveals that true and lasting refuge is found *in* God Himself, through His immeasurable grace extended in Christ, for all who humble themselves, confess their sin, and seek His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific aspects of God's "glory" and "majesty" revealed in Scripture do I find most awe-inspiring, and how do they shape my daily walk and worship?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly prone to human pride, self-sufficiency, or placing trust in worldly securities, and how can I intentionally cultivate a deeper posture of humility before God?**
* **How does the "fear of the LORD" described in this verse—as a profound dread in the face of judgment—relate to or differ from the reverential awe and loving obedience we are called to have as New Testament believers in Christ?**
* **Considering the ultimate "Day of the Lord" and God's sovereign judgment, what practical steps can I take today to live in a manner that truly honors God, reflects my trust in His sovereignty, and prepares my heart for His appearing?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the Lord" mentioned in relation to this verse?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" is a prominent prophetic theme found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah. It refers to a specific future time when God will decisively intervene in human history to execute judgment upon the wicked and to vindicate His righteous purposes. It is a day of reckoning where human pride, idolatry, and rebellion will be utterly humbled, and God alone will be exalted. While it often describes a terrifying judgment, it also encompasses the establishment of God's righteous kingdom and the restoration of His people. In Isaiah 2, it is explicitly mentioned in [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against Human Pride"), indicating that the commands to hide in [Isaiah 2:10](/isaiah/2-10 "Isaiah 2:10 - Enter the Rock") are a direct, urgent response to the impending terror of this divine visitation.

**Does "fear of the LORD" mean being terrified of God?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Isaiah 2:10, "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _pachad_) carries a strong connotation of dread and terror, particularly for those who are unrighteous and face God's impending judgment. It describes the natural, instinctive response of sinful humanity to the overwhelming holiness and power of God, leading to a desire to hide from His presence. However, in broader biblical usage, "fear of the LORD" also encompasses a profound reverential awe, deep respect, and humble submission to God's authority and character. For believers, this "fear" is the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")), leading to obedience, trust, and a desire to please Him, rather than a paralyzing terror. Isaiah 2:10 highlights the aspect of terror for those who are not in right relationship with God, emphasizing the dire consequences of rejecting His sovereignty and embracing human pride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 2:10 commands a desperate hiding from God's terrifying majesty and impending judgment, the New Testament reveals a profound Christ-centered fulfillment that transforms this fear into a secure refuge and confident access. Jesus Christ, who is Himself the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), did not come into the world to condemn it, but that through Him the world might be saved ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Did Not Come to Condemn")). He is the ultimate "rock" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")) in whom believers find not a place to hide *from* God's wrath, but a secure and eternal refuge *in* God's love. Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Christ took upon Himself the full weight of divine judgment that sinful humanity deserved, thereby making a way for those who believe in Him to approach God's throne with boldness and confidence, not fear ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). For the believer, the "fear of the LORD" is transformed from a dread of punishment to a reverential awe and worship of the One who has delivered us from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")) and brought us into His glorious presence. Thus, while Isaiah 2:10 vividly portrays the desperate consequence of standing against God, Christ offers the gracious means to stand *with* God, clothed in His righteousness, no longer needing to hide in terror but invited into intimate fellowship with His glorious majesty.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 6:15

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Revelation 6:16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Isaiah 2:21

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 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Job 37:22

Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God [is] terrible majesty.