Isaiah 26:20

KJV

¶ Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}, my people {H5971}, enter {H935} thou into thy chambers {H2315}, and shut {H5462} thy doors {H1817} about thee: hide {H2247} thyself as it were for a little {H4592} moment {H7281}, until the indignation {H2195} be overpast {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come, my people, enter your rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the wrath is past.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:20 issues an urgent divine summons to God's faithful people, instructing them to seek refuge and seclusion in their "chambers" and to "shut their doors" as a period of intense divine indignation is about to unfold upon the earth. This prophetic call emphasizes both God's protective care for His remnant amidst judgment and the temporary nature of His wrath, assuring believers that the season of tribulation will pass. It serves as a powerful reminder of the security found in obedience and trust during times of global upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 26:20 is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 24-27), often referred to as "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse." This section vividly describes God's universal judgment on the earth, the subsequent desolation, and the ultimate restoration and salvation of His people. Chapter 26 itself is a "Song of Salvation" or "Song of Trust," celebrating God's righteous character, His secure city, and the blessedness of those who trust in Him. Verse 20 serves as an immediate, direct imperative, a divine interlude warning God's people to take shelter just before the Lord emerges from His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, as described in [Isaiah 26:21](/isaiah/26-21 "Isaiah 26:21 - The Lord Comes Out to Punish"). It marks a critical transition from a song of praise to a stark warning, highlighting God's imminent intervention in human affairs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the immediate historical trigger for this prophecy is debated among scholars (some suggest the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions, others a more eschatological context), the imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern practices of seeking refuge during times of war, plague, or natural disaster. The concept of "chambers" or inner rooms as places of safety was well-understood, offering a tangible picture of withdrawal from external danger. Culturally, the idea of divine judgment (the "indignation") was a pervasive theme in the ancient world, often associated with the wrath of gods against human wickedness. However, unique to Israelite theology is the understanding that God's wrath, though severe, is righteous, purposeful, and, for His covenant people, temporary, leading ultimately to restoration rather than annihilation. This verse speaks to a people who would have experienced or anticipated periods of intense national distress and foreign aggression, finding solace in God's specific instructions for protection.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Refuge**, portraying God as the ultimate sanctuary for His faithful during times of global turmoil. The "chambers" symbolize a divinely provided, secure, and intimate haven. Secondly, the phrase "for a little moment" emphasizes the **Temporary Nature of Judgment** for God's people, a concept echoed in [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - God's Anger Endures but a Moment"), assuring them that divine indignation, though severe, has a definite end and will not consume the righteous. Thirdly, the imperative commands to "enter," "shut," and "hide" highlight the necessity of **Obedience and Trust** in God's instructions, implying an active withdrawal from chaos and a passive reliance on His promised deliverance. Finally, the "indignation" itself points to the theme of **God's Righteous Wrath and Judgment**, a necessary response to human sin and rebellion, which ultimately purifies and establishes His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chambers (Hebrew, _cheder'_):** From H2315, meaning an apartment, usually literal, referring to an inner room, bedchamber, or innermost part. In this context, it symbolizes a private, secure, and protected sanctuary, a place of refuge from external danger or judgment. It conveys intimacy and safety.
* **hide (Hebrew, _châbâh'_):** From H2247, a primitive root meaning to secrete or hide oneself. This emphasizes the active, deliberate act of seeking concealment and protection, suggesting a posture of humility and reliance on God's provision for safety. It's not a hiding out of fear of God, but a hiding *in* God.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, strictly froth at the mouth, figuratively fury, especially of God's displeasure with sin; anger, rage. This term denotes God's strong, vehement, and righteous displeasure against wickedness. It is a powerful expression of divine wrath, indicating a period of severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers":** This opening phrase is an urgent, intimate, and direct divine summons. "My people" signifies God's covenant relationship and deep care for Israel, even amidst impending judgment. The command to "enter into thy chambers" is an imperative, instructing them to seek a designated place of safety and seclusion, symbolizing spiritual and physical refuge provided by God.
* **"and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself":** These commands emphasize the active and deliberate nature of seeking refuge. "Shut thy doors" implies sealing oneself off from the external chaos and danger, creating a secure boundary. "Hide thyself" reinforces the need for withdrawal and concealment, not through human strength but by trusting in God's protective hand, making oneself inaccessible to the coming wrath.
* **"as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.":** This clause provides crucial temporal and theological context. "For a little moment" highlights the temporary duration of the tribulation, assuring God's people that His wrath is not eternal for them. "Until the indignation be overpast" signifies a definite end to the period of divine judgment, promising that the storm will subside, and God's people will emerge safely.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:20 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor/Symbolism**, where "chambers" and "doors" are not merely literal rooms but serve as a profound symbol of divine refuge and protection. They represent a secure, intimate sanctuary provided by God, a place of spiritual and physical safety from the impending judgment. The verse also uses **Imperative Mood** ("Come," "enter," "shut," "hide"), creating a sense of urgency and direct command, emphasizing the necessity of immediate and obedient action. Furthermore, the phrase "my people" demonstrates **Personification** and **Intimate Address**, as God speaks directly and tenderly to His covenant community, highlighting His personal care and concern even in the face of His universal wrath. The contrast between the temporary "little moment" and the passing "indignation" also subtly employs **Antithesis**, underscoring the finite nature of God's wrath for His chosen ones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:20 is a profound theological statement on God's dual nature: His righteous wrath against sin and His merciful, protective care for His covenant people. It illustrates that while divine judgment is universal and unavoidable for the unrighteous, God always provides a way of escape and refuge for those who belong to Him. This passage anticipates a time of ultimate reckoning, yet simultaneously offers immense comfort by emphasizing the temporary nature of tribulation for the faithful. It speaks to God's sovereignty over all events, including periods of intense suffering, assuring believers that He controls the duration and intensity of every storm. The call to withdraw and hide is not an act of cowardice but of wise obedience and trust in a God who is both just judge and faithful deliverer, preparing His people for the coming of His kingdom.

* [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High")
* [Zephaniah 2:3](/zephaniah/2-3 "Seek the Lord, All You Meek of the Earth")
* [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "The Great Multitude from the Great Tribulation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:20 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating a world often characterized by turmoil, uncertainty, and various forms of "indignation." It calls us to cultivate a posture of spiritual vigilance and trust in God's sovereign protection. In moments of personal crisis, societal unrest, or global upheaval, we are invited to "enter our chambers" – to retreat into the sanctuary of prayer, deep communion with God, and diligent meditation on His Word. This is not an escape from reality but a strategic withdrawal to strengthen our faith, find peace in His presence, and receive His guidance. The assurance that the "indignation" will be "overpast" reminds us that no trial is eternal, and God's purposes for our good and His glory will ultimately prevail. This verse encourages patient endurance, confident that our temporary hiding in Him will lead to ultimate deliverance and the revelation of His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "chambers" in your life where you can retreat to find refuge and peace in God during times of trouble?**
* **How does the assurance that God's "indignation" is "for a little moment" impact your perspective on current difficulties or future uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can you actively "shut your doors" and "hide yourself" in God amidst the chaos and noise of the world today?**

### FAQ
**Is "chambers" a literal place or a metaphor?**

Answer: While the imagery of "chambers" (Hebrew _cheder_) could refer to literal inner rooms used for safety in ancient times, in this prophetic context, it primarily functions as a powerful metaphor. It symbolizes a spiritual sanctuary and a place of divine protection. It represents a secure, intimate space of communion with God, where believers can find refuge from the "indignation" or judgment unfolding in the world. This spiritual "hiding place" is found in God's presence, His promises, and His sovereign care, as seen in passages like [Psalm 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High").

**What does "indignation" refer to, and how long does it last?**

Answer: The "indignation" (Hebrew _zaʻam_) refers to God's righteous wrath and severe displeasure against sin and wickedness. It signifies a period of divine judgment upon the earth. The phrase "for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast" is crucial. It emphasizes that while this period of judgment is intense, it is not eternal for God's people. It has a definite, divinely appointed end. This temporary nature of God's wrath for His covenant people is a recurring theme in Scripture, as highlighted in [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning"), assuring believers that even the severest trials are time-bound and will ultimately give way to His deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "chamber" and ultimate refuge for all who believe, the one in whom we are hidden from the wrath to come. While the Old Testament saints were called to hide from a temporary, earthly indignation, Christ Himself bore the full, eternal weight of God's righteous "indignation" against sin on the cross, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions"). Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are no longer subject to the condemnation of God's wrath but are instead "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Our Life Is Hidden with Christ in God")). The "little moment" of indignation for God's people is transformed by Christ's finished work, as He offers eternal rest and security to all who come to Him ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, making it possible for us to stand justified and protected, even as God's judgment sweeps over the earth ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Saved from Wrath Through Him")). Thus, Isaiah 26:20 not only foreshadows God's protective care but ultimately points to the saving work of Christ, who is our eternal sanctuary and the end of all divine indignation for those who are in Him.

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

Psalms 30:5

For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

Psalms 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Isaiah 54:7

For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

Isaiah 54:8

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.