Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

And a man {H376} shall be as an hiding place {H4224} from the wind {H7307}, and a covert {H5643} from the tempest {H2230}; as rivers {H6388} of water {H4325} in a dry place {H6724}, as the shadow {H6738} of a great {H3515} rock {H5553} in a weary {H5889} land {H776}.

A man will be like a refuge from the wind, like protection from a storm, like streams of water on arid ground, like a rock cliff shading a weary land.

Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.

And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

Isaiah 32:2 (KJV) paints a vivid picture of the blessings that accompany a righteous reign, often understood as a prophetic glimpse of the Messiah's kingdom. Using powerful natural imagery, the verse describes profound protection, refreshment, and relief.

Context of Isaiah 32:2

This verse is part of a prophetic section in Isaiah that contrasts the present era of spiritual blindness and injustice with a future time of righteousness and clarity. Isaiah 32:1 introduces the coming king who "shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment." Verse 2 then elaborates on the beneficial impact of this righteous ruler, providing a stark contrast to the previous chapter's woes and the general desolation often described in prophecies of judgment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Messianic Prophecy and Righteous Leadership: The "man" in this verse is widely interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate righteous King, or the kind of leadership established under His divine authority. He provides the ideal refuge and sustenance that humanity desperately needs.
  • Divine Protection and Refuge: Being a "hiding place from the wind" and a "covert from the tempest" speaks to absolute safety and security from life's overwhelming trials and spiritual adversaries. Just as a physical shelter protects from harsh weather, the righteous ruler offers true sanctuary.
  • Spiritual Refreshment and Sustenance: The imagery of "rivers of water in a dry place" powerfully conveys the idea of abundant provision and spiritual life in an otherwise barren and parched world. This echoes the concept of living water that satisfies spiritual thirst.
  • Rest and Relief for the Weary: "As the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" speaks to finding deep rest and relief from exhaustion, especially in a world that often feels burdensome and draining. A great rock provides shade and coolness in the scorching desert, symbolizing profound comfort and peace for the soul.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here enhance the imagery:

  • Machaveh (מַחֲבֵא) for "hiding place" and mistōr (מִסְתּוֹר) for "covert" both convey a sense of secure, concealed refuge.
  • The term for "tempest" (zerem, זֶרֶם) can also mean a torrential downpour or flood, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the dangers from which protection is offered.
  • "Weary land" (eretz ayef, אֶרֶץ עָיֵף) vividly describes a land exhausted and parched, highlighting the desperate need for the restorative shade.

Practical Application

Isaiah 32:2 offers profound hope and comfort for believers today:

  • Finding Refuge in Christ: In a world filled with anxiety, conflict, and spiritual battles, Jesus Christ remains our ultimate "hiding place" and "covert." He is the unchanging source of safety and peace amidst life's storms. As Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength."
  • Spiritual Refreshment: When feeling spiritually dry or weary, we can turn to Christ for refreshment. He offers the "living water" that quenches our deepest thirst and renews our strength.
  • Rest for the Soul: This verse invites us to find rest in Him from the burdens and weariness of life. Just as a traveler seeks shade from the desert sun, we can find profound rest and solace in the presence and promises of our Savior. Jesus Himself said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 25:4

    For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones [is] as a storm [against] the wall.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Isaiah 44:3

    For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  • Isaiah 43:20

    The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

  • Isaiah 7:14

    Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

  • Micah 5:4

    And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

  • Micah 5:5

    And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.
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