Visualizing Isaiah 32: like the shade of a great rock in a weary land

Isaiah again looks beyond the exile and the return to the time of the Messiah. In the kingdom of righteousness every person who wishes will be able to find a hiding place or shelter. This speaks of the spiritual blessings available.

Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice. Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:1-2 ESV)

We have shown several instances of streams in the desert (begin here). Our photo below shows a “great rock” in the weary land of the wilderness (or desert) of Paran. These gigantic sandstone pillars are located in the Timna Valley about 15 miles north of Eilat. Ruins of an Egyptian temple and evidence of copper mining have been found in the area. I can tell you from personal experience that one feels very small standing among these vast pillars.

Solomon’s Pillars at Timna in the desert of Paran. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The rest and protection provided between these pillars reminds us of the wonderful Christian hymn “Rock of Ages.”