Isaiah 32:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Each of them will serve as a shield against the wind and a refuge from the elements, like springs of water in a barren wilderness, like the shade of a towering rock in a parched land. The prophet references the triumphs during Hezekiah’s reign. At that time, the Lord allowed terror to escalate and enemies to boast only in words, so that, upon the fulfillment of these events, the Israelites would remember the wonders and avoid even the slightest wrongdoing. When hardships approach, they evoke dread and seem overwhelming and unprecedented; however, once they pass, they are viewed as trivial, and their memory fades away. Notice that the victory of King Hezekiah is not proclaimed at the moment when fear dissipated, and the miracles were forgotten. To avert this, God sustained the fear and ensured that the miracles were evident, like springs refreshing the thirsty land. God first revealed their need for grace and then provided it.

And he shall conceal his words: for our Lord Jesus Christ often spoke in parables. Through the prophet David, he declares, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world (Psalms 77:2; Matthew 13:35). Not only does he speak in parables, but he also conceals himself, as water is swept away. The Holy Scriptures often describe the surge of temptations as torrents of rushing water. Therefore, when temptations arise, he says they come swiftly like raging waters. He shall conceal himself, meaning he shall be elusive to the accusations of tempters. David also proclaimed that the enemy shall not prevail against Him, nor shall the son of wickedness lay hold of Him (Psalm 88:23).