The opening verse today gives us a powerful glimpse into what will happen at the Rapture. To help us understand it better, let’s refer to the Septuagint. It says: “The dead shall rise, and they that are in the tombs shall be raised, and they that are in the earth shall rejoice: for the dew from thee is healing to them: but the land of the ungodly shall perish.” In verse 20, God gives a comforting instruction: “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.”
That “indignation” is God’s judgment, a time of intense trouble that the Bible says will last for three-and-a-half years. This is part of the seven-year period called the 70th week of Daniel—a prophecy from the Book of Daniel. Each “week” represents seven years. Right now, we’re living in the gap between the 69th and 70th weeks. The 69th week ended with Jesus’ death, and during this gap, the Church (all believers in Christ Jesus) has a special role.
During the time of tribulation, many from Israel will flee to places like Edom and Moab (present-day Jordan) to escape danger. But those places aren’t the “chambers” God talks about. They offer temporary safety but not true peace. In fact, the Bible calls this time “Jacob’s trouble,” meaning it’ll be especially hard for Israel.
So what are these “chambers”? Isaiah 26:20 is actually pointing to something amazing—the rapture of the Church, when believers will be taken to heaven. In Old Testament times, this was a mystery that wasn’t fully understood. But these prophetic mysteries were later revealed by Paul, who was given this special ministry to the Church and clarified aspects of prophecy that had been previously unknown. As he wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Praise God!
Prayer
Blessed Father, thank you for the revelation of the Rapture and the mysteries of your Word. I rejoice in the assurance that I’ll be caught up to meet you in the air, escaping the wrath to come. I’m strengthened to live in the light of this truth. Thank you for making me a vital part of your glorious and eternal plan for all mankind.
