Isaiah 18:4 This is what the LORD says to me: “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” (NIV)
Something about this imagery captured my attention. I think it is because the images themselves seem contradictory—heat radiating from the ground on a hot day seems a very negative image. While the shimmering aspect is fascinating to see, the air shimmers because of the intense heat, which carries many negative associations.
Isaiah 18:4 For the LORD has told me this: “I will watch quietly from my dwelling place— as quietly as the heat rises on a summer day, or as the morning dew forms during the harvest.” (NLT)
However, the “cloud of dew in the heat of harvest” seems a much more positive image, a respite, a breather from the baking heat. It puts me in mind of misting stations at theme parks—a welcome relief, a chance to cool off. Are these images addressing the dual nature of God? That He can both bring shimmering heat (judgement) and cooling dew (mercy, compassion, salvation), that both are possible within the same God?
Isaiah 18:4 For this is what the LORD has told me: “I will quietly look from My dwelling place Like dazzling heat in the sunshine, Like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” (NASB)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the beautiful language that can be found in Your word. Thank You for the understanding that pondering these images brings. Draw me closer. Amen.
Isaiah 18:4 The LORD said to me, “I will calmly look down from my home above–as calmly as the sun at noon or clouds in the heat of harvest season.” (CEV)
Have a blessed day.