When you think of “storehouse” what do you think of? I think of silos or building filled with food. It is a place of security to protect from hard times. But there is another kind of storehouse that is provided for man.
“There will be times of security for you–a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure” (v. 6)).
When there is wisdom, knowledge and salvation (v. 6), righteousness, and justice (v.5), there is stored up security for the people. When that is eroded, terrors reign.
“Woe, you destroyer never destroyed, you traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, they will betray you” (v. 1).
God will come in his judgment and will decimate the land and the peoples because of their sin.
“The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling seizes the ungodly: “Who among us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with ever-burning flames?” (v. 14).
In verse 1 we see the destroyers and those who betray getting away with it. For a season. But then God steps in and rightfully so. He is the judge of the earth and in his justice he must judge in righteousness. Which means the sinful are punished.
But there is a refuge for the righteous.
“The one who lives righteously and speaks rightly, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears from listening to murderous plots and shuts his eyes to avoid endorsing evil–he will dwell on the heights; his refuge will be the rocky fortresses, his food provided, his water assured” (v. 14-16).
The LORD is speaking of nations here, not so much individuals, although it applies to individuals as well. The nation that sins against the Lord will face judgment. But the nation of people that refuse to participate in evil, that have the moral fortitude to stand up and say no to what is wrong, that nation will be blessed.
For Israel there would be good and bad news. God was going to bring judgment against them, but he would one day restore them.
“The people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity” (v. 24). This is because Israel was a covenant people and he swore to them that if they would return to Him, he would forgive and heal their land. It took many decades but eventually they did repent of their sins. And God was set to forgive.
