The theme of men hiding appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing fear, shame, or the desire to escape from God's presence or human threats. This entry explores several instances where men sought to hide, examining the circumstances and implications of their actions.

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

The first instance of hiding occurs in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve disobey God's command by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Realizing their nakedness and feeling shame, they hide from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:8-10 states, "Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called out to the man, 'Where are you?' 'I heard Your voice in the garden,' he replied, 'and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.'" This act of hiding signifies the broken relationship between humanity and God due to sin.

Moses Fleeing to Midian

Moses, after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, hides the body in the sand and later flees to Midian to escape Pharaoh's wrath. Exodus 2:14-15 recounts, "'Who made you ruler and judge over us?' the man replied. 'Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?' Then Moses was afraid and thought, 'What I did must have become known.' When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well." Moses' flight and hiding in Midian reflect his fear and the beginning of his transformation as God prepares him for leadership.

David Hiding from Saul

David, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel, spends a significant period hiding from King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy. David's hiding places include the wilderness, caves, and even among the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 23:14 , it is recorded, "And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands." David's time in hiding is marked by reliance on God's protection and guidance, shaping his character and faith.

Prophets Hiding from Persecution

Prophets and followers of God often hid to escape persecution. Obadiah, a servant of King Ahab, hid a hundred prophets in two caves to protect them from Queen Jezebel's massacre. 1 Kings 18:4 states, "When Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them—fifty men to a cave—and had provided them with food and water." This act of hiding demonstrates the courage and faithfulness of God's servants in the face of danger.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus hide in fear after His crucifixion. John 20:19 describes, "It was the first day of the week, and that evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. 'Peace be with you,' He said to them." Their hiding reflects their fear and uncertainty, which is transformed into boldness after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Throughout Scripture, the act of hiding often reveals human frailty, fear, and the consequences of sin. Yet, it also highlights God's providence, protection, and the transformative power of faith and obedience.