When divine judgment approaches, the basic human instinct is to flee and seek shelter from the Creator's overwhelming power. The prophecy captures this moment of terror, painting a picture of people desperately trying to hide within the earth's natural refuges. The origin of the call to seek cover is viewed in two ways. One perspective suggests that the prophet himself, having spoken with God and realizing that the punishment is inevitable, turns to the people and advises them to take cover [שד״ל]. Conversely, others explain that this is the panicked cry of the terrified people themselves, with individuals desperately shouting to their friends to run away with them [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא].
The search for shelter focuses on two distinct areas: retreating into the crevices of strong, fortified rocks, and burrowing into the dust by hiding in underground tunnels and caves [רש״י, רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. There is a precise parallel between these types of hiding places and the underlying reasons for flight. Fleeing to the high, protected rocks is an attempt to find physical shelter from the immediate danger and punishment. In contrast, burying oneself in the dust is not a search for a fortress, but rather a desire for a dark hiding place out of sheer awe of His majesty. This reaction is much like a bat retreating into the darkness to escape the blinding light of the sun [מלבי״ם].
Ultimately, this description of fleeing into crevices and tunnels is entirely poetic. In reality, there is absolutely no way or place to hide from God [מצודת דוד]. The desperate flight is simply a reaction to His approaching terror [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This divine majesty is generally understood as an expression of absolute dominion [מצודת ציון]. Yet, a unique interpretation connects this majesty to the physical sensation of fear and the instinct to shrink back and retreat. According to this approach, the description does not merely refer to honor, but serves as a metaphor for an overwhelming, unstoppable force—much like crashing ocean waves or a raging river. It is a profound expression of God's tremendous power, which no human being can possibly withstand [שד״ל].