1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
3 And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.
4 The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.
5 The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said [to be] bountiful.
6 For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.
7 The instruments also of the churl [are] evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.
8 But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.
9 Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.
10 Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail, the gathering shall not come.
11 Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird [sackcloth] upon [your] loins.
12 They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.
13 Upon the land of my people shall come up thorns [and] briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy [in] the joyous city:
14 Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;
15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.
16 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.
17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
19 When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.
20 Blessed [are] ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth [thither] the feet of the ox and the ass.
Overview of Isaiah Chapter 32
Isaiah Chapter 32 presents a prophetic vision of a future time characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace. The chapter contrasts the coming ideal leadership with the current state of the people, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s intervention.
Key Themes
- Righteous Leadership: The chapter opens with a promise of a king who will reign righteously.
- Security and Peace: The text describes a time when people will feel secure and at peace.
- Transformation of Society: There is a vision of a society where the effects of righteousness are evident in the lives of the people.
- Judgment on the Wicked: The chapter also addresses the consequences of wickedness and the need for repentance.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: The Promise of a Righteous King
The chapter begins with a declaration about a future king who will reign in righteousness. This king is characterized as a shelter from the storm, a refuge, and a source of security.
- The imagery of a “shelter” and “refuge” suggests protection and safety for the people.
- The king’s reign will lead to a society where the eyes of the people can see clearly, symbolizing enlightenment and understanding.
Verses 3-4: Clarity and Understanding
These verses emphasize the transformation of perception among the people. The blind will see, and the deaf will hear, indicating a restoration of spiritual and moral insight.
- This transformation is not merely physical but also spiritual, suggesting a deeper understanding of God’s ways.
- The mention of the “fool” and the “scoundrel” highlights the contrast between the wise and the foolish, reinforcing the importance of wisdom in leadership.
Verses 5-8: The Characteristics of the Righteous
The chapter contrasts the righteous with the wicked. The righteous are described as generous and just, while the wicked are characterized by deceit and oppression.
- The righteous are portrayed as those who act with integrity and uphold justice.
- The text warns against the false security of the wicked, who will ultimately face judgment.
Verses 9-14: A Call to Awareness
In these verses, the prophet addresses the complacent women of Jerusalem, urging them to wake up and recognize the impending judgment.
- The call to “rise up” signifies the need for awareness and action in the face of moral decline.
- The imagery of desolation serves as a warning of the consequences of neglecting righteousness.
Verses 15-20: The Promise of Restoration
The final verses of the chapter shift to a message of hope and restoration. The outpouring of the Spirit will bring about a transformation, leading to a flourishing of peace and security.
- The “wilderness” becoming a “fruitful field” symbolizes the radical change that God can bring to desolate situations.
- The promise of peace and security indicates that God’s intervention will lead to a new era of prosperity.
Conclusion
Isaiah Chapter 32 encapsulates a powerful vision of hope amidst judgment. It emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership, the transformative power of God’s Spirit, and the call for the people to awaken to their spiritual state. The chapter serves as both a warning and a promise, encouraging readers to seek righteousness and embrace the future that God has in store.
