Isaiah 32:2-12

2 A man will be like a refuge from the wind, like protection from a storm, like streams of water on arid ground, like a rock cliff shading a weary land.
3 The eyes of those seeing will not be closed, the ears of those hearing will pay close attention.
4 The minds of the impetuous will learn to weigh carefully, the tongues of the stutterers will speak readily and clearly.
5 The mean person will no longer be called generous, or the miserly said to be noble;
6 for the mean person will speak meanness, his heart planning evil, so that he can act godlessly, spreading error concerning ADONAI, as he lets the hungry go on starving and deprives the thirsty of drink.
7 The mean person's means are mean - he devises wicked devices to ruin the poor and needy with lies, even when their cause is just.
8 But the generous person devises generous things, and his generosity will keep him standing.
9 You women who are so complacent, listen to me! Overconfident women, pay attention to my words!
10 In a year and a few days more, you overconfident women will shudder, because the vintage will fail, the harvest will not come.
11 Tremble, you complacent women! Shudder, you overconfident women! Strip bare, wear sackcloth to cover yourselves.
12 Beat your breasts in mourning for the pleasant fields and fruitful vines,

Isaiah 32:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 32

This chapter contains a prophecy of the Messiah; for, however applicable it may be to Hezekiah, as a type of Christ, it only has its full accomplishment in him, and in his times; who is described as a righteous King, and as having just princes ruling under him, Isa 32:1 and as a very great blessing, protection, and comfort to his subjects, Isa 32:2 when follows a prediction of great light and knowledge that should be in his days, Isa 32:3,4 and of the vileness, hypocrisy, and covetousness of the Jews in his times, Isa 32:5-8 and of the destruction of their country, because of their sins, of which they seemed greatly insensible, and were unconcerned about it, and are therefore called upon to lament it, Isa 32:9-14 which should continue until there would be a very great effusion of the Spirit, as should make the world, comparable to a wilderness, fruitful in grace and good works; the consequence of which is great prosperity, peace, and safety, to the saints, Isa 32:15-18 and destruction to their enemies, particularly the city of Rome, Isa 32:19 and the chapter is concluded with the happiness of the Gospel ministration, and the success of it, Isa 32:20.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.