Isaiah 32:2-12

2 Each will be like a 1refuge from the wind And a shelter from the storm, Like 2streams of water in a dry country, Like the 3shade of a huge rock in a parched land.
3 Then 4the eyes of those who see will not be blinded, And the ears of those who hear will listen.
4 The mind of the 5hasty will discern the truth, And the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak clearly.
5 No longer will the 6fool be called noble, Or the rogue be spoken of as generous.
6 For a fool speaks nonsense, And his heart 7inclines toward wickedness: To practice 8ungodliness and to speak error against the LORD, To 9keep the hungry person unsatisfied And to withhold drink from the thirsty.
7 As for a rogue, his weapons are evil; He 10devises wicked schemes To 11destroy the afflicted with slander *, 12Even though the needy one speaks what is right.
8 But 13the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands.
9 Rise up, you 14women who are at ease, And hear my voice; 15Give ear to my word, You complacent daughters.
10 Within a year and a few days You will be troubled, O complacent daughters; 16For the vintage is ended, And the fruit gathering will not come.
11 Tremble, you women who are at ease; 17Be troubled, you complacent daughters; 18Strip, undress and put sackcloth on your waist,
12 19Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine,

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.

Cross References 19

  • 1. Isaiah 4:6; Isaiah 25:4
  • 2. Isaiah 35:6; Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 43:19, 20
  • 3. Isaiah 4:6; Isaiah 25:4
  • 4. Isaiah 29:18
  • 5. Isaiah 29:24
  • 6. 1 Samuel 25:25
  • 7. Proverbs 19:3; Proverbs 24:7-9; Isaiah 59:7, 13
  • 8. Isaiah 9:17; Isaiah 10:6
  • 9. Isaiah 3:15; Isaiah 10:2
  • 10. Jeremiah 5:26-28; Micah 7:3
  • 11. Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 61:1
  • 12. Isaiah 5:23
  • 13. Proverbs 11:25
  • 14. Isaiah 47:8; Amos 6:1; Zephaniah 2:15
  • 15. Isaiah 28:23
  • 16. Isaiah 5:5, 6; Isaiah 7:23; Isaiah 24:7
  • 17. Isaiah 22:12
  • 18. Isaiah 47:2
  • 19. Nahum 2:7

Footnotes 11

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.