Isaiah 32:11-20

11 You have been living an easy life, free from worries; but now, tremble with fear! Strip off your clothes and tie rags around your waist.
12 Beat your breasts in grief because the fertile fields and the vineyards have been destroyed,
13 and thorn bushes and briers are growing on my people's land. Weep for all the houses where people were happy and for the city that was full of life.
14 Even the palace will be abandoned and the capital city totally deserted. Homes and the forts that guarded them will be in ruins forever. Wild donkeys will roam there, and sheep will find pasture there.
15 But once more God will send us his spirit. The wasteland will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops.
16 Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done.
17 Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security forever.
18 God's people will be free from worries, and their homes peaceful and safe
19 (But hail will fall on the forests, and the city will be torn down.)
20 How happy everyone will be with plenty of water for the crops and safe pasture everywhere for the donkeys and cattle.

Isaiah 32:11-20 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.

Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.