Isaiah 32:7-17

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,

13 for the land of my people, producing thorns and briars, for all the happy homes in the joyful city.

14 For the palace will be abandoned, the crowded city deserted, 'Ofel and fortress wastelands forever, a delight for wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks

15 till the Spirit is poured out on us from above, and the desert becomes a fertile field, with the fertile field regarded as a forest.

16 Then justice will dwell in the desert, and righteousness abide in the fertile field.

17 The effect of righteousness will be peace; the result of righteousness, quiet trust forever.

Isaiah 32:7-17 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.