Isaiah 32:9-20

Warnings to the carefree

9 Women of leisure, stand up! Hear my voice! Carefree daughters, listen to my word!
10 In a little over a year, the carefree will shudder, because the grape harvest will fail; the vintage won't arrive.
11 Tremble, all of you who are at ease; shudder, all of you who are secure! Strip yourselves, bare your skin, and tie mourning clothes around your waist,
12 beating your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine,
13 for my people's soil growing barbs and thorns, for all the joyous houses in the jubilant town.
14 The palace will be deserted, the crowded city abandoned. Stronghold and watchtower will become empty fields forever, suited for the pleasure of wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks—
15 until a spirit from on high is poured out on us, and the desert turns into farmland, and the farmland is considered a forest.
16 Then justice will reside in wild lands, and righteousness will abide in farmlands.
17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace, and the outcome of righteousness, calm and security forever.
18 Then my people will live in a peaceful dwelling, in secure homes, in carefree resting places.
19 Even if the forest falls and the humbled city is laid low,
20 those who sow beside any stream will be happy, sending out ox and donkey to graze.

Isaiah 32:9-20 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.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or it will hail when the forest falls
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