Isaiah 32:16

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

Isaiah 32:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 32:16

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness
In the desert part of the world, inhabited by Pagans, Papists, and Mahometans; where the Scriptures, the rule of judgment, and where the Gospel, sometimes called the judgment of the Lord, ( Isaiah 51:4 ) had no place, now they shall have one, and an abiding one; and men of judgment in spiritual and evangelical things, and such as do justice and judgment, shall dwell there: and righteousness remain in the fruitful field;
both the doctrine and practice of righteousness shall continue in the church of God, which will be the glory of it; the righteous men will be the settled constant inhabitants of it; these will be all righteous at this time, ( Isaiah 60:21 ) not only by profession, but in truth and reality; at least the far greater part; so the Targum interprets it of those that do judgment and do righteousness.

Isaiah 32:16 In-Context

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.

18 My people will live in a peaceful place, in secure neighborhoods and tranquil dwellings.