Isaiah 32:16

16 Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the orchard.

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 forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become barren places forever, the joy of wild donkeys, and a pasture for flocks,

15 until the Spirit from heaven is poured out on us. Then the desert will become an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.

16 Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the orchard.

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

18 Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, and in safe and restful dwellings.