Isaiah 32:1-7

A King Will Reign in Righteousness

1 Behold, ¹a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.

2 ²Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, ³like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.

3 ⁴Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed, and the ears of those who hear will give attention.

4 The heart of the hasty will understand and know, ⁵and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly.

5 ⁶The fool will no more be called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be honorable.

6 For ⁷the fool speaks folly, and his heart is busy with iniquity, to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the Lord, ⁸to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied, and to deprive the thirsty of drink.

7 As for the scoundrel— ⁹his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right.

Isaiah 32:1-7 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.

Cross References

• 1. 32:1 Ps. 72:1, 2, 4; Jer. 23:5; See ch. 11:1-4
• 2. 32:2 ch. 4:6; 25:4
• 3. 32:2 ch. 33:21
• 4. 32:3 See ch. 29:18
• 5. 32:4 ch. 35:6
• 6. 32:5 [ch. 5:20]
• 7. 32:6 1 Sam. 24:13
• 8. 32:6 [ch. 3:14, 15]
• 9. 32:7 Mic. 2:1, 2