Isaiah 32:9-20

The Sinful Women in Jerusalem

9 You women who are so contented, pay attention to me. You who feel so secure, listen to what I have to say.

10 You feel secure now. But in a little over a year you will tremble with fear. The grape harvest will fail. There won't be any fruit.

11 So tremble, you contented women. Tremble with fear, you who feel so secure. Take your fine clothes off. Put black clothes on.

12 Beat your chests to show how sad you are. The pleasant fields have been destroyed. The fruitful vines have dried up.

13 My people's land is overgrown with thorns and bushes. Sob over all of the houses that were once filled with joy. Cry over this city that used to be full of wild parties.

14 The royal palace will be left empty. The noisy city will be deserted. The fort and lookout tower will become a dry and empty desert forever. Donkeys will enjoy being there. Flocks will eat there.

15 That will continue until the Holy Spirit is poured out on us from heaven. Then the desert will be turned into rich farm lands. The rich farm lands will seem like a forest.

16 In the desert and the rich farm lands people will do what is right. And they will treat one another fairly.

17 Doing what is right will bring peace and rest. When my people do that, they will stay calm and trust in the LORD forever.

18 They will live in a peaceful land. Their homes will be secure. They will enjoy peace and quiet.

19 Hail might strip the forests bare. Cities might be completely destroyed.

20 But how blessed you people will be! You will plant your seeds by every stream. You will let your cattle and donkeys wander anywhere they want to.

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.