Isaiah 32:16

16 The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field.

Isaiah 32:16 in Other Translations

16 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful field.

16 Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field.

16 Justice will move into the badlands desert. Right will build a home in the fertile field.

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 The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks,

15 till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.

16 The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field.

17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

Cross References

• 1. S Isaiah 9:7; S Isaiah 28:6
• 2. Isaiah 35:1,6; Isaiah 42:11
• 3. S Psalms 48:1; S Isaiah 1:26