Isaiah 32: The Coming of Disaster then a new era of Righteousness & Blessing

• v.1,2 A new reign will bring a new security
• v.3,4 It will bring revelation and a new understanding
• v.5-8 It was also bring a new distinction between right and wrong
• v.9-11 A fearful change is coming shortly
• v.12-15 Judgment will be followed by an outpouring of the transforming Spirit
• v.16-18 The new reign will bring righteousness and peace
• v.19,20 Recap: Disaster will be followed by blessing

[Preliminary Comment: The prophet seems to turn aside, in time at least, to a time when God will come in a new way to His people. A new reign will bring new security [v.1,2], new revelation and understanding [v.3,4], a distinguishing between right and wrong [v.5-8]. However before it is ushered in, it appears there will first be a time of upheaval and upset [v.9-11] a time that will bring anguish [v.12-15], that will then usher in the new reign that will bring righteousness and peace and security for God’s people [v.16-18]. The chapter is concluded [v.19,20] with a recap that disaster will be the prelude to the Lord coming with blessing.]

v.1,2 A new reign will bring a new security

v.1 See, a king will reign in righteousness
    and rulers will rule with justice.

v.2 Each one will be like a shelter from the wind
    and a refuge from the storm,
like streams of water in the desert
    and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

[Notes: A new day will come with new rulership which will bring in a new security for the people.]

v.3,4 It will bring revelation and a new understanding

v.3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
    and the ears of those who hear will listen.

v.4 The fearful heart will know and understand,
    and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.

[Notes: It will be a time of new revelation and bring a new assurance.]

v.5-8 It will also bring a new distinction between right and wrong

v.5 No longer will the fool be called noble
    nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

v.6 For fools speak folly,
    their hearts are bent on evil:
they practise ungodliness
    and spread error concerning the Lord;
the hungry they leave empty
    and from the thirsty they withhold water.

v.7 Scoundrels use wicked methods,
    they make up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
    even when the plea of the needy is just.

v.8  But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.

[Notes: Truth about people will prevail and so the unrighteous will be seen for what they are. Wickedness takes various forms but the honorable will bring in a new world of righteousness.]

v.9-11 A fearful change is coming shortly

v.9 You women who are so complacent,
    rise up and listen to me;
you daughters who feel secure,
    hear what I have to say!

v.10 In little more than a year
    you who feel secure will tremble;
the grape harvest will fail,
    and the harvest of fruit will not come.

v.11 Tremble, you complacent women;
    shudder, you daughters who feel secure!
Strip off your fine clothes
    and wrap yourselves in rags.

[Notes: A word of warning to the women: judgment will come within a year, so get ready for uncomfortable change.]

v.12-15 Judgment will be followed by an outpouring of the transforming Spirit

v.12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields,
    for the fruitful vines

v.13 and for the land of my people,
    a land overgrown with thorns and briers –
yes, mourn for all houses of merriment
    and for this city of revelry.

v.14 The fortress will be abandoned,
    the noisy city deserted;
citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland for ever,
    the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks,

v.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.

[Notes: He continues to the women. anguish over what you are about to lose. The strength of the city will be gone as it is emptied and this will continue until the Spirit comes.]

v.16-18 The new reign will bring righteousness and peace

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

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

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

[Notes: The Lord will bring justice and righteousness and that in turn will bring peace & quietness and bring about a new security.]

v.19,20 Recap: Disaster will be followed by blessing

v.19 Though hail flattens the forest
    and the city is levelled completely,

v.20 how blessed you will be,
    sowing your seed by every stream,
    and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.

[Notes: Looking back, disaster may come but blessing will follow.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: