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Isaiah 32:15
Verse
Context
The Women of Jerusalem
14For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— 15until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. 16Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the fruitful field - והכרמל vehaccarmel. So fifteen MSS., six ancient, and two editions; which seems to make the noun an appellative.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The state would then continue long, very long, until at last the destruction of the false rest would be followed by the realization of the true. "Until the Spirit is poured out over us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as the forest. And justice makes its abode in the desert, and righteousness settles down upon the fruit-field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the reward of righteousness rest and security for ever. And my people dwells in a place of peace, and in trustworthy, safe dwellings, and in cheerful resting-places. And it hails with the overthrow of the forest, and into lowliness must the city be brought low." There is a limit, therefore, to the "for ever" of Isa 32:14. The punishment would last till the Spirit, which Israel had not then dwelling in the midst of it (see Hag 2:5), and whose fulness was like a closed vessel to Israel, should be emptied out over Israel from the height of heaven (compare the piel ערה, Gen 24:20), i.e., should be poured out in all its fulness. When that was done, a great change would take place, the spiritual nature of which is figuratively represented in the same proverbial manner as in Isa 29:17. At the same time, a different turn is given to the second half in the passage before us. The meaning is, not that what was now valued as a fruit-bearing garden would be brought down from its false eminence, and be only regarded as forest; but that the whole would be so glorious, that what was now valued as a fruit-garden, would be thrown into the shade by something far more glorious still, in comparison with which it would have the appearance of a forest, in which everything grew wild. The whole land, the uncultivated pasture-land as well as the planted fruitful fields of corn and fruit, would then become the tent and seat of justice and righteousness. "Justice and righteousness' (mishpât and tsedâqâh) are throughout Isaiah the stamp of the last and perfect time. As these advance towards self-completion, the produce and result of these will be peace (ma‛ăseh and abhōdâh are used to denote the fruit or self-reward of work and painstaking toil; compare פּעלּה). But two things must take place before this calm, trustworthy, happy peace, of which the existing carnal security is only a caricature, can possibly be realized. In the first place, it must hail, and the wood must fall, being beaten down with hail. We already know, from Isa 10:34, that "the wood" was an emblem of Assyria; and in Isa 30:30-31, we find "the hail" mentioned as one of the forces of nature that would prove destructive to Assyria. And secondly, "the city" (העיר, a play upon the word, and a counterpart to היּער) must first of all be brought low into lowliness (i.e., be deeply humiliated). Rosenmller and others suppose the imperial city to be intended, according to parallels taken from chapters 24-27; but in this cycle of prophecies, in which the imperial city is never mentioned at all, "the city" must be Jerusalem, whose course from the false peace to the true lay through a humiliating punishment (Isa 29:2-4; Isa 30:19., Isa 31:4.).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This can only partially apply to the spiritual revival in Hezekiah's time; its full accomplishment belongs to the Christian dispensation, first at Pentecost (Joe 2:28; Act 2:17), perfectly in coming times (Psa 104:30; Eze 36:26; Eze 39:29; Zac 12:10), when the Spirit shall be poured on Israel, and through it on the Gentiles (Mic 5:7). wilderness . . . fruitful field . . . forest--when Judea, so long waste, shall be populous and fruitful, and the land of the enemies of God shall be desolate. Or, "the field, now fruitful, shall be but as a barren forest in comparison with what it shall be then" (Isa 29:17). The barren shall become fruitful by regeneration; those already regenerate shall bring forth fruits in such abundance that their former life shall seem but as a wilderness where no fruits were.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high,.... That is, Jerusalem shall lie in ruins until this time comes; which therefore cannot be understood of the effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which, as it was before the destruction of the city by the Romans, so the desolation it was brought to by the Chaldeans did not last so long; but must be interpreted of a pouring forth of the Spirit in his gifts and graces yet to come, which will bring on the fulness of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, and till that time comes Jerusalem will continue in a ruinous condition; the sense is the same with that of Luk 21:24 "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled". The Targum of the place is, "until refreshing comes to us from the face of him, whose Shechinah, or Majesty, is in the highest heavens;'' with which may be compared Act 3:19, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest; this will be the consequence, fruit, and effect of the effusion of the Spirit in the latter day; that such parts of the world as were like a wilderness, barren and unfruitful, producing nothing but the briers and thorns of impiety, infidelity, superstition, and idolatry, should now become like a fruitful field; the Gospel being now preached everywhere, multitudes of souls converted, churches raised and formed, and these filled with such as were laden with the fruits of righteousness; and such places where the Gospel had been preached and professed, and where churches had been planted, and there were some good degree of fruitfulness in word and works, now should be abundantly more fruitful, and the professors of religion more numerous, and look more like a forest, for number of trees, than a field. Kimchi says this whole paragraph shall be accomplished in the days of the Messiah.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
32:15 The Spirit would transform the nation into a godly community and bring in an era of justice and righteousness (see also Joel 2:28-32). The Spirit is connected to the Messiah (Isa 11:1) and the servant (42:1; 61:1). • wilderness . . . bountiful crops: When the people are transformed, nature will be too.
Isaiah 32:15
The Women of Jerusalem
14For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— 15until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. 16Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Godly Home) Part 17 - a Quiet, Ordered Life
By Denny Kenaston3.8K40:30Godly Home SeriesPSA 23:1PRO 22:6ISA 32:15ISA 32:17MAT 6:33EPH 6:4COL 3:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with one's children in order to establish authority. He highlights the need for parents to earn the respect and obedience of their children by walking with God and sacrificing for them. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of consistency in directing and disciplining children, as they are discerning and quickly learn where the boundaries are. He contrasts the correction and spanking mode of parenting with the leadership and guidance approach, emphasizing that God our Father is primarily a leader and not just a corrector.
The First Work of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson0Righteousness and PeaceThe Work of the Holy SpiritISA 32:15ACT 2:37David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, as prophesied by Isaiah, stating that the Spirit's arrival turns barren wilderness into fruitful fields. He highlights the Holy Spirit's first work in cleansing the church, as seen during Pentecost when Peter's preaching led to mass repentance and conversion. The Holy Spirit lovingly convicts individuals of their sins and idols, leading to lasting change rather than temporary revival. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek more of the Holy Spirit, who brings peace and assurance through righteousness. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is essential for a life of quiet rest and security in Christ.
John's Gospel Lonsdale Square
By John Nelson Darby0FaithEternal LifeISA 32:15LUK 15:28JHN 3:24JHN 4:24JHN 5:21JHN 6:51JHN 7:37JHN 8:24JHN 10:28JHN 11:25John Nelson Darby explores the themes of righteousness and the nature of faith in his sermon on John's Gospel, emphasizing that the elder son in Luke 15, despite his adherence to righteousness, never entered the house. He highlights the importance of understanding divine truths through experience rather than mere definitions, and critiques the reliance on miracles for faith. Darby discusses the progression of Christ's ministry in the Gospel of John, noting the rejection of His words and works, and the significance of eternal life as central to His message. He also addresses the nature of rewards for believers and the transformative power of Christ in the lives of His followers.
Isaiah 32:15
By Chuck Smith0PeaceRighteousnessISA 32:15ISA 32:17MAT 5:6ROM 14:17GAL 5:22PHP 4:7Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound impact of righteousness on our lives, particularly in a restless and uncertain age. He highlights the need for quietness and assurance, pointing out that many people cope with anxiety through unhealthy means. Smith argues that true righteousness, which can only be attained through the power of the Holy Spirit, leads to peace and a sense of security. He encourages listeners to start their journey towards righteousness with Jesus Christ, as this transformation brings about lasting change. Ultimately, the sermon conveys that the by-product of living righteously is a life filled with peace and assurance.
Story of Olive Zhang — Told by Dr. John Sung
By John Sung0Power Of PrayerUnity in FaithPSA 23:1ISA 29:17ISA 32:15ACT 2:1Dr. John Sung shares the story of Olive Zhang, emphasizing the miraculous power of united prayer among believers. Just as the early church experienced transformation during Pentecost, Olive and his friends prayed earnestly on the mountain, leading to miraculous changes in the seven churches below. Their commitment to prayer and scripture study resulted in revivals and restorations in the churches, demonstrating the profound impact of collective faith and prayer. Dr. Sung encourages Christians to persist in prayer and faith, trusting in God's promises regardless of their circumstances.
The Cry for Revival
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Spiritual RenewalRevivalPSA 85:6ISA 32:15ISA 44:3JER 17:5EZK 34:26MRK 6:14JHN 6:53ROM 8:1JAS 4:81PE 5:10Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgent need for revival among God's people, particularly during times of spiritual dryness and backsliding. He highlights that true revival is a divine act, necessary for believers who have lost their fervor and communion with God, and that it brings joy and renewed life to the soul. M'Cheyne calls on ministers and believers alike to seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, reminding them that only God can revive their hearts and restore their passion for Christ. He warns of the dangers of complacency and the need for a heartfelt cry for revival, urging all to plead for God's mercy and grace. Ultimately, M'Cheyne assures that revival leads to joy in the Lord, the awakening of the lost, and glorifies God.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the fruitful field - והכרמל vehaccarmel. So fifteen MSS., six ancient, and two editions; which seems to make the noun an appellative.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The state would then continue long, very long, until at last the destruction of the false rest would be followed by the realization of the true. "Until the Spirit is poured out over us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as the forest. And justice makes its abode in the desert, and righteousness settles down upon the fruit-field. And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the reward of righteousness rest and security for ever. And my people dwells in a place of peace, and in trustworthy, safe dwellings, and in cheerful resting-places. And it hails with the overthrow of the forest, and into lowliness must the city be brought low." There is a limit, therefore, to the "for ever" of Isa 32:14. The punishment would last till the Spirit, which Israel had not then dwelling in the midst of it (see Hag 2:5), and whose fulness was like a closed vessel to Israel, should be emptied out over Israel from the height of heaven (compare the piel ערה, Gen 24:20), i.e., should be poured out in all its fulness. When that was done, a great change would take place, the spiritual nature of which is figuratively represented in the same proverbial manner as in Isa 29:17. At the same time, a different turn is given to the second half in the passage before us. The meaning is, not that what was now valued as a fruit-bearing garden would be brought down from its false eminence, and be only regarded as forest; but that the whole would be so glorious, that what was now valued as a fruit-garden, would be thrown into the shade by something far more glorious still, in comparison with which it would have the appearance of a forest, in which everything grew wild. The whole land, the uncultivated pasture-land as well as the planted fruitful fields of corn and fruit, would then become the tent and seat of justice and righteousness. "Justice and righteousness' (mishpât and tsedâqâh) are throughout Isaiah the stamp of the last and perfect time. As these advance towards self-completion, the produce and result of these will be peace (ma‛ăseh and abhōdâh are used to denote the fruit or self-reward of work and painstaking toil; compare פּעלּה). But two things must take place before this calm, trustworthy, happy peace, of which the existing carnal security is only a caricature, can possibly be realized. In the first place, it must hail, and the wood must fall, being beaten down with hail. We already know, from Isa 10:34, that "the wood" was an emblem of Assyria; and in Isa 30:30-31, we find "the hail" mentioned as one of the forces of nature that would prove destructive to Assyria. And secondly, "the city" (העיר, a play upon the word, and a counterpart to היּער) must first of all be brought low into lowliness (i.e., be deeply humiliated). Rosenmller and others suppose the imperial city to be intended, according to parallels taken from chapters 24-27; but in this cycle of prophecies, in which the imperial city is never mentioned at all, "the city" must be Jerusalem, whose course from the false peace to the true lay through a humiliating punishment (Isa 29:2-4; Isa 30:19., Isa 31:4.).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
This can only partially apply to the spiritual revival in Hezekiah's time; its full accomplishment belongs to the Christian dispensation, first at Pentecost (Joe 2:28; Act 2:17), perfectly in coming times (Psa 104:30; Eze 36:26; Eze 39:29; Zac 12:10), when the Spirit shall be poured on Israel, and through it on the Gentiles (Mic 5:7). wilderness . . . fruitful field . . . forest--when Judea, so long waste, shall be populous and fruitful, and the land of the enemies of God shall be desolate. Or, "the field, now fruitful, shall be but as a barren forest in comparison with what it shall be then" (Isa 29:17). The barren shall become fruitful by regeneration; those already regenerate shall bring forth fruits in such abundance that their former life shall seem but as a wilderness where no fruits were.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high,.... That is, Jerusalem shall lie in ruins until this time comes; which therefore cannot be understood of the effusion of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which, as it was before the destruction of the city by the Romans, so the desolation it was brought to by the Chaldeans did not last so long; but must be interpreted of a pouring forth of the Spirit in his gifts and graces yet to come, which will bring on the fulness of the Gentiles, and the conversion of the Jews, and till that time comes Jerusalem will continue in a ruinous condition; the sense is the same with that of Luk 21:24 "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled". The Targum of the place is, "until refreshing comes to us from the face of him, whose Shechinah, or Majesty, is in the highest heavens;'' with which may be compared Act 3:19, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest; this will be the consequence, fruit, and effect of the effusion of the Spirit in the latter day; that such parts of the world as were like a wilderness, barren and unfruitful, producing nothing but the briers and thorns of impiety, infidelity, superstition, and idolatry, should now become like a fruitful field; the Gospel being now preached everywhere, multitudes of souls converted, churches raised and formed, and these filled with such as were laden with the fruits of righteousness; and such places where the Gospel had been preached and professed, and where churches had been planted, and there were some good degree of fruitfulness in word and works, now should be abundantly more fruitful, and the professors of religion more numerous, and look more like a forest, for number of trees, than a field. Kimchi says this whole paragraph shall be accomplished in the days of the Messiah.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
32:15 The Spirit would transform the nation into a godly community and bring in an era of justice and righteousness (see also Joel 2:28-32). The Spirit is connected to the Messiah (Isa 11:1) and the servant (42:1; 61:1). • wilderness . . . bountiful crops: When the people are transformed, nature will be too.