32. Isaiah Chapter Thirty-Two

Isaiah Chapter 32 The first five verses of this chapter depict the issue of the deliverance, and foretell (1) the personal, Millennial reign of Christ, (2) the authority of those who rule under Him, (3) the protecting power of Christ as the One Who combines in Himself the prerogatives of Deity with the sympathy and compassion of humanity, (4) His protecting care, (5) His full supply of need, (6) His comfort for the weary, (7) the happy condition of the redeemed people with their clear vision, their attentive listening, their possession of knowledge and their ready testimony (Isaiah 32:1-4).

Until then there will be vile men practicing deceit and cruelty. The word rendered “churl” signifies a crafty one.

Now follows a warning appeal, which is really a continuation of the fourth woe. It consists of a rousing remonstrance against the flippant self-security of the women in Jerusalem. Their carnal ease is doomed. Levity will give place to lamentation. Instead of luxurious dwellings, there will be weeds and briars, and instead of palaces desolation (Isaiah 32:9-14). So it was when king and people were carried away into captivity. From this point Isaiah looks right on again to Millennial conditions, and identifies himself with his people in their redeemed state. The Holy Spirit will yet be poured upon the nation, and there will be abundance of righteousness, peace and fruitfulness. What was then valued as a fruit garden will become more glorious. Even the uncultivated districts will be as full of verdure as a forest. Righteous judgment will be universal (Isaiah 32:16). There will then be what the world has ever failed to establish, peace and safety (Isaiah 32:17-18), but before this happy condition can obtain, there must be judgments upon the oppressor. The forest, in Isaiah 32:19, represents the Antichristian foes, and the city their organized hostility.

While the closing verse gives a word of comfort to the godly in the nation who will live to see these times of blessedness, and will till the ground, free from all anxiety, it also gives a message of spiritual comfort to those who in the present time scatter the seeds of the Word of Life, and labor in doctrine.