Isaiah 32

Isaiah 32:1

Isaiah: God controls the nations God defends *Jerusalem An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on Isaiah chapters 31 to 39 www.easyenglish.info Norman Hillyer This commentary has been through Advanced Checking.

Words in boxes are from the Bible.

Tap the * before a word to show an explanation.

Chapter 32 A new king v1 Some day there will be a new king. He will govern rightly. And his officials will deal fairly with people. v2 The king and his officials will be like a shelter from a strong wind. And like a safe place in a sudden storm. They will be like streams of water in a dry area. And like the cool shade of a great rock in a region that has no water. v3 Then those who have a clear mind will continue to think clearly. Those who want to listen will be able to do so. And those who want to learn will be able to do so. v4 Some people tend to act too quickly, before they are sure about the right decision. Now they will think carefully first. And some people always hesitate to say anything. Now they will speak boldly and clearly.

v5 A fool who does not respect God does not deserve attention. Nor will people consider someone who cheats to be honest. v6-7 A fool is one who speaks foolishly. He thinks of evil things to do. He offends the *Lord by his behaviour. He speaks against what God wants people to do. The fool’s actions and his words offend the *Lord. And the fool never feeds those who are hungry. When people need water, he never gives them anything to drink. v8 But a noble person arranges to do noble deeds. And he always carries out his intentions. People can trust him.

Verse 1

The rule of this king is more wonderful than the best human government could achieve. So this ‘new king’ means God’s *Messiah.

 The ‘new king’ will be a true leader. His actions will affect the attitude of all his officials.

Verses 5-6

In the Bible a ‘fool’ is not merely someone who acts stupidly (as in 1 Samuel 26:21). A fool is more often someone who leaves God out of his life (see Psalms 14:1 and Luke 12:20).

Verse 7

The fool only thinks about himself and about his own affairs. He does not even notice other people’s problems. Judgement is coming v9 Listen to me, you women in Judah. You live in comfort. You feel that you have security. You have no worries. You are so self-confident. But note my words carefully. v10 In less than a year from now, you comfortable women will be trembling with fear.

The *grape harvest will fail. And you will have no other fruit to collect. v11 Tremble, you women who have been living so comfortably. Shake with fear, you who have been so confident. Strip and make yourselves bare. Then put on *sackcloth. v12 Weep for the fields that once produced rich crops. And for the *vine that no longer gives fruit. v13 Because the soil that my people cultivate will soon be growing only *thorn-bushes.

The homes in the city will no longer be happy places. v14 Even the royal palace will be empty. The crowds will have left the city. The castle and the *look-out will become the home of wild animals. They will wander there in order to find things to eat.

Verse 11

The loss of clothing showed that the person was a slave or a prisoner of an enemy (see Isaiah 20:2-3).

 The women’s self-confident attitude is terribly wrong. In less than one year, all will change. Then many people will be prisoners in the country called Assyria.

Verse 13

‘*Thorn-bushes’ actually translates a pair of words that also appear in Isaiah 5:6 and 27:4. In all three places the words are describing the weakness of the people’s relationship with God. That relationship is as poor as the dry land where only a few *thorn-bushes grow. The people’s *worship of God has little or no life in it. God’s spirit changes things v15 But then God’s power will come upon us from heaven. The desert will again become a garden. And the garden will be like a rich forest. v16 Then everywhere in the country people will deal fairly with each other. And they will live rightly. v17 And because everybody will be behaving well, there will always be quiet and security. v18 My people will live in a peaceful country. Their homes will be safe places of harmony (calm and rest). v19 Even if a great storm were to knock down the trees of the forest. And even if the storm completely destroyed the city. v20 How happy is the person who can plant crops by a stream! And he who does not need to worry about his animals. He can safely let them out to find grass to eat.

Verses 15-18

The terrible changes that verses 13-14 describe are not final. An even greater change will follow. That also will be the work of God’s spirit.

 There will be a new earth (verse 15). There will be new standards in a new society (verses 16-17). And there will be a new security for all to enjoy (verse 18).

Verse 20

A regular supply of water is essential in a dry and hot country.

© 2007, Wycliffe Associates (UK)

This publication is written in EasyEnglish Level B (2800 words).

February 2007

Visit our website: www.easyenglish.info

var w7 = new Array;w7[0]=’<b%3EJerusalem</b%3E ~ at the time of David and Solomon, capital of the country called Israel. During the time of Isaiah, Jerusalem was the capital of the country called Judah.’;w7[1]=’<b%3ELord</b%3E ~ God’s name in the Bible. In the original language, God’s name ‘Lord’ means ‘head over all’ and ‘God always’.’;w7[2]=’<b%3EMessiah</b%3E ~ Old Testament title for Christ.