Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

ISAIAH - CHAPTER 32

THE COMING REIGN OF THE RIGHTEOUS KING

Vs. 1-8: A GLIMPSE OF THE MESSIANIC AGE - ITS TRUE NATURE

1. The King, whose rule is according to righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:4-5; Psalms 71:1-4; Isaiah 60:17), is One Who adequately meets the needs of His subjects - both providing for and protecting them, (vs. 1-2; Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 35:6; Isaiah 41:18; Isaiah 4:6; Isaiah 25:4).

2. Those who share Messiah’s authority, as sub-rulers under His wise and benevolent hand, the prophet calls "princes" - who are just in their dealings, (vs. 1b; comp. Luke 22:28-30; 1 Corinthians 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 3:2).

3. "A man" (Christ) will be the only source of security, protection and provision that His people will ever need, (vs. 2; Isaiah 4:6; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 35:6).

4. In this new era there will be a marvelous ability - both to comprehend the truth and to convey it to others, (vs. 3-5).

a. Such pride and arrogance as led to the confusion of languages (Genesis 11), will be removed.

b. A pure language will be restored, wherein there is no room for misunderstanding and in which all may more adequately render acceptable honor and praise unto the Lord, (vs. 4; Zephaniah 3:9; comp. Acts 2:4).

5. In that day there will be no deception, for the true character of each person will be recognized by all, (vs. 6-8).

a. The liberal, the meek and the upright shall be greatly blessed, (Exodus 35:21-29; Proverbs 11:25; Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 5:5).

b. The fool will be recognized by his deeds; he will neither reverence God nor respect his fellow-man, (vs. 5a, 6).

c. Nor will the crafty be able to deceive others into thinking him "liberal", (vs. 5b, 7).

Vs. 9-14: A WARNING AND APPEAL - JUDGMENT BEFORE BLESSING

1. Here is a scathing condemnation directed toward the careless women of Jerusalem for their flippant self-security, (vs. 9; Isaiah 3:15-20; Amos 6:1-6).

2. Very shortly (a little over one year) they will be troubled by a scarcity of food - their laughter turned to lamentation, (vs. 10; Isaiah 5:5-6; Isaiah 7:23; Isaiah 24:7).

3. In verses 11-12a the prophet mentions numerous ways wherein their grief will be expressed - all of which are still practiced in Lebanon, (Isaiah 22:12).

4. Their mourning is for the destruction of the pleasant fields, fruitful vines, and even the houses of mirth, in the once-joyful city; they are soon to be over - run by briers and thornbushes, (vs. 12b-13).

5. The royal palaces will soon be forsaken, the populous city deserted, and both the hill (Ophel) and watchtower will become a favorite retreat of wild donkeys - a perpetual pastureland for flocks, (vs. 14; Isaiah 5:17; Isaiah 27:10).

Vs. 15-20: DELIVERANCE, REST AND PEACE WILL SURELY COME

1. Since judgment upon the Jewish nation will continue until the time of their repentance, at the second coming of Jesus Christ, it is ONLY THEN that the Spirit will be poured upon them from on high (vs. 15a; Ezekiel 36:24-26), and that they will be restored to their own land in perpetual peace, safety and fruitfullness, (vs. 15b-18; Ezekiel 16:63; Zephaniah 3:9; Isaiah 62:1-2; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 45:17).

2. Before such peace and security is the experience of Israel, her oppressors must be judged.

a. "The forest", in vs. 19, appears to represent the hosts of Antichrist - "the city" their highly organized hostility.

b. These will be so effectively crushed, by divine judgment, that they will never again disturb the peace of God’s people.

3. The last verse (20) not only provides a word of comfort for the faithful of the nation, who await this time of blessedness (Hosea 2:18; Isaiah 11:6-9; Ezekiel 34:25; Isaiah 65:25; Zechariah 14:20); it also gives encouragement to those who are presently engaged in scattering the precious seed of God’s Word, (Philippians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 15:57-58).