Isaiah 32 explained: A Just King and a Coming Renewal

A king who rules fairly (vv. 1-2)

Isaiah describes a king and leaders who use their power to protect people, like a windbreak, water in the desert, or shade from a big rock. Some link this to King Hezekiah, and Christians have also read it as pointing to Jesus.

Seeing clearly at last (vv. 3-4)

Under good rule, people who were blind and deaf to the truth will finally see and listen. The rash will think carefully, and those who stumbled over their words will speak clearly.

Fools exposed, the noble honored (vv. 5-8)

People will stop flattering the selfish and dishonest just because they are rich or powerful. These people let the hungry go without and use lies to crush the poor, while truly generous people are known by what they do.

Warning to women at ease (vv. 9-14)

Isaiah calls on the comfortable women of Jerusalem to mourn, because in about a year the grape harvest will fail and the land and its fine buildings will be left empty. This likely refers to an Assyrian invasion, and some readers take the women as a picture of Judah's towns.

The Spirit poured out (vv. 15-18)

The ruin lasts until God pours out his Spirit, and then dry land becomes fertile and justice settles everywhere. Doing what is right produces peace, calm, and homes where people live without fear.

Hail on the forest, blessing (vv. 19-20)

Hail flattens a forest and a city is brought low, possibly a picture of an enemy army and its capital, though scholars are unsure. Meanwhile God's people farm freely, sowing by every stream and letting their animals roam.

Key verse: Isaiah 32:17

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the righteous king is mainly Hezekiah, an ideal ruler Isaiah hoped for, or a direct prophecy of Jesus and his kingdom.

Something to think about

What do you think makes people keep honoring the powerful and dishonest, and what would it take to see them clearly?