Isaiah 32

There is no woe at the beginning of this chapter so likely it is a continuation of Isa. 31.  The chapters fit together nicely.  In 31:7 in that day has taken the reader beyond the time of sinfulness to the fall of Assyria (31:7-9).  But now we are transported to the kingdom of the Messiah, the time of righteousness and peace.

·        32:1-8: The reign of Messiah will be a time when that which is wrong today will be turned around.  The point in these chapters has been the uselessness of Egypt.  They are mere men and of no help to Judah.  But in the future, when men are known for their righteousness (v1), they will be a benefit to each other (v2).  How wonderful is that?!  The difference will be that people will understand God’s truth (v3-4).  In other words, it is the time of the New Covenant when people know and honor God.  Unlike fools today, who call sin good and good sin (v5), whose words and actions destroy those who follow them (v6), and whose schemes are a disaster for others, the righteous person by his generosity will be truly helpful to others (v8).  Here is a great truth about the reign of righteousness and peace that may escape your imagination.  Compare it to life in this world as described in 2 Tim. 3:1-5 where men are lovers of themselves, boasters … unthankful … unloving, unforgiving … despisers of good … lovers of pleasure.

·        32:9-20: Remember the haughty women of Jerusalem in Isa. 3:16-4:1?  They were women of influence in the home and society.  Isaiah again addresses the women of Jerusalem, as those who are at ease … complacent daughters (v9-10).  The picture is of women who have and enjoy the conveniences of life and who do not want to lose these.  Yet Isaiah says to them that troublesome times are coming (v11).  A time is coming characterized by mourning, thorns and briers and deserted cities (v12-14).  But then there is a critical turning point: until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high (v15a).  Again, Isaiah is pointing to the time of the New Covenant which will be characterized by this very outpouring as well as the attending blessing on the land (v15b).  Again, what will be seen is a reversal of how life was in Isaiah’s time.  In this time of righteousness and peace (v17) there will be true and abundant prosperity, as if everyone had their fields near a river or lake.

So this chapter addresses the men and the women of Judah.  It compares life now versus life in Messiah’s Kingdom.  It is a call to return to the LORD and to live kingdom lives.  At the same time it says that this will not happen until the power of God’s Spirit is available for all to live in a way that pleases God.

Should that say something to we who live today, in a time when the Holy Spirit has been poured out on believers in Christ?  Yes!  What God desires is a Christ-like life that is one described by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).  Let us walk in the Spirit for the glory of Christ!