Isaiah 32
BSB1 Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. 2 Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land. 3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. 4 The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will speak clearly and fluently. 5 No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected. 6 For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. 7 The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. 8 But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes. 9 Stand up, you complacent women; listen to me. Give ear to my word, you overconfident daughters. 10 In a little more than a year you will tremble, O secure ones. For the grape harvest will fail and the fruit harvest will not arrive. 11 Shudder, you ladies of leisure; tremble, you daughters of complacency. Strip yourselves bare and put sackcloth around your waists. 12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines, 13 and for the land of my people, overgrown with thorns and briers— even for every house of merriment in this city of revelry. 14 For the palace will be forsaken, the busy city abandoned. The hill and the watchtower will become caves forever— the delight of wild donkeys and a pasture for flocks— 15 until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest. 16 Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field. 17 The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever. 18 Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest. 19 But hail will level the forest, and the city will sink to the depths. 20 Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.
Study Notes — Isaiah 32
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 32
- Themes from Isaiah 32
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 32
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 32 begins by describing the future king who will reign in righteousness, bringing peace and prosperity to the land (Isaiah 32:1). The chapter then contrasts the present darkness and chaos with the future light and salvation, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises (Isaiah 32:2-8). The prophet calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God (Isaiah 32:9-14). The chapter concludes with a description of the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored (Isaiah 32:15-20). Throughout the chapter, Isaiah emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and obedience to God's will.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 32 is part of the larger context of Isaiah's prophecy, which emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. The chapter is situated in the midst of a series of prophecies that describe the coming judgment and the future kingdom of God. The context of the chapter is the Assyrian crisis, where the prophet is calling the people to repentance and warning them of the coming judgment.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek refuge in Him, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos. The chapter encourages us to look to the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 32 describes the coming kingdom of God, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to look to the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored (Isaiah 32:1, Isaiah 32:15).
Voices from the Church
“The kingdom of God is a kingdom of righteousness, and it will be established on earth when the Messiah comes to reign.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophet Isaiah describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. This is a promise of hope and redemption for all believers.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the future kingdom (Isaiah 32:1-2) — The chapter begins by describing the future king who will reign in righteousness, bringing peace and prosperity to the land.
- Contrast between light and darkness (Isaiah 32:3-8) — The chapter contrasts the present darkness with the future light, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises.
- Call to repentance (Isaiah 32:9-14) — The prophet calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God.
- Description of the future kingdom (Isaiah 32:15-20) — The chapter describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored.
- Conclusion (Isaiah 32:20) — The chapter concludes with a final emphasis on the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and the hope of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty, which will be established in the future kingdom. This doctrine is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is a source of hope and comfort for believers.
- Justification by faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This doctrine is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and is emphasized throughout the chapter.
- Kingdom of God
- The chapter describes the future kingdom of God, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice. This doctrine is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is a source of hope and redemption for all believers.
- Redemption
- The chapter emphasizes the hope of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This doctrine is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers.
Lessons from Isaiah 32
- The importance of faith and trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lesson encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek refuge in Him, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
- The sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty, which will be established in the future kingdom. This lesson encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to seek His will in all things.
- The hope of redemption — The chapter emphasizes the hope of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This lesson encourages believers to look to the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored.
- The importance of repentance — The chapter calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God. This lesson encourages believers to examine their hearts and to seek forgiveness for their sins.
- The future kingdom — The chapter describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. This lesson encourages believers to look to the future kingdom, and to trust in God's plan for redemption and salvation.
Themes from Isaiah 32
- The kingdom of God — The chapter describes the future kingdom of God, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice. This theme is a central aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is a source of hope and redemption for all believers.
- Faith and trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This theme encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek refuge in Him, even in the midst of uncertainty and chaos.
- Redemption and salvation — The chapter emphasizes the hope of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This theme is a central aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers.
- The sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty, which will be established in the future kingdom. This theme encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to seek His will in all things.
- The future hope — The chapter describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. This theme encourages believers to look to the future kingdom, and to trust in God's plan for redemption and salvation.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the central message of Isaiah 32, and how does it relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- How does the chapter contrast the present darkness with the future light, and what implications does this have for believers today?
- What is the significance of the future kingdom, and how does it relate to the sovereignty of God?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and what practical applications does this have for believers today?
- What is the relationship between the coming kingdom and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how does this impact our understanding of redemption and salvation?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the future kingdom (Isaiah 32:1-2)
| 32:1 | The chapter begins by describing the future king who will reign in righteousness, bringing peace and prosperity to the land. |
| 32:2 | The verse emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. |
2. Contrast between light and darkness (Isaiah 32:3-8)
| 32:3 | The chapter contrasts the present darkness with the future light, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. |
| 32:4 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
| 32:5 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:6 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him. |
| 32:7 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:8 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
3. Call to repentance (Isaiah 32:9-14)
| 32:9 | The prophet calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God. |
| 32:10 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him. |
| 32:11 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:12 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
| 32:13 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:14 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him. |
4. Description of the future kingdom (Isaiah 32:15-20)
| 32:15 | The chapter describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:16 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
| 32:17 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:18 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to seek refuge in Him. |
| 32:19 | The verse describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. |
| 32:20 | The verse emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of Isaiah 32?
The central message of Isaiah 32 is the hope of redemption and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice (Isaiah 32:1).
How does the chapter contrast the present darkness with the future light?
The chapter contrasts the present darkness with the future light by emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and describing the future kingdom where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored (Isaiah 32:3-8).
What is the significance of the future kingdom?
The future kingdom is significant because it represents the establishment of God's sovereignty on earth, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice, and God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored (Isaiah 32:15-20).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 32:1 → Psalm 72:1-7 | The description of the future king in Isaiah 32:1 is similar to the description of the king in Psalm 72:1-7, who will reign in righteousness and justice. |
| 2 | Isaiah 32:2 → Matthew 5:6 | The emphasis on faith and trust in God's promises in Isaiah 32:2 is similar to the emphasis on seeking first the kingdom of God in Matthew 5:6. |
| 3 | Isaiah 32:3 → John 1:4-5 | The contrast between light and darkness in Isaiah 32:3 is similar to the contrast between light and darkness in John 1:4-5, where Jesus is described as the light of the world. |
| 4 | Isaiah 32:9 → Luke 13:1-5 | The call to repentance in Isaiah 32:9 is similar to the call to repentance in Luke 13:1-5, where Jesus warns the people of the coming judgment. |
| 5 | Isaiah 32:15 → Acts 2:17-18 | The description of the future kingdom in Isaiah 32:15 is similar to the description of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:17-18, where God's Spirit is poured out on all flesh. |
| 6 | Isaiah 32:16 → Romans 14:17 | The emphasis on faith and trust in God's promises in Isaiah 32:16 is similar to the emphasis on seeking first the kingdom of God in Romans 14:17. |
| 7 | Isaiah 32:17 → Hebrews 12:28 | The description of the future kingdom in Isaiah 32:17 is similar to the description of the kingdom of God in Hebrews 12:28, where God's people are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. |
| 8 | Isaiah 32:20 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The description of the future kingdom in Isaiah 32:20 is similar to the description of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21:1-4, where God's people will live in a renewed and restored world. |
Sermons on Isaiah 32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 1 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the spiritual danger we are in and the need for repentance and turning back to God. It draws parallels between the moral decline i |
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Holy Spirit – Come Back to Your Church by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the false teachings of prosperity gospel and the devastation it has caused. He emphasizes that God does not desire material wealth for His fo |
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(Godly Home) Part 17 - a Quiet, Ordered Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with one's children in order to establish authority. He highlights the need for parents to e |
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(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 3 - Sermon That Cost a Preacher His Head by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist and the sermon that ultimately cost him his head. The sermon was about holiness, righteousness, and God's h |
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Ephraim Is a Cake Not Turned by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering everything to God and not holding back. He urges the audience to examine their lives and identify any "stuff" |
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Call for the Wailing Women - Part 4 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | This sermon emphasizes the importance of women embodying a meek and quiet spirit that trusts in God, highlighting the need for repentance and mourning over sins such as immodesty, |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of delivering a strong message to people whose hearts are insensitive and ears are dull. He references Jesus quoting from Isai |
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Holy Spirit #29: The Spirit of Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer for revival in times of spiritual decline in the Church. He refers to Isaiah 62:6-7, where God sets watchmen on the |
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Challenges to Marriage by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of selflessness in marriage, addressing challenges such as communication, children, morals, finances, and selfishness. It highlights the need |
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From Whence Come Wars and Fightings Among You? by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on James chapter 4 and encourages the audience to approach the Word of God in its entirety. He emphasizes the importance of not neglecting or by |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 32
In Isaiah 32, the prophet describes the coming kingdom of God, where the Messiah will reign in righteousness and justice. The chapter contrasts the present darkness with the future light, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. The prophet calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God. The chapter concludes with a description of the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the kingdom of God is a kingdom of righteousness, and it will be established on earth when the Messiah comes to reign.' The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, and encourages believers to look to the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Contrast between light and darkness
The chapter contrasts the present darkness with the future light, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. This contrast is seen in the descriptions of the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored.
Importance of faith and trust
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, which is a central theme in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The prophet calls the people to repentance, warning them of the coming judgment and urging them to seek refuge in God.
Description of the future kingdom
The chapter describes the future kingdom, where God's Spirit will be poured out, and the land will be renewed and restored. This description emphasizes the importance of God's sovereignty and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.