Study notes

Isaiah 32

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

28:1–39:8 Section

More of Isaiah’s messages of judgement and hope are recorded in these chapters. These judgement messages were against the northern kingdom, the southern kingdom and other nations. The main problem was that God’s people didn’t have respect for the Lord. They didn’t worship only God but also worshipped false gods.

God wanted to be their Teacher but they didn’t listen to his teachings. They made fun of God’s rules instead of obeying the Mount Sinai covenant. They wanted peace and rest but didn’t ask God for help when enemies attacked them. Instead they trusted other nations like Egypt to protect them.

Because of all this God would allow the covenant curses to come to his people. He would use other nations to bring his judgement against them. Later he would punish those other nations for being proud. Isaiah urged God’s people to return to the Lord. This meant to turn away from their sin and repent. It meant obeying God and doing what was fair and right. By doing this, God’s people would find peace and rest.

Peace and rest were part of the messages of hope. The messages of hope described a wonderful time in the future. God would be honoured and respected and his people would enjoy the covenant blessings. The Holy Spirit would be poured out on God’s people. That described how close they would be to God. God would be present with them and everyone would see God’s glory and beauty. People’s bodies would be healed and made strong. They would be safe and protected. They would have everything they needed to live well. They would live as wise and holy people who had respect for God.

The story about Assyria attacking Jerusalem is an example of what Isaiah’s prophecies were about. This story is also recorded in 2 Kings chapters 18 to 20 and in 2 Chronicles chapter 32. Assyria was God’s tool for bringing judgement against the southern kingdom. But Assyria’s leaders were proud and made fun of God. King Hezekiah and Jerusalem’s leaders made themselves humble. They cried out to God to save them. God saved them from the Assyrian army. The southern kingdom had peace and rest. But Isaiah’s messages of hope weren’t completely fulfilled at that time. Isaiah announced that one day Babylon would take control of the southern kingdom.

32:2

like a shelter … a refuge: These words also describe God's protection (Isaiah 25:4) and his gift of life-giving water (41:18; 43:19–20). The leaders would act as God's agents to bless his people.

32:6

Fools ignore God's standards of justice and righteousness. They do not care about people who are hungry or thirsty (see Isaiah 1:17; 58:7, 10).

32:9

The women of Jerusalem live comfortably. They rely on wealth and status to keep their lifestyle, despite having low morals.

32:9–15

This prophecy warned the complacent women of Jerusalem. God's promises for the future did not excuse ongoing sin.

32:10

In a little more than a year: This refers to events that were about to happen soon.

At that time, the Assyrian Empire was preparing to attack Jerusalem. The siege of Jerusalem in 701 BC was approaching.

32:11

People wore sackcloth to show grief, especially during mourning (see Psalm 30:11). The Assyrian conquest of Judah's farmlands and most cities, except Jerusalem, would cause wealthy city dwellers to mourn.

32:14

The Babylonians, not the Assyrians, eventually destroyed Jerusalem (see Isaiah 39:1–8 for a prediction of this).

32:15

  • The Spirit will change the nation into a godly community, starting a time of justice and righteousness (see also Joel 2:28–32). The Spirit is connected to the Messiah, God's chosen one (Isaiah 11:1) and the servant (42:1; 61:1).

  • desert … orchard: When the people are transformed, nature will be too.

32:17

Being right with God and people will bring peace (Hebrew shalom; see Isaiah 26:3; 48:18; 52:7; compare James 3:18). Peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It includes personal wholeness and does not rely on outside circumstances (see also Romans 5:1).

32:18

Living safely and feeling at peace were blessings of Israel's agreement with the Lord (see Leviticus 26:5–6). However, the people's sins had brought curses instead of blessings (compare Isaiah 32:9–11).

32:19

the forest, and the city: The faithful will stay safe, even when signs of God's judgment are everywhere.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources