Isaiah 32 - Introduction

This chapter has been regarded by many as a continuation and conclusion of the prediction commenced in the preceding chapter. Though it was, however, probably uttered at about the same time, and with reference to the same general subject, yet there is no impropriety in its being separated. The previous chapter closes with a prediction that the Assyrian army, which had been so much the object of dread, would be totally destroyed. This would be of course followed with important consequences, some of which are depicted in this chapter. The prophet, therefore, states Isaiah 32:1 that the defeat of Sennacherib would be followed by the peaceful and prosperous state of the kingdom under a righteous prince; under whose reign there would be ample protection Isaiah 32:2; at which time the advantages of instruction would prevail, and the ignorant would be enlightened Isaiah 32:3; when there would be a proper estimate put on moral worth, and when illiberality, hypocrisy, and falsehood would be no longer held in repute Isaiah 32:5; and when the character of the nation would be that of a people which devised and executed large and liberal purposes Isaiah 32:8. That this has a reference to the reign of Hezekiah, has been abundantly shown by Vitringa; and, indeed, must be obvious on the slightest inspection. For,

1. It is immediately connected with the account of the destruction of Sennacherib, and evidently means that the state of things here described would immediately succeed that.

2. There is nothing in the account that does not fully accord with the prosperous and happy times of the reign of Hezekiah.

3. There are statements in it which cannot be applied directly, or with propriety literally to the times of the Messiah.

For example, the statement in the first verse that ‘princes shall rule in judgment’ cannot be applied with any propriety to the apostles, since they are not anywhere designated by that name. That, after the usual manner of Isaiah, he might not also, in the progress of this description, have glanced at the times of the Messiah, perhaps there can be no reason to doubt. But the main and leading purpose was, doubtless, to give a description of the happy times that would succeed the destruction of the army of the Assyrian. Calvin supposes, not improbably, I think, that this prophecy may have been uttered in the time of Ahaz, in whose reign wickedness so much abounded, and ignorance and idolatry so much prevailed. But whether the prophecy was actually “uttered” in the time of Abaz or not - which cannot now be determined - yet it may have been uttered in view of the ignorance, and superstition, and hypocrisy, which prevailed in his reign, and which extended their influence into the time of his successor, and on account of which the nation was to be subjected to the calamities arising from the invasion of Sennacherib. After that, the king Hezekiah would rule in righteousness, and his kingdom would enjoy the blessings of his mild and virtuous reign.

The prophet then Isaiah 32:10 proceeds to show, that “previous” to the prosperous times predicted, there would be a state of desolation and alarm. This is indicated by his calling on the daughters of luxury and fashion, who were reposing in security and confidence, to rise up in consternation at the calamities which were impending Isaiah 32:10, and by the assurance that there would be a time when they would sigh for the luxuries which they had before enjoyed Isaiah 32:12. This is descriptive of the calamities which would attend the invasion of the Assyrian. Yet the prophet says, as is usual with him, that these calamities would be succeeded by more happy times Isaiah 32:15. They would continue until the Spirit should be poured out from on high Isaiah 32:15, and the result of this would he the prevalence of righteousness in the nation Isaiah 32:16, and peace and safety Isaiah 32:17; there would be safety, and the privilege of pursuing the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, and of cultivating the entire land without molestation Isaiah 32:19.