Isaiah 32:16

16 Then ¹justice will dwell in the wilderness And righteousness will abide in the fertile field.

Isaiah 32:16 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 32:16

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness
In the desert part of the world, inhabited by Pagans, Papists, and Mahometans; where the Scriptures, the rule of judgment, and where the Gospel, sometimes called the judgment of the Lord, ( Isaiah 51:4 ) had no place, now they shall have one, and an abiding one; and men of judgment in spiritual and evangelical things, and such as do justice and judgment, shall dwell there: and righteousness remain in the fruitful field;
both the doctrine and practice of righteousness shall continue in the church of God, which will be the glory of it; the righteous men will be the settled constant inhabitants of it; these will be all righteous at this time, ( Isaiah 60:21 ) not only by profession, but in truth and reality; at least the far greater part; so the Targum interprets it of those that do judgment and do righteousness.

Isaiah 32:16 In-Context

14 Because the palace has been abandoned, the populated city forsaken. Hill and watch-tower have become caves forever , A delight for wild donkeys, a pasture for flocks;

15 Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, And the wilderness becomes a fertile field, And the fertile field is considered as a forest.

16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness And righteousness will abide in the fertile field.

17 And the work of righteousness will be peace, And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever .

18 Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places;

Cross References

• 1. Isaiah 33:5; Zechariah 8:3