Isaiah 32:16

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

Then judgment {H4941} shall dwell {H7931} in the wilderness {H4057}, and righteousness {H6666} remain {H3427} in the fruitful field {H3759}.

Then justice will dwell in the desert, and righteousness abide in the fertile field.

Then justice will inhabit the wilderness, and righteousness will dwell in the fertile field.

Then justice shall dwell in the wilderness; and righteousness shall abide in the fruitful field.

Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 32:16 (KJV)

Isaiah 32:16 is a prophetic verse that paints a picture of a transformed future, a time when God's righteous rule will be fully established. It follows earlier verses in the chapter that describe the coming of a righteous king (Isaiah 32:1) and the spiritual renewal that will accompany His reign, particularly after a period of desolation described in the preceding verses.

Context

Chapter 32 of Isaiah shifts from prophecies of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem to a glorious vision of restoration and blessing. It anticipates a time when a just king (often understood as the Messiah) will rule, and princes will govern righteously. The Spirit will be poured out from on high, leading to a profound spiritual and physical transformation of the land and its people. This verse specifically describes the result of that spiritual outpouring and righteous governance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Transformation: The verse speaks to a radical change in the natural and moral landscape. Places once desolate ("wilderness") will become centers of justice, and fertile lands ("fruitful field") will be characterized by enduring righteousness. This signifies a complete overhaul of society and creation under God's perfect rule.
  • Justice and Righteousness Prevail: The core message is the universal and permanent establishment of God's perfect standards. "Judgment" (mishpat, Hebrew for justice, equity, and moral order) will not be confined but will "dwell" even in the most barren places. Similarly, "righteousness" (tzedakah, Hebrew for moral uprightness, conformity to God's standard, and just living) will not just visit but "remain" in places of prosperity, ensuring sustained blessing.
  • Messianic Age: This prophecy points towards the characteristics of the coming Messianic kingdom, where Christ's reign will bring about perfect peace, order, and spiritual flourishing. It echoes other prophecies about the earth being filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Judgment" (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜, mishpat): This word in Hebrew carries a broader meaning than just a legal verdict. It encompasses justice, equity, and the right ordering of society according to God's law. Its dwelling in the "wilderness" suggests that even the most chaotic or neglected areas will become orderly and just.
  • "Righteousness" (ืฆึฐื“ึธืงึธื”, tzedakah): This term denotes moral integrity, ethical conduct, and alignment with God's perfect will. Its remaining in the "fruitful field" implies that prosperity will be coupled with godliness, preventing corruption and ensuring lasting blessing.
  • "Wilderness" (ืžึดื“ึฐื‘ึธึผืจ, midbar): Often a symbol of desolation, disorder, or spiritual barrenness in the Bible.
  • "Fruitful field" (ื›ึทึผืจึฐืžึถืœ, karmel): Refers to a rich, fertile land, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, or spiritual flourishing. The contrast highlights the complete transformation.

Practical Application

Isaiah 32:16 offers profound hope and a vision for the future. It reminds us that:

  • God's ultimate plan is for justice and righteousness to prevail. Even in our present world, marked by injustice and moral decay, this verse assures us of a future where God's perfect order will be fully established. This gives believers hope for a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
  • Transformation is possible. Just as the wilderness can become a place of judgment, and the fruitful field a place of enduring righteousness, God can transform hearts, communities, and nations.
  • We are called to embody these virtues now. While the full realization of this prophecy awaits the Messianic age, believers are called to be agents of justice and righteousness in their spheres of influence, reflecting the character of the coming King.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign control and His ultimate purpose to restore all things to their perfect state under His righteous rule.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ยถ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • Isaiah 42:4

    He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

  • Psalms 94:14

    For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

  • Psalms 94:15

    But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
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