Isaiah 32:19

When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.

When it shall hail {H1258}, coming down {H3381} on the forest {H3293}; and the city {H5892} shall be low {H8213} in a low place {H8218}.

Just as the forest will surely come down, the city will surely be laid low.

But hail will level the forest, and the city will sink to the depths.

But it shall hail in the downfall of the forest; and the city shall be utterly laid low.

Context

Isaiah 32 falls within a section of Isaiah's prophecies (chapters 28-35) that address both judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem, and glorious promises of future restoration and blessing under a righteous king. The chapter begins with a vision of a just reign (Isaiah 32:1), but shifts to a stern warning against complacent women and a prophecy of desolation (verses 9-14). However, this period of desolation is described as a precursor to a spiritual renewal, where the Spirit is poured out from on high, leading to righteousness, peace, and security (verses 15-18). Verse 19, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive forces that often precede or accompany divine cleansing and the establishment of true peace.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The "hail" is a powerful biblical metaphor for God's judgment and destructive power, often sudden and overwhelming. It signifies the inevitable consequences of complacency or unrighteousness.
  • Humiliation and Desolation: The imagery of the "forest" being struck down and the "city" being "low in a low place" speaks to the humbling of human strength, pride, or established institutions. It implies a profound state of devastation or reduction from prominence.
  • Preparation for Renewal: While seemingly negative, this judgment often serves as a necessary process to clear away corruption and pride, paving the way for the spiritual renewal and righteousness described in the surrounding verses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hail" (barad - בָּרָד) frequently appears in Scripture to denote a supernatural act of judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 9:23) or eschatological judgments (Revelation 16:21). The "forest" (ya'ar - יַעַר) can symbolize strength, pride, or even powerful nations and their leaders, whose destruction by hail signifies the breaking of human might. The phrase "the city shall be low in a low place" (veha'ir mishfal shiflah - וְהָעִיר מִשְׁפַּל שִׁפְלָה) uses a repetition of the root shafal (שָׁפַל), emphasizing an intense state of being brought down, humbled, or utterly devastated. This linguistic emphasis underscores the totality of the judgment.

Prophetic Significance

This verse can be interpreted as a vivid depiction of the consequences that befall a society or nation that has grown complacent and unrighteous. Historically, it may allude to the Assyrian invasions that devastated Judah or even the subsequent Babylonian exile, where Jerusalem was indeed brought "low." Theologically, it highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His willingness to bring down the proud and powerful. It serves as a sharp contrast to the secure and peaceful dwelling promised to those who live in righteousness and justice (Isaiah 32:17).

Practical Application

Isaiah 32:19 serves as a sobering reminder of the impermanence of earthly security and strength when not grounded in divine principles. It underscores the biblical truth that pride goes before destruction. For individuals and communities, it encourages humility and self-assessment, urging a turning away from complacency and towards righteousness. The judgment described, while severe, ultimately sets the stage for a deeper understanding of God's grace and the need for spiritual renewal, leading to lasting peace and security that only He can provide.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 28:17

    Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

  • Isaiah 30:30

    And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

  • Isaiah 28:2

    Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.

  • Isaiah 26:5

    ¶ For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, [even] to the ground; he bringeth it [even] to the dust.

  • Zechariah 11:2

    Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

  • Nahum 1:8

    But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

  • Nahum 1:1

    ¶ The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

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