Isaiah 32:9

ยถ Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.

Rise up {H6965}, ye women {H802} that are at ease {H7600}; hear {H8085} my voice {H6963}, ye careless {H982} daughters {H1323}; give ear {H238} unto my speech {H565}.

You women who are so complacent, listen to me! Overconfident women, pay attention to my words!

Stand up, you complacent women; listen to me. Give ear to my word, you overconfident daughters.

Rise up, ye women that are at ease, andhear my voice; ye careless daughters, give ear unto my speech.

Commentary

Isaiah 32:9 presents a direct and piercing prophetic address from God, through the prophet Isaiah, to the women of Judah. It serves as a stark warning, calling out their spiritual apathy and self-assured complacency in the face of impending judgment.

Context

This verse is situated within a significant section of Isaiah's prophecies that oscillates between pronouncements of judgment and promises of future restoration. Chapter 32 itself begins with a vision of a righteous king (often interpreted as the Messiah) and a time of justice and peace, yet it quickly pivots to describe a period of desolation that must precede this blessed era. The "women that are at ease" and "careless daughters" are likely representative of the affluent and secure female inhabitants of Jerusalem or Judah, who felt immune to the consequences of the nation's spiritual decline and disobedience. Their comfort and lack of concern stand in stark contrast to the severity of the coming divine reckoning, echoing earlier rebukes against the haughty daughters of Zion in Isaiah 3:16-24.

Key Themes

  • Divine Rebuke of Complacency: The core message is God's strong disapproval of spiritual indifference. The phrase "at ease" (Hebrew: sha'anan) implies a false sense of security, while "careless" (Hebrew: botchah) suggests a misplaced trust or overconfidence, leading to a lack of vigilance. This complacency is a recurring theme in prophetic warnings against those who are "at ease in Zion" as seen in Amos 6:1.
  • Urgent Call to Listen: The repeated commands "hear my voice" and "give ear unto my speech" underscore the urgency and seriousness of the message. God demands immediate and attentive listening from those who have become deaf to His warnings.
  • Impending Judgment: Though not explicitly stated in this single verse, the context of Isaiah 32 implies that this complacency will be shattered by a period of desolation and hardship, forcing a realization of their true spiritual state.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "at ease," sha'anan (ืฉึทืืึฒื ึทืŸ), denotes a state of quietness, security, or prosperity, but often carries a negative connotation of unearned or presumptuous confidence that leads to spiritual negligence. It's a dangerous state of apathy when one should be vigilant. The term "careless," botchah (ื‘ึผื•ึนื˜ึฐื—ึธื”), derives from a root meaning "to trust" or "to be confident," but in this context, it highlights a blind or superficial confidence that ignores impending danger or divine warnings.

Practical Application

Isaiah's message to these women at ease remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder against spiritual complacency and apathy in our own lives, especially when circumstances are comfortable or prosperous. We are called to:

  • Maintain Spiritual Vigilance: Avoid becoming so "at ease" in worldly comforts or routine that we neglect our spiritual walk or God's warnings.
  • Heed God's Word: Just as the prophet called the women to "hear my voice," we must diligently listen to and apply Scripture, recognizing its timeless relevance and warnings.
  • Examine Our Hearts: Regularly assess our own spiritual state, ensuring that our confidence is in God alone and not in fleeting earthly securities. This verse encourages a proactive and humble response to God's ongoing call for righteousness and attentiveness.
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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

  • Matthew 13:9

    Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  • Isaiah 3:16

    ยถ Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing [as] they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:

  • Isaiah 28:23

    ยถ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

  • Amos 6:1

    ยถ Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

  • Amos 6:6

    That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

  • Lamentations 4:5

    They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

  • Zephaniah 2:15

    This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.
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