Isaiah 32

Verse 1. King. Ezechias or Josias, as figures of Jesus Christ, who is meant. Calmet.—They and their counsellors only foreshewed the advantages derived from Christ and his apostles in a more abundant manner. Saint Jerome—Judgment and justice. These words have a higher meaning than what is assigned to them by philosophers. In God, the former implies the preparation of the means for man’s redemption, as the latter does the execution; and in man, judgment denotes the selection of what is right, and justice implies the putting it willingly in practice. Thus Christ will fulfill all the he has graciously purposed, with the two other divine persons; and the princes, his pastors, shall discern what is good for their own and people’s eternal welfare. Worthington.

Verse 2. Land. Ezechias and Josias were both a defence to their subjects.

Verse 3. Dim. True prophets shall speak, while false ones shall be silent. Calmet.

Verse 4. Plain. Some parts of the prediction relate literally to the Old Test. But this alludes to the New, when the mysteries of religion are clearly confessed in the Catholic Church. Worthington.—Even the most illiterate are guided with security, if they will but hear the Church. Bible.

Verse 5. Deceitful. Hebrew “miser be called liberal.” Lu. 22:25. These good princes are contrasted with Achaz, who had oppressed his subjects.

Verse 7. Vessels. Arms, ( Calmet.) or all the words and actions of the miser are bent on evil. Bible.—The ministers of wicked princes resemble them. Menochius.

Verse 9. Women. Great cities. He announces the impending dangers.

Verse 10. Year. After a long time; or the prophet speaks two years before the arrival of Sennacherib, after the vintage was ended. Calmet. 30:20 and 4 Kennicott. 19:29. Calmet.

Verse 12. Mourn. Septuagint “beat.” Bible.—Breasts, suckling infants. In mourning, women beat and uncovered their breasts, which, on any other occasion, would have been deemed very indecent. Calmet. Ezekiel 23:34. Herod. ii. 84.

Verse 13. Up. Being uncultivated for two years. This was still more the case during the captivity. Calmet.—How. Septuagint “from every house joy shall be taken away, thou rich city.” Bible.

Verse 14. Ever. Some palaces had been demolished by Sennacherib, though this seems to refer to the Babylonian captivity.

Verse 15. High, as Ezechiel (37:10) saw the dry bones rise again. Under this idea prosperity is frequently described. The rest of the chapter may very well be explained of the propagation of the gospel.—Forest. Carmel was a fertile spot. Judea shall flourish, and Assyria shall be laid waste. The synagogue will be rejected, while the Gentiles, ( Calmet.) formerly so barren, shall embrace the faith and true piety.

Verse 17. Peace. The just shall enjoy peace, under Ezechias.

Verse 19. Hail. God’s judgment shall overtake Babylon, or rather Ninive.

Verse 20. Waters. Fruitful soils, abounding with cattle. Calmet.—Both Jews and Gentiles shall submit to Christ. Clem. Strom. vi. Saint Jerome