“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.” The administration introduced at the start of Isaiah 32 will not come to power via the ballot box, though we would gladly vote for such worthy leadership. What the prophet has in mind is a messianic rule (as in 7:14; 9:6-7; 11:1-11)—the righteous and eternal government of our coming King, Jesus Christ. Chapters 28-29 spoke of the false leaders, and chapters 30-31 described their false counsel. Now chapters 32-33 highlight the true leader and the noble characteristics of His reign. In contrast to the drunkenness, blindness, and confusion of Judah’s present leaders, our Messiah will bring a completely different atmosphere. He will share His authority with us, and His passion for righteousness will help us become a safe shelter for those facing life’s storms. Under His Lordship, we will be transformed into new people, with eyes that can see spiritual realities and ears that can hear the Word of God. By His grace, we will build a culture of virtue and wisdom, refusing unworthy leaders and honoring those who are truly noble (v 1-8). One example of the corruption rampant in Isaiah’s day was the pampered women of Jerusalem with their selfish lifestyles. The benefits of a bountiful harvest have made them “complacent,” enjoying a false sense of security. The prophet calls them to stop shopping and start mourning. For in just one year, Assyria will invade their land and they will be enduring an agricultural disaster as prisoners of war. There’s nothing wrong with a life of quiet pleasantness (v 17). But with God’s judgment approaching, these women had chosen an escapist mindset by devoting themselves to indulgent lifestyles. We too must beware: physical prosperity can lead to spiritual complacency. The kingdom of the Messiah is no place for elitist, selfish materialism (v 9-14). But once again, a promise of hope follows this prediction of tragedy. If the nation has trusted in all the wrong things, becoming spiritually barren and unproductive, God will send His own Spirit to reverse the tide. Isaiah foresees a renewed world of peace and righteousness, where there is no selfishness, no pride, no deceit. Quietness, rest, and confidence will take the place of the frantic busyness that self-dependence requires. Through His Spirit, God’s people will have inner resources of blessing that transcend the ever-changing economy or comfort levels of the physical world. Pentecost has brought this new reality into our own present experience, but Isaiah’s words point to even greater things to come when Christ returns to establish His reign (v 15-20). For further meditation: