Isaiah 32:17 from today's shared status, and its context

Isa 32:15 Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

Isa 32:16 Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

Isa 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Isa 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;

 

This passage is warning the women of Israel that trouble is coming, wastelands and lack of creature-comforts they have grown so used to!  But then verse 15 comes, and God turns to the future.

 

I find it of keen interest that it is only when the Spirit is poured out, that the following verses are made possible!  The wilderness will turn into a fruitful field and from there grow into a forest.  God's judgement, which I have come to understand as helpful to the Christ-follower, not harmful, will rest over the wilderness, producing righteousness in the fruitful field.

 

Indeed God fully intends that His desires to cleanse us from unrighteousness, would result in righteous living, and from there to the quietness and peace spoken of  in verse 17.

 

Living a life pleasing in God's eyes does bring peace, even with one's neighbors according to Proverbs.  But all this is made possible by the Holy Spirit poured out upon us on the Day of Pentecost!

 

Praise God for keeping His promises!