Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)

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Bible Commentary

Isaiah 32:17 is a Bible verse from the Old Testament under a title called, “The Peace of God’s Reign.” Verses 16-20 of Isaiah Chapter 32 describe what life is like to be reigned by God and not by man.

We come into this world under the authority of others. First, it’s our parents or grandparents, then teachers, bosses and governmental leaders and legislators.

We are soundly affected by the values and principles of these authoritative figures upon our lives, and our experiences–by the hand of their influence, which shape our own philosophy and value system.

Without a solid absolute of moral guidelines, mankind can veer off course in epic proportions. We’ve seen it throughout history in the pages of the Bible.

God starts out by warning us to stay close to Him and obey, to choose Him over false gods and to love Him above all else (Deuteronomy 6:5). But time after time, we see people turn away from the God of righteousness, and instead chase after the lusts of the flesh—money, power, a relationship, etc.

Isaiah 32:17 is a clear reminder of what happens when God is reigning His people, rather than human leaders. First, He says, “The work of righteousness will be peace…”

Let’s look at the Hebrew meanings for “work,” which are: action, a product, business, occupation, possession, property.

There is much talk of the corruption in large corporations and in governmental agencies. It is common knowledge, and yet it continues under immoral leaders with corrupt actions, who degrade their occupations and businesses and influence others by their unethical practices.

Not so with God at the helm. He says, “The work of righteousness will be peace…” Imagine if every leader in business and government were moral and ethical. The effects would be righteousness.

“Righteousness” in Hebrew means: rightness, justice, virtue, prosperity. If someone commits a transgression, justice is applied and the situation is cleaned out. When righteousness reigns, everyone prospers, which doesn’t necessarily mean everyone gets the same rewards, but everyone would be happy and abundantly satisfied.

God promised blessings for choosing His ways (Deuteronomy 7:13).

The work of righteousness also brings about peace, which in Hebrew means: safe, well, happy, welfare, that is, health, prosperity, peace. What amazing blessings! To live with God’s peace in our minds and hearts is to live without fear and without stress.

Unlocking the Truth – Peace and Rest

The last part of Isaiah 32:17 says, “And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.”

The effect is essentially the result, or what happens when righteousness reigns. “Quietness” lists some interesting Hebrew meanings: repose; appease, rest, settle, be still. Repose is defined as: to lie at rest; to rest from work.

How would it feel to be settled and be at rest from all your work? This doesn’t mean you never do anything again. What it means is that we operate under the power of the Holy Spirit, which is never taxing, but joyful and vibrant—like we’ve got wind beneath our wings—exhilarating and joyful!

That’s not all! “Assurance” in Hebrew means: a place of refuge, safety and security, confidence, secure.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go out every day without any fear of what might happen? We have a confident assurance, a bold security in the arms of our Father. No fear, no terror, no insecurity, no indecision or fear of the unknown, but complete security and safety. Can you imagine it?

With God, it is possible. Personally, we can give up the place of king of our own heart and ask Him to reign there. We can have that confident assurance in Jesus Christ.

We operate in the righteousness of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we submit our life to Him,  He leads us in righteousness, freedom and peace like we’ve never known. It is worth whatever He calls us to.

Jesus Christ is worthy of the authority and leadership of every facet of our lives (Revelation 5:12). Won’t you trust Him with yours?

Study the Bible verse of Isaiah 32:17 and know the joy of God’s reign in your heart and life.