Isaiah 32:1
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
Original Language Analysis
לְצֶ֖דֶק
in righteousness
H6664
לְצֶ֖דֶק
in righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 7
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
יִמְלָךְ
shall reign
H4427
יִמְלָךְ
shall reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
3 of 7
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
Cross References
Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.Jeremiah 33:15In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.2 Samuel 23:3The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied during a succession of mostly wicked kings. Hezekiah showed glimpses of righteousness, but his son Manasseh became Judah's worst king. The longing for a truly righteous king permeates prophetic literature. Jesus inaugurated this kingdom at His first coming (Luke 17:21, 'the kingdom of God is within you') and will consummate it at His return (Revelation 19:11-16, 'in righteousness he doth judge and make war').
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ fulfill the promise of a king who reigns in perfect righteousness and justice?
- What does it mean to live under Christ's kingship now, anticipating His future visible reign?
- How should the certainty of a coming righteous King affect our response to current corrupt leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness (הֵן־לְצֶדֶק יִמְלָךְ־מֶלֶךְ, hen-letsedeq yimlokh-melekh)—a מֶלֶךְ (melekh, king) will מָלַךְ (malakh, reign) in צֶדֶק (tsedeq, righteousness). And princes shall rule in judgment (וּלְשָׂרִים לְמִשְׁפָּט יָשֹׂרוּ, ulesarim lemishpat yasoru)—שָׂרִים (sarim, princes) will rule according to מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat, justice, judgment). The הֵן (hen, behold) signals dramatic announcement.
After chapters of judgment, Isaiah pivots to Messianic hope. The king is ultimately Christ—Jeremiah 23:5 calls Him 'a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice.' While Hezekiah provided a faint shadow of righteous kingship, full fulfillment awaits Christ's reign. Righteousness and justice are twin pillars of His kingdom (Psalm 89:14, 97:2). Human kings fail; divine King succeeds. The princes (שָׂרִים, sarim) ruling justly may reference the apostles who will 'sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel' (Matthew 19:28).