“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness.” Isaiah suddenly shifts the subject, and Isaiah 32:1-5 refers to the future Millennial Kingdom when Jesus Christ rules the earth. In this context, “righteousness” is doing what is right to God and others.

[For more on the word “righteousness” having the meaning of doing what is right or just (“justice”), see commentary on Matt. 5:6.]

“rulers will govern with justice.” When Christ sets up his kingdom on earth, he will be assisted in governing the earth by people who have been faithful to him (see commentary on Jer. 23:4).

[For more verses in Isaiah that speak of the Millennial Kingdom, see commentary on Isaiah 2:2. For more on Christ’s future kingdom on earth, see Appendix 3, “Christ’s Future Kingdom on Earth.”]