Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 32:19

"But it shall hail in the downfall of the forest; and the city shall be utterly laid low." — Isaiah 32:19 (ASV)

When it shall hail, coming down on the forest. — Better, But it shall hail. A time of sharp judgment, hailstones and coals of fire, is to precede that of blessedness and peace. Hail was the natural symbol of such a judgment (Ezekiel 13:13).

The “forest” in prophetic symbolism represents the rulers and princes of any kingdom, as in Isaiah 10:34 for those of Assyria, and here probably for those of Judah. Many commentators also refer these words to Assyria. However, the city that follows is clearly Jerusalem, and the interpretation given above harmonizes accordingly better with the context.

Concerning that city, Isaiah says that it will be brought down to a low estate, its pride humbled even to the ground, in order that it may afterwards be exalted.