John Calvin 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)

And the hail. We have already said that the prophets frequently use figures to describe the reign of Christ, for they borrow their metaphors from an earthly kingdom, because our ignorance would otherwise make it almost impossible for us to comprehend the unspeakable treasure of blessings. The meaning is, “The Lord will remove distresses and annoyances from his people and will make them fall on others;” because here we are liable to various storms and tempests, and must endure rain, hail, showers, winds, and tempests. He says that God, by his wonderful providence, will prevent all distresses from harming believers, because he will drive their violence in another direction.

By forests he means unfrequented and desert places, where there are no crowds of people. From this we learn that, when we are under the guardianship of Christ, we are protected from inconveniences and dangers, but at the same time, various storms and tempests are ready to burst on our heads. But the Lord is our deliverer, who turns away in another direction the evils that are approaching, or rescues us when we are in danger.

And the city shall be situated to a low place. To confirm what he had said about peace, he says that “cities” situated on level ground will be out of danger, for at that time it was customary to build on high and elevated places, so that access to them might be more difficult. “Such,” he says, “will be God’s protection of his people, that they will not need the ordinary fortifications, because the city may be safely set down in valleys; and even though it is liable to the attacks of enemies, it will sustain no inconvenience, for the hand of the Lord will protect it.” Therefore, we must not seek safety by relying on our defenses, lest we be immediately driven from our nest; but since our heavenly Father deigns to provide for our safety, let us be satisfied with having him as our protector and guardian.