John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 32:9

"Rise up, ye women that are at ease, [and] hear my voice; ye careless daughters, give ear unto my speech." — Isaiah 32:9 (ASV)

You women at ease, arise. These words appear not to be connected with what went before, for previously he spoke about restoring the Church. But now he threatens that the judgment of God is ready to strike a people carelessly resting among riches and pleasures; therefore, it is probable that here Isaiah begins a new and distinct subject. However, there would be no absurdity in connecting this with the former prediction, because the Prophets commonly observe this order. After promising the grace of God to believers, they then direct their discourse to hypocrites to declare that the mercy the Lord promises to believers will be of no avail to them, and that, despite this, they will be punished for their sins.

Regarding women being chiefly addressed, the Hebrew commentators, according to the frequent usage of their language, suppose that “cities” are meant. But I think that the language here is not figurative, and I rather adhere to the simple meaning of the words. He addresses “women” rather than men in order to show the extent of that calamity, because in ordinary circumstances women and children are spared, as they are unfit for war and have no power to defend themselves. He says that the destruction will be so cruel that no one will be spared.

He also expressly addresses them as “women at ease.” These women are usually more delicate than others. Enjoying the advantages of wealth, they have some means of providing for their safety and of rescuing themselves from calamities, even when people of ordinary rank are suffering severe hardships. But Isaiah especially intimates to them that they must “arise” and “tremble,” and he contrasts this trembling with the ease and luxury they peacefully enjoyed. He bids them arise, so that they may know that this is not the time for rest, and that the Lord will arouse them from their ease and indifference.

Hear my voice, you careless daughters. Just as before, the word “daughters” is interpreted by the rabbis to mean “villages” or “smaller cities”; but I think, as I have already said, that it should be taken in its literal meaning. He shows them from where this terror will arise, from where that violence will arise which will compel them to “arise” and “tremble.” It is from the judgment of God. But he mentions “a voice” so that they may know that this prophecy will not fail to be accomplished, because he proclaims war against them by God’s command. “How effective this speech will be, and what power it will have to arouse you, one day you will actually feel.” So frequently does he reproach them for indolence, carelessness, and luxury. This is not only because it is harder for those who live at ease to be harshly aroused, but also because the corruption and depravity of human nature make it scarcely possible for the world to enjoy ease and prosperity without becoming indolent. Next, falling gradually into slothfulness, the world will deceive itself with a false imagination, drive all fear far away from itself, and, relying on this confidence, will insolently rise up against God.