Isaiah 24:1-3
This begins a section that acts as a culmination of the judgments detailed to the nations. It almost appears as though the Lord un-creates mankind. The earth will be laid to waste and made empty as though it had been created and was ready to be populated; or it had been judged by flood and was once again ready for mankind to go forth and subdue it. This will affect all people across the spectrum of religion, workplace, home, commercial and financial life. No one will escape because of a lesser or greater status in the world. This appears to be the most severe judgment ever, the final one.
Isaiah 24:4-6
The mourning of the earth brings to mind the groaning of Romans 8:22 as the world languishes and fades. Languish is to become feeble; fades away is withering and losing heart. The proud of the earth who trusted in the status or wealth will also become feeble. Mankind defiled the earth. The covenant was broken and mankind wrote his own ordinances, ones that allowed for sin. Consider Numbers 35:33 and Isaiah 26:21; have we not defiled the land with abortion?
At the broken covenant comes the curses; these curses are applied to the earth and not just Israel. The inhabitants of earth are burned! (Is 9:19)
See also Hosea 4:3.
Isaiah 24:7
All signs of celebration and finding happiness in jubilation, partying, wine and song will be gone. The party is quite literally over. The 'city of confusion' stands as a representative city. The city, a place perceived as safe and secure, will be broken down. The word 'confusion' is Hebrew word Tohu, meaning formless. This brings to mind the earth before creation that was Tohu. The gates of the city will be left in destruction; the gates were a place where the leaders met the people, where news was transferred, judgments rendered, it was an important place in their life.
The shaking of the olive tree or gleaning of grapes is symbolic of the shaking of earth. Everything not firmly attached to the branch or vine will fall to the ground. It's a time of judgment like no other seen before.
Isaiah 24:14-18
These verses seem to be the words of those redeemed from the world. The scene changes drastically to singing and joy. They sing and declare the majesty of the Lord and glorify His name.
Isaiah emotionally reacts to this judgment on earth. Isaiah saw the horrible end, but also the redeemed. When he cries woe to me it brings to mind his ordination as he stood in the throne room. As he stands in this nation, ripe for judgment; he can't help but feel as though he is in the path of the wrath of God. The treacherous deal treacherously – a phrase repeated from Isaiah 21:2-4; speaking of betrayal and destruction. Isaiah sees fear and the pit and the snare prescribed to the nations. Those on earth are trapped like a wild animal. See Revelation regarding the one who comes from the pit.
The windows from on high are open; the same windows that brought the flood. The beginning of his judgment will be unprecedented earthquakes around the world. The very foundations of the earth are shaken!
Isaiah 24:19-20
The Hebrew phrases are repeated words to emphasize the intensity; but also there is a sing song quality to it. The earth is:
- Broken, broken
- Split, split
- Shaken, shaken
- Will stagger, stagger like a drunk
The earth staggers like a drunk and totters like hut in a windstorm. What could cause such a cataclysmic event? Nuclear war? A meteor strike? Violent earthquakes? The earth seems to be responding to the heavy load of sin it carries. Like an overloaded beast of burden that gives its all to the last step, then falls and can't rise again.
We see many folks ringing their hands over the climate and things they believe affect the earth. There isn't a large movement to ease the burden of sin and evildoing on the earth. No life will go untouched by this.
Isaiah 24:21-23
This is the final act in the Day of the Lord. 'In that day' the punishment of the Lord will extend from heaven to earth. Leading the list are the 'host of exalted ones'. This appears to be the punishment of the powers in the heavens that rebelled against Him. The kings of the earth will also be punished. These two powers are the focal point of rebellion in heaven and earth; those who trusted in other things or other gods. They will be shut up in a prison (the pit), see 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6.
The 'disgraced moon' and the 'ashamed sun' are seen in other places on the day of the Lord. They will be blotted out, hidden or they will no longer shine. It could mean that they won't be visible because of the Glory of the Lord who will reign on Mount Zion.
©2018 Doug Ford
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