Isaiah 24

Isaiah 24:1

13. Judgment on All the Earth (Chap. 24)24:1-3 The judgments of God seem to start with the land of Israel, but they widen to include the whole earth and even wicked beings in the heavens. “The earth” may also be translated “the land,” and the reference to the priest in verse 2 suggests that the land of Israel is in view in verses 1-3. Notice how the text alternates between the land and the people. The destruction is cataclysmic and affects all classes of the populace. 24:4-13 Mention of “the world” in verse 4 suggests that the theater of judgment has widened. The cause of worldwide pollution is that men have broken the everlasting covenant. Some take this to refer to the Noahic covenant (Gen_9:16), but that unconditional covenant depended entirely on God. Others think that the Mosaic law is referred to, but that was given only to Israel, and is not said to be an everlasting covenant. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says it is “the covenant people implicitly had with God to obey His Word.” The city of confusion could mean Jerusalem, but in a wider sense could include all urban civilization. 24:14-20 A preserved remnant is heard singing the praises of Jehovah for His saving grace. Then the prophet mourns the dread horrors of the Great Tribulation. It will be a time of treachery. Escape will be impossible. The earth will careen like a drunkard, as if struck by a mammoth quake. It falls to rise no more. 24:21-23 The wicked hosts in heavenly places will also be judged. This corresponds to Rev_19:19-20; Rev_20:1-3. Kings of the earth who have served as their puppets will share in this judgment at the Second Advent of Christ. The Lord’s surpassing glory will put the sun and moon to shame.