Isaiah Chapter 24 — The Judgment of the Earth
Isaiah 24 depicts a universal judgment that empties and desolates the earth because of human disobedience, concluding with God’s glorious reign.
1Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.
2It will be as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest.
3The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for the LORD has spoken this word.
4The earth mourns and fades away. The world languishes and fades away. The lofty people of the earth languish.
5The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.
6Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left.
7The new wine mourns. The vine languishes. All the merry-hearted sigh.
8The mirth of tambourines ceases. The sound of those who rejoice ends. The joy of the harp ceases.
9They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it.
10The confused city is broken down. Every house is shut up, that no man may come in.
11There is a crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone.
12The city is left in desolation, and the gate is struck with destruction.
13For it will be so within the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive tree, as the gleanings when the vintage is done.
14These shall lift up their voice. They will shout for the majesty of the LORD. They cry aloud from the sea.
15Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, even the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!
16From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs. Glory to the righteous!
17Fear, the pit, and the snare are on you who inhabit the earth.
18It will happen that he who flees from the noise of the fear will fall into the pit; and he who comes up out of the middle of the pit will be taken in the snare; for the windows on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble.
19The earth is utterly broken. The earth is torn apart. The earth is shaken violently.
20The earth will stagger like a drunken man, and will sway back and forth like a hammock. Its disobedience will be heavy on it, and it will fall and not rise again.
21It will happen in that day that the LORD will punish the army of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth on the earth.
22They will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will be shut up in the prison; and after many days they will be visited.
23Then the moon will be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of Armies will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; and glory will be before his elders.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Isaiah 24:5
“The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.”
This verse identifies the moral cause behind the physical desolation described in the chapter.
Isaiah 24:23
“Then the moon will be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of Armies will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; and glory will be before his elders.”
It highlights the ultimate restoration and the overwhelming glory of God's direct rule.
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 24, often referred to as part of the 'Isaiah Apocalypse,' describes a comprehensive judgment that affects the entire earth and all its inhabitants regardless of social status. The text explains that the earth is polluted and under a curse because the people have transgressed laws and broken the everlasting covenant. As a result, the land languishes, joy ceases, and cities fall into desolation. Amidst this destruction, a remnant is heard glorifying the Lord from the ends of the earth. The chapter concludes with a cosmic shift where the foundations of the earth tremble and worldly powers—both celestial and earthly—are imprisoned. Finally, the Lord of Armies establishes His reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, manifesting His glory before the elders, outshining the sun and the moon as the ultimate source of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the text, the earth is judged because its inhabitants have transgressed laws, violated statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. This moral failure results in a curse that devours the land and leaves its inhabitants found guilty.
The judgment is universal, affecting everyone regardless of their social or economic standing. The text lists pairs like priest and people, master and servant, and buyer and seller to show that no one is exempt from the coming devastation.
The Lord punishes the 'army of the high ones' and the kings of the earth, gathering them like prisoners in a pit. They are shut up in prison to be visited or dealt with after many days.
Study Note
Isaiah chapters 24-27 are often called the 'Little Apocalypse' due to their focus on global judgment and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.