Isaiah 24
BSB1 Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— 2 people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor. 3 The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and fades; the exalted of the earth waste away. 5 The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive. 7 The new wine dries up, the vine withers. All the merrymakers now groan. 8 The joyful tambourines have ceased; the noise of revelers has stopped; the joyful harp is silent. 9 They no longer sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who consume it. 10 The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry. 11 In the streets they cry out for wine. All joy turns to gloom; rejoicing is exiled from the land. 12 The city is left in ruins; its gate is reduced to rubble. 13 So will it be on the earth and among the nations, like a harvested olive tree, like a gleaning after a grape harvest. 14 They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they proclaim the majesty of the LORD. 15 Therefore glorify the LORD in the east. Extol the name of the LORD, the God of Israel in the islands of the sea. 16 From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I am wasting away! I am wasting away! Woe is me.” The treacherous betray; the treacherous deal in treachery. 17 Terror and pit and snare await you, O dweller of the earth. 18 Whoever flees the sound of panic will fall into the pit, and whoever climbs from the pit will be caught in the snare. For the windows of heaven are open, and the foundations of the earth are shaken. 19 The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently. 20 The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a shack. Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again. 21 In that day the LORD will punish the host of heaven above and the kings of the earth below. 22 They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days. 23 The moon will be confounded and the sun will be ashamed; for the LORD of Hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His elders with great glory.
Study Notes — Isaiah 24
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 24
- Themes from Isaiah 24
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 24
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 24 begins by describing a global catastrophe in which the earth is laid waste and the people are scattered (Isaiah 24:1-3). The chapter then describes the effects of this catastrophe, including the destruction of the earth's natural resources and the collapse of society (Isaiah 24:4-13). However, the chapter also looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 24:14-16). The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil (Isaiah 24:17-23).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 24 is part of a larger section of the book of Isaiah that describes God's judgment on the nations and His ultimate triumph over evil. The chapter is part of a series of oracles that describe the fate of various nations, including Babylon, Assyria, and Moab. The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and ultimate triumph over evil is a key theme in the book of Isaiah and is repeated throughout the Old Testament.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and ultimate triumph over evil should give us confidence and hope in the face of adversity. We should trust in God's goodness and justice, and look forward to the day when He will create a new heaven and a new earth. We should also be mindful of the fact that God is a God of both justice and mercy, and that His judgment is not just punitive, but also redemptive.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 24 describes a time of great judgment and upheaval, but also looks forward to a future time of restoration and redemption. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil. The key verse is Isaiah 24:14, which highlights the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the joy and celebration that will result from His victory. The chapter's description of a new heaven and a new earth is echoed in Revelation 21:1.
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are not intended to destroy, but to redeem. They are not meant to condemn, but to save.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sovereignty of God is a doctrine that is both comforting and terrifying. It is comforting because it reminds us that God is in control, but it is terrifying because it reminds us that we are not.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Judgment of the Earth (Isaiah 24:1-3) — The chapter begins by describing a global catastrophe in which the earth is laid waste and the people are scattered.
- The Effects of the Judgment (Isaiah 24:4-13) — The chapter then describes the effects of this catastrophe, including the destruction of the earth's natural resources and the collapse of society.
- The Restoration of the Earth (Isaiah 24:14-16) — However, the chapter also looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth.
- The Triumph of God (Isaiah 24:17-23) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil.
- The Final Judgment (Isaiah 24:21-23) — The chapter ends with a description of the final judgment, when God will punish the wicked and redeem the righteous.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil. This is a key doctrine in the Bible and is repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter describes God's judgment on the wicked and His redemption of the righteous. This is a key doctrine in the Bible and is repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments.
- The Restoration of the Earth
- The chapter looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. This is a key doctrine in the Bible and is repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments.
- The Triumph of God
- The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil. This is a key doctrine in the Bible and is repeated throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Lessons from Isaiah 24
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the face of adversity.
- The Reality of God's Judgment — The chapter describes the reality of God's judgment on the wicked and His redemption of the righteous.
- The Hope of Restoration — The chapter looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil.
- The Importance of Living in Light of Eternity — The chapter reminds us to live in light of eternity, trusting in God's sovereignty and looking forward to the day when He will create a new heaven and a new earth.
Themes from Isaiah 24
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil.
- The Judgment of God — The chapter describes God's judgment on the wicked and His redemption of the righteous.
- The Restoration of the Earth — The chapter looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth.
- The Triumph of God — The chapter concludes by emphasizing God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of adversity, and to look forward to the day when He will create a new heaven and a new earth.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Isaiah 24?
- How does the chapter describe the judgment of the earth?
- What is the significance of the key verse, Isaiah 24:14?
- How does the chapter look forward to a future time of restoration?
- What is the ultimate triumph of God over evil, according to the chapter?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Judgment of the Earth (Isaiah 24:1-3)
| 24:1 | The earth is laid waste and the people are scattered. |
| 24:2 | The people are punished for their sin, and the earth is destroyed. |
| 24:3 | The earth is laid waste, and the people are scattered. |
2. The Effects of the Judgment (Isaiah 24:4-13)
| 24:4 | The earth's natural resources are destroyed, and the people are left to mourn. |
| 24:5 | The earth is polluted, and the people are left to suffer. |
| 24:6 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is destroyed. |
| 24:7 | The wine is gone, and the people are left to mourn. |
| 24:8 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is destroyed. |
| 24:9 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is polluted. |
| 24:10 | The earth is destroyed, and the people are left to mourn. |
| 24:11 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is laid waste. |
| 24:12 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is destroyed. |
| 24:13 | The people are left to mourn, and the earth is laid waste. |
3. The Restoration of the Earth (Isaiah 24:14-16)
| 24:14 | The people will lift up their voices and sing for joy, over the majesty of the Lord. |
| 24:15 | The people will give glory to the Lord, and the Lord will be exalted. |
| 24:16 | The people will give thanks to the Lord, and the Lord will be praised. |
4. The Triumph of God (Isaiah 24:17-23)
| 24:17 | The people will be punished for their sin, and the earth will be destroyed. |
| 24:18 | The people will be left to mourn, and the earth will be laid waste. |
| 24:19 | The earth will be destroyed, and the people will be left to mourn. |
| 24:20 | The people will be left to mourn, and the earth will be polluted. |
| 24:21 | The people will be punished for their sin, and the earth will be destroyed. |
| 24:22 | The people will be left to mourn, and the earth will be laid waste. |
| 24:23 | The Lord will be exalted, and the people will give glory to the Lord. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 24?
The main theme of Isaiah 24 is the judgment of the earth and the restoration of the earth. The chapter describes a global catastrophe in which the earth is laid waste and the people are scattered, but also looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. (Isaiah 24:1-3, Isaiah 24:14-16)
How does the chapter describe the judgment of the earth?
The chapter describes the judgment of the earth as a global catastrophe in which the earth is laid waste and the people are scattered. The people are punished for their sin, and the earth is destroyed. (Isaiah 24:1-3)
What is the significance of the key verse, Isaiah 24:14?
The key verse, Isaiah 24:14, highlights the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the joy and celebration that will result from His victory. The verse looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. (Isaiah 24:14)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 24:1 → Genesis 1:1 | The creation of the earth is described in Genesis 1:1, and the judgment of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:1. |
| 2 | Isaiah 24:14 → Revelation 21:1 | The new heaven and the new earth are described in Revelation 21:1, and the restoration of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:14. |
| 3 | Isaiah 24:17 → Psalm 2:1 | The punishment of the wicked is described in Psalm 2:1, and the judgment of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:17. |
| 4 | Isaiah 24:20 → Isaiah 13:13 | The destruction of the earth is described in Isaiah 13:13, and the pollution of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:20. |
| 5 | Isaiah 24:21 → Daniel 7:13 | The Son of Man is described in Daniel 7:13, and the Lord is described in Isaiah 24:21. |
| 6 | Isaiah 24:22 → Matthew 25:31 | The final judgment is described in Matthew 25:31, and the punishment of the wicked is described in Isaiah 24:22. |
| 7 | Isaiah 24:23 → Isaiah 2:10 | The majesty of the Lord is described in Isaiah 2:10, and the exaltation of the Lord is described in Isaiah 24:23. |
| 8 | Isaiah 24:1 → 2 Peter 3:10 | The day of the Lord is described in 2 Peter 3:10, and the judgment of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:1. |
| 9 | Isaiah 24:14 → John 1:1 | The Word of God is described in John 1:1, and the restoration of the earth is described in Isaiah 24:14. |
| 10 | Isaiah 24:17 → Revelation 20:11 | The final judgment is described in Revelation 20:11, and the punishment of the wicked is described in Isaiah 24:17. |
Sermons on Isaiah 24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jude #3 - the Angels That Sinned by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a controversial passage in the Bible, specifically verse 6 of Jude. The speaker presents three views on the interpretation of this verse. The |
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At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite |
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In One Hour Everything Is Going to Change by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of faith among young people, particularly college students. He expresses concern that atheistic teachers and professors are |
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Resting in Jesus by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 24 and the prophecy of a watchman. He acknowledges the warning he has given in his book, "America's Last Call," about the |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 25:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video discusses the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bible Study is pr |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 24:14 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | The video discusses the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. It introduces Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bib |
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It's About Time by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is about time for God to intervene and address the iniquities and inequities of society. He highlights the disrespect and disregard |
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Isaiah’s Apocalypse by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecy in Isaiah 24, which describes the destruction and chaos that will come upon the earth. The speaker emphasizes that everyone will |
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(Isaiah) Judgment and Praise in the Great Tribulation by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the scene of judgment and the distinction between the fate of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked will face destruction and desolation, |
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The Primary and Secondary Causes of a National Crisis by Mike Bickle | Mike Bickle discusses the primary and secondary causes of national crises, emphasizing that in the generation of the Lord's return, every nation will face significant crises alongs |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 24
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 24 emphasizes the judgment of the earth and the restoration of the earth. Henry notes that the chapter describes a global catastrophe in which the earth is laid waste and the people are scattered, but also looks forward to a future time of restoration, when God will create a new heaven and a new earth. Henry emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of God over evil. He also notes that the chapter is a call to repentance, urging the people to turn from their sin and seek God's mercy. (Isaiah 24:1-3, Isaiah 24:14-16) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Global Nature of the Judgment
The chapter describes a global catastrophe that affects the entire earth. This emphasizes the universal nature of God's judgment and the fact that all nations will be affected.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate triumph over evil. This is a key theme in the chapter and is repeated throughout.
The Contrast Between Judgment and Restoration
The chapter contrasts the judgment and destruction of the wicked with the restoration and redemption of the righteous. This emphasizes the idea that God is a God of both justice and mercy.








