Isaiah 24

1 the earth. Or, “land”; denoting the land of Israel, and so much of the surrounding countries as had their political interests implicated with it. The term “world” (4) is synonymous with “earth,” and is applied in xiii. 11 to the Babylonian empire.

turneth it upside down, etc. The image here used is that of a vessel, completely drained by being turned upside down.

6 are desolate. Or, “are found guilty” (R.V.), or “punished” (R.V. marg.).

11 a crying for wine. Rather, as R.V., “a crying because of the wine”; i.e. because of the failure of the vine-crop. Comp. Joel i. 5; the likeness between the two prophecies has often been noted.

12 the gate is smitten with destruction. So that the city is left defenceless.

13. When thus it shall be, etc. Rather, “For so it shall be in the midst of the earth among the nations, like the beating of an olive tree,” etc.: comp. xvii. 5, 6.

15 glorify ye the Lord in the fires. Some translate the latter phrase “in the [land of] light,” i.e., in the East (R.V.), as contrasted with “the coasts of the sea,” i.e., the West; comp. xlv. 6; lix. 19.

16 glory to the righteous. “Glory (i.e., honour, splendor, as iv. 2; xxiii. 9) to the righteous [man or people].”

My leanness, my leanness! “Ruin to me! ruin to me!” etc. (R.V., “I pine away! I pine away!”) This mention, from distant lands, of honour and renown as rightfully belonging to the righteous, only forces more painfully upon the prophet’s mind the actual state of the land of Israel; which he describes in powerful language, ver. 17, etc.

18 the windows from on high are open. As they were at the Deluge: see Gen. vii. 11. Both heaven and earth are moved, and become the ministers of ruin.

20 shall be removed like a cottage. Rather, “shall be shaken like a lodging-place”; referring to a frail hut of branches.

22 visited. Or, “furnished,” as R.V. marg.

23 the moon shall be confounded. Rather, “The silvery moon shall blush”; a bold and beautiful figure, perhaps suggested by the red appearance of the moon when eclipsed.

When the Lord of hosts shall reign. Rather, “For”; marking the cause as well as the time.

ancients. “Elders”; rulers of the tribes. Deut. xxxi. 28.