Isaiah 24

Perhaps after reading this chapter you are not surprised that Isaiah 24-27 are sometimes called the Little Apocalypse.  This section speaks of things we find in The Apocalypse (Revelation, the last book of the Bible).  This chapter speaks of world-wide judgment and of such proportions as are found in the trumpet and bowl judgments of Revelation 8-9 and 15-16.  Other chapters emphasize the salvation of Israel, her protection by God during the great tribulation, and the restoration of the land.  

·        24:1-3 speak of the whole earth being waste and that no one will escape the devastation (cf. Rev. 8:7-13; 16:14; 19:17-21).

·        24:4-6 give the reason for judgment.  The people of earth, God’s creation over which man was to have dominion, transgressed His laws (moral law in the conscience), changed the ordinances (perhaps what is built into creation itself, such as the identity of mankind in two sexes, humanities uniqueness being in God’s image, etc.), and broke the everlasting covenant (God’s covenant of life and death established at creation or the covenant established after the flood, cf. Gen. 9).  Mankind’s exchange of the creature for the Creator has resulted in the curse, enacted in Gen. 3 as a result of sin, devouring the earth.  Men are scorched in the heat and few are left (cf. Rev. 16:8-9).

·        24:7-13 tells how men will not have available to them that which they desire to make they happy.  All joy is darkened (cf. Rev. 18:21-23).

·        24:14-16 says there is a call to men to glorify God (cf. Rev. 14:6-7) but no one heeds the call (cf. Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9,11,21).

·        24:17-20 again says no one can escape it.  The desolation is from the heavens (cf. Rev. 8:12-13) and from earth (Rev. 8:7-11) including a violent shaking of the earth (Rev.16:17-21). Man’s transgression shall be heavy on it.

·        24:21-23 concludes by telling us this judgment is not only upon the earth (mankind) but on high where He will punish the host of exalted ones.  We have noted in our studies the connection between the spiritual forces of darkness and mankind.  Behind every king and kingdom, for example, is a demon (e.g. Lucifer, Isa. 14:12-15).  These will be called to account.  And their punishment will involve a period of imprisonment with final punishment after many days.  Revelation says this, that men are confined in hades and Satan and other demons in the abyss.  Then both, at the time of judgment, are cast into the lake of fire (cf. Rev. 9:1-12; 19:20; 20:7-15).  Note as well that the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem after the dimming of the moon and sun (cf. Rev. 16:10; 20:4-6).

What an amazing prophecy!  We are seeing the Sovereign God speaking through His prophet.  Even now the call to glorify God is going out.  We can only do this by bowing the knee to His Son and confessing Jesus as Lord (Phil. 2:9-11).  Let us not forsake this whole-hearted worship of the Creator.