Isaiah 24:1

KJV

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the LORD {H3068} maketh the earth {H776} empty {H1238}, and maketh it waste {H1110}, and turneth {H5753} it upside down {H6440}, and scattereth abroad {H6327} the inhabitants {H3427} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look! ADONAI is stripping and destroying the land, turning it upside down and scattering its inhabitants

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants—

American Standard Version

Behold, Jehovah maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:1 introduces a pivotal prophetic section, often referred to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27), by declaring a sweeping, global judgment. This verse immediately establishes a tone of divine upheaval and comprehensive desolation, powerfully asserting the Lord's absolute sovereignty over the destiny of the earth and its inhabitants. It portrays God as actively initiating a complete reversal of order, emptying the land, rendering it waste, turning its very fabric upside down, and scattering its population.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:1 signals a dramatic and significant shift in the book of Isaiah's prophetic scope. Prior chapters (13-23) predominantly contain oracles of judgment against specific foreign nations—such as Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Egypt, and Tyre—addressing their particular sins and impending downfalls. However, with chapter 24, the prophetic lens broadens immensely, moving from localized national judgments to a universal, cosmic judgment that encompasses the entire earth and all its inhabitants. This section, often designated the "Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27), is characterized by its vivid apocalyptic imagery, depicting widespread global desolation, the shaking of creation, and ultimately, the triumphant establishment of God's righteous kingdom. Verse 1 serves as the stark and arresting opening statement of this worldwide catastrophe, setting the stage for the detailed descriptions of ruin and the eventual triumph of God's righteous reign that unfold in the subsequent chapters, echoing themes of divine judgment found in [Amos 9:5-8](/amos/9-5-8 "Amos 9:5-8 - The Lord's Judgment on the Earth") and [Zephaniah 1:2-3](/zephaniah/1-2-3 "Zephaniah 1:2-3 - God's Universal Judgment").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the turbulent 8th century BC, a period of significant geopolitical upheaval for Judah, marked by the formidable rise of the Assyrian Empire and the looming threat of the Babylonian Empire. While many of Isaiah's prophecies directly address the political and military realities of his contemporary world, the universal judgment depicted in Isaiah 24 transcends these immediate historical circumstances. The imagery of the earth being "empty" and "waste" would have resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern cosmological concepts of chaos and the primeval void, often associated with a reversal of the original creation. The idea of a powerful deity bringing about such widespread desolation was not unique to Israelite thought, but Isaiah emphatically distinguishes this as the deliberate and sovereign act of [Yahweh, the God of Israel](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals His Name as 'I AM'"), whose authority extends over all nations and even the very fabric of creation itself. The phrase "the inhabitants thereof" refers to humanity at large, underscoring that no one is exempt from the consequences of widespread sin and rebellion against the Creator.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse powerfully introduces and underscores several profound theological and narrative themes that permeate Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse." Firstly, it unequivocally highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: the repeated declarations "the LORD maketh" (KJV) or "the LORD lays waste" (NIV) leave no doubt that this global devastation is not a random occurrence but a deliberate, active, and righteous act of God's judgment. This emphasizes God's ultimate authority over all creation and history, a theme consistent with Isaiah's broader message that [God is the sovereign King](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - Isaiah's Vision of the Lord Enthroned"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Universal Desolation and Reversal of Creation**: the vivid imagery of the earth being "empty," "waste," and its inhabitants "scattered abroad" portrays a comprehensive and inescapable judgment. This language intentionally echoes the state of the earth before creation in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Before Creation") as "without form and void" (_tohu wa-bohu_), suggesting a dramatic reversal of the order and fruitfulness established at creation, leading to barrenness and dispersion as a direct consequence of human sin. Thirdly, the striking phrase "turneth it upside down" vividly illustrates **Cosmic Upheaval and Disruption of Order**, signifying a profound shaking and disarray where all established norms and structures—both natural and societal—are overthrown by divine power. This imagery resonates with other biblical prophecies of [God shaking creation](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26-27 - God Shakes Heaven and Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, YHWH (H3068), the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." Derived from the verb "to be" (H1961, _hâyâh_), it signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature of God. In Isaiah 24:1, the use of _Yᵉhôvâh_ emphasizes that the impending global judgment is not a random or impersonal event but the deliberate, sovereign act of the one true God, who is actively involved in history and holds ultimate authority over creation and its inhabitants. He is the prime mover behind the devastation, ensuring it is a righteous and purposeful act.
* **empty (Hebrew, _bâqaq'_):** This primitive root (H1238) means "to pour out," "to empty," or figuratively, "to depopulate." It also carries the sense of making something "void" or "utterly" failing. Its use here, alongside "waste," conveys a sense of complete evacuation and desolation. This word describes a comprehensive stripping away of life and order from the planet, evoking the primordial state of the earth described in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Before Creation") as "without form and void." In Isaiah 24:1, _bâqaq_ depicts a reversal of creation, where the earth is emptied of its life and order, returning to a state of chaos as a result of divine judgment.
* **turneth it upside down (Hebrew, _ʻâvâh'_ and _pânîym'_):** This powerful phrase is formed from the verb _ʻâvâh_ (H5753) and the noun _pânîym_ (H6440). The verb _ʻâvâh_ means "to crook," "to pervert," or "to make crooked," implying a distortion or inversion of what is right or ordered, or to do amiss. The noun _pânîym_ refers to "the face" or "surface," often used in a wide variety of applications. Therefore, "turneth it upside down" literally means "perverts its face" or "twists its surface." This vivid imagery signifies a complete disruption of the natural and moral order of the world, a profound shaking and disarray where established norms and structures are overthrown, indicating a radical and comprehensive divine intervention that utterly upends all that is known and stable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty,"**: This opening exclamation, "Behold," serves as an urgent summons to attention, signaling a momentous and awe-inspiring divine declaration. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is explicitly identified as the active agent, underscoring His supreme sovereignty and deliberate involvement. The verb "maketh... empty" (from _bâqaq_) denotes a purposeful act of depopulation and desolation, suggesting a stripping away of life, inhabitants, and established order from the planet.
* **"and maketh it waste,"**: This clause reinforces and intensifies the imagery of desolation established by the preceding phrase. The word "waste" (from _bâlaq_, H1110) signifies annihilation, utter ruin, or complete destruction. Together with "empty," it paints a picture of comprehensive devastation, where the earth is rendered barren, uninhabitable, and devoid of its former fruitfulness, representing a stark reversal of its created purpose to be fruitful and filled.
* **"and turneth it upside down,"**: This vivid and impactful phrase describes a complete inversion or perversion of the earth's established order. It implies not merely destruction, but a fundamental disruption of its very structure and systems, both physical and societal. This imagery suggests a chaotic upheaval, where everything is disoriented, twisted, and overturned by divine power, signifying a radical and comprehensive divine intervention that upends all that is known and stable.
* **"and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof."**: The final clause specifies the direct fate of humanity, the "inhabitants" (from _yâshab_, H3427, meaning to dwell or inhabit). The verb "scattereth abroad" (from _pûwts_, H6327) conveys dispersion, fragmentation, and forced displacement. This indicates that the judgment is not merely environmental but also directly affects the human population, driving them from their homes, communities, and established ways of life. This scattering is a direct consequence of the earth being made empty and waste, highlighting the universal scope of God's judgment on all who dwell upon the earth.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending global judgment with dramatic effect. The opening word, **"Behold,"** functions as an imperative, demanding immediate and solemn attention, signaling the profound significance and divine origin of the announcement that follows. The verse is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of cosmic upheaval: the earth being "empty," "waste," and "turned upside down" evokes a scene of utter devastation and chaos, reminiscent of the primordial void before creation. This is a deliberate **Reversal of Creation Imagery**, where the ordered, populated, and fruitful world is returned to a state of formlessness and emptiness as a direct consequence of divine judgment. The repeated use of active verbs describing God's direct action—"maketh empty," "maketh waste," "turneth it upside down," "scattereth"—demonstrates powerful **Anaphora** and **Parallelism**, emphasizing the deliberate, comprehensive, and sovereign nature of God's judgment. Furthermore, the description of the earth itself being "turned upside down" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, as if the earth itself is undergoing a violent, disorienting, and painful experience, thereby highlighting the profound and pervasive impact of God's wrath on the very fabric of creation. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create an overwhelming sense of inescapable divine power and an unprecedented global catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:1 stands as a stark and undeniable reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It profoundly reveals that the Lord is not a passive observer of human history but an active, decisive agent, capable of bringing about universal judgment when humanity's sin and rebellion reach a tipping point. This verse underscores the cosmic consequences of human rebellion, demonstrating that sin not only affects individuals and nations but also has profound repercussions for the very created order itself. It challenges any notion of human autonomy, self-sufficiency, or invincibility, asserting that all creation and all its inhabitants are ultimately subject to the will and righteous judgment of the Creator. While the imagery presented is terrifying and severe, it simultaneously offers a paradoxical affirmation of God's holiness and His ultimate control, even amidst chaos, pointing to a divine purpose behind the desolation that will ultimately lead to a new order.

* [Psalm 96:13](/psalm/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth")
* [Jeremiah 4:23-26](/jeremiah/4-23-26 "Jeremiah 4:23-26 - Jeremiah's Vision of Desolation")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12-14 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:1 serves as a profound call to humility and a radical reorientation toward God's ultimate authority. In a world that frequently prides itself on human achievement, technological advancement, and perceived control over its destiny, this verse powerfully reminds us that all things are ultimately subject to the Lord's sovereign will. The vivid depiction of global judgment should foster a healthy and reverent fear of God, not as a tyrannical despot, but as a righteous, holy, and just Creator who will not tolerate perpetual rebellion and widespread unrighteousness indefinitely. It compels us to deeply consider the gravity of sin and the universal, far-reaching consequences it incurs, affecting not just individuals but the entire created order. For believers, while the imagery is severe, it also offers a paradoxical comfort: God is indeed in control. His justice will ultimately prevail, and His redemptive purposes will be accomplished. This profound truth should inspire us to live lives that honor Him, to actively advocate for righteousness in a fallen world, and to urgently share the good news of His redemptive plan, knowing that the current order is temporary and subject to His divine intervention and ultimate renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the earth being "empty," "waste," and "turned upside down" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's power and justice?**
* **In what ways might the "scattering abroad of inhabitants" relate to the consequences of widespread sin and rebellion in our own lives or society today?**
* **How does the absolute sovereignty of God in judgment, as depicted here, shape your perspective on current global events, natural disasters, or personal challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more consciously in light of God's ultimate authority, His coming judgment, and His promise of a new creation?**

### FAQ
**Is Isaiah 24:1 a prophecy about the end times or a specific historical event?**

Answer: Isaiah 24:1, along with the rest of chapters 24-27 (often called the "Little Apocalypse"), is generally understood by scholars to have both immediate and eschatological (end-times) implications. While many of Isaiah's prophecies clearly relate to specific historical judgments on nations like Assyria or Babylon, the language of Isaiah 24 is uniquely universal and cosmic. Phrases like "the LORD maketh the earth empty," "maketh it waste," and "scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof" suggest a judgment far grander than any single historical event, impacting the entire globe. Many theologians interpret this as a prophetic vision of God's ultimate judgment on all humanity and the created order, preceding the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as hinted at in [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "Isaiah 25:6-9 - God's Feast for All Peoples"). Therefore, it is seen as a prophecy with a near-term application (perhaps to a general judgment on the nations of Isaiah's day) but primarily pointing to the ultimate, final judgment at the close of human history.

**Why would a loving God "empty" and "waste" the earth?**

Answer: The severe imagery in Isaiah 24:1 highlights God's absolute holiness, righteousness, and justice. While God is indeed loving, His love is always balanced and perfectly integrated with His righteousness. The "emptying" and "wasting" of the earth are depicted as a direct and necessary consequence of widespread human sin, rebellion, and persistent wickedness against His divine order. Throughout Scripture, God's judgments are never arbitrary acts of cruelty but rather just and necessary responses to profound and unrepentant evil, designed to purge corruption and ultimately restore righteousness. This verse serves as a sober warning that sin has cosmic consequences and that God, in His perfect character, will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. It underscores that God's love does not negate His justice; rather, His justice is an essential expression of His perfect character, ensuring that all wrongs will eventually be made right, leading to a new creation where righteousness dwells, as promised in [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 24:1 depicts a terrifying scene of universal judgment and cosmic desolation, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in how Jesus Christ both embodies divine judgment and offers the singular path to redemption and new creation. The overwhelming chaos, emptiness, and scattering described in this verse powerfully underscore humanity's desperate need for a Savior—one who can deliver from the wrath to come and restore what is broken. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross, thereby offering an escape from the universal condemnation that Isaiah so vividly prophesies. Furthermore, Christ's resurrection and ascension inaugurate the new creation, fundamentally reversing the curse and desolation brought by sin. He is the one through whom all things will be made new, leading to the glorious promise of a [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth") where righteousness eternally dwells, a stark and redemptive contrast to the "empty" and "waste" earth of Isaiah 24:1. Thus, this verse, while a profound picture of divine wrath and the consequences of sin, ultimately points to the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work, which alone provides hope beyond the impending judgment and secures a future of eternal order, peace, and flourishing for all who believe in Him, for indeed, [in Him all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Nahum 2:10

She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

Isaiah 24:20

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

Isaiah 42:15

I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.

Isaiah 6:11

Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,

Isaiah 6:12

And the LORD have removed men far away, and [there be] a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

Ezekiel 35:14

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate.