Isaiah 24:10

KJV

The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.

KJV (with Strong's)

The city {H7151} of confusion {H8414} is broken down {H7665}: every house {H1004} is shut up {H5462}, that no man may come in {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The city of chaos is shattered, every house closed up; no one can enter.

Berean Standard Bible

The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry.

American Standard Version

The waste city is broken down; every house is shut up, that no man may come in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:10 powerfully depicts a scene of profound desolation and divine judgment, where a city, symbolic of human rebellion and disorder, is utterly destroyed. Its structures are dismantled, and its inhabitants are absent, creating an eerie silence that signifies the complete cessation of normal life and human activity. This verse serves as a stark prophetic warning of the inevitable consequences when humanity rejects God's established order, leading to a return to primeval chaos and emptiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:10 is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah, often termed "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This section shifts from specific judgments against nations to a more universal, eschatological judgment upon the entire earth. Chapter 24 specifically details the global devastation and desolation that will befall the world due to its sin and the breaking of God's eternal covenant ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Eternal Covenant")). The preceding verses describe the earth mourning, its inhabitants wasted, and the joyous sounds of music and revelry ceasing. Verse 10, therefore, climaxes this description of ruin, focusing on the complete breakdown of urban life and social structures, portraying a world emptied of its vibrant activity and brought to a standstill by divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Isaiah's prophecies often addressed specific historical nations like Assyria and Babylon, the judgment described in [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - Global Judgment") transcends any single historical event, pointing to a universal, cosmic judgment. Culturally, cities in the ancient Near East were centers of power, commerce, and human civilization, often symbolizing human achievement and self-reliance. The destruction of a city, especially one described as "of confusion," would have been understood as the ultimate undoing of human order and the shattering of human pride. The imagery of houses being "shut up" and "no man may come in" evokes a sense of abandonment and plague, reminiscent of times when cities were deserted due to war, famine, or pestilence, leaving them as desolate monuments to human failure. This context underscores the prophet's message that no human stronghold, however mighty, can withstand God's ultimate judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Isaiah and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous response to human sin and rebellion. The "city of confusion" symbolizes any human system or society built apart from God, destined for collapse. It also highlights **Desolation and Ruin**, vividly portraying the consequences of such judgment through the imagery of a broken city and deserted homes, emphasizing the complete cessation of life and order. Furthermore, the phrase "city of confusion" directly links to the theme of **Chaos and Disorder**, particularly through the Hebrew word *tohu* (confusion), which recalls the formless and empty state of the earth before creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void")). This suggests a reversal of creation, where human sin leads to a return to primeval chaos, contrasting sharply with the divine order God intends.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **confusion (Hebrew, _tôhûw'_):** From an unused root meaning "to lie waste," this term signifies a "desolation (of surface)," "desert," or "a worthless thing." Adverbially, it can mean "in vain." Its most famous biblical usage is in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Earth Was Tohu and Bohu"), describing the earth as "without form, and void" before God brought order to creation. In Isaiah 24:10, its application to a city signifies a reversal of divine order, where human rebellion leads to a state of formlessness, emptiness, and utter worthlessness, mirroring the primeval chaos.
* **broken down (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to burst (literally or figuratively)," "break (down, off, in pieces, up)," "crush," or "destroy." This word conveys a sense of violent and complete disintegration. When applied to the "city of confusion," it emphasizes the thoroughness of its destruction, not merely a weakening but a shattering into fragments, rendering it utterly unusable and beyond repair.
* **shut up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shut up," "to surrender," "close up," or "inclose." This term denotes a state of being sealed off, inaccessible, or imprisoned. In the context of "every house is shut up," it paints a picture of abandonment and emptiness. It's not just that people have left, but the very possibility of entry or return is sealed off, signifying a permanent state of desolation and the end of all domestic or social activity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The city of confusion is broken down":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the judgment – a "city" characterized by "confusion." The term "city" here is likely symbolic, representing any human stronghold, civilization, or system that operates in defiance of God's order. The description "of confusion" (Hebrew *tôhûw*) evokes a state of disorder, emptiness, and spiritual void, echoing the pre-creation chaos. The declaration that it "is broken down" signifies a complete and irreversible destruction, a violent dismantling of its very foundations, leaving it in ruins.
* **"every house is shut up":** This phrase particularizes the desolation from the general city to its individual components – the houses. "Every house" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting all domestic and private spheres. The phrase "is shut up" vividly portrays a state of abandonment and inaccessibility. It implies that these homes are not merely empty, but sealed, making entry impossible. This suggests a permanent cessation of life, commerce, and social interaction within the city's confines.
* **"that no man may come in":** This final clause clarifies the consequence and finality of the houses being shut up. It underscores the absolute emptiness and desolation. The city is not merely deserted temporarily; it is rendered uninhabitable and unvisitable. This paints a picture of utter silence and stagnation, a place where the normal rhythms of human life have ceased entirely, leaving it as a monument to divine judgment and human folly.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:10 makes potent use of several literary devices to convey its message of judgment and desolation. **Symbolism** is paramount, as "the city of confusion" serves as a powerful symbol not of a specific historical city, but of any human civilization or stronghold built on principles contrary to God's divine order. This city represents the culmination of human rebellion and its inevitable descent into chaos. The phrase "broken down" employs **Metaphor** to describe the complete collapse of this rebellious human system, extending beyond mere physical destruction to encompass societal and spiritual ruin. The imagery of "every house is shut up, that no man may come in" utilizes vivid **Imagery** to evoke a sense of eerie silence, abandonment, and absolute emptiness, painting a stark picture of a place devoid of life and human activity. This also borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness of the desolation, suggesting an extreme and comprehensive judgment that leaves no corner untouched and no possibility of return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the consequences of human rebellion against divine order. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment over all creation. The "city of confusion" represents the futility of building human systems apart from God, destined to return to the very chaos from which God originally brought order. This verse highlights the biblical principle that true peace and order are found only in submission to God's will, and deviation inevitably leads to spiritual and societal breakdown. It is a stark reminder that God will ultimately bring all things into account, establishing His perfect reign where righteousness dwells.

* [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void"): The use of "confusion" (Hebrew *tôhûw*) directly echoes the state of the earth before God's creative act, emphasizing the reversal of creation's order due to sin.
* [Revelation 18:21-23](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21-23 - The Fall of Babylon"): This passage describes the ultimate fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic city of human rebellion, whose sounds of music, commerce, and daily life cease forever, mirroring the desolation of the "city of confusion."
* [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Removal of Joy and Light"): Jeremiah's prophecy of judgment includes the removal of "the sound of mirth and the sound of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp," depicting a similar state of utter silence and cessation of normal life.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:10 stands as a sobering warning and a call to introspection for individuals and societies alike. It challenges us to examine the foundations upon which we build our lives, our communities, and our aspirations. If our endeavors are rooted in self-reliance, pride, and a rejection of God's righteous standards, they are ultimately destined for the same "confusion" and "broken down" state described in this verse. True and lasting security, peace, and flourishing are found only when we align ourselves with God's divine order and build upon His unchanging truth. This verse compels us to prioritize spiritual realities over fleeting worldly successes, reminding us that the ultimate judgment will expose all that is built on shifting sand. For believers, it reinforces the urgency of living a life that honors God, seeking His kingdom first, and being a beacon of His order in a world prone to chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cities of confusion" (systems, values, or personal habits) might I be building in my own life that are not aligned with God's will?**
* **How does the concept of God's judgment and the ultimate desolation of rebellion shape my priorities and decisions today?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to building God's kingdom and His order in my sphere of influence, rather than succumbing to worldly chaos?**

### FAQ
**What is the "city of confusion" mentioned in Isaiah 24:10?**

Answer: The "city of confusion" is widely understood by scholars to be a symbolic representation rather than a specific historical city like Jerusalem or Babylon. The Hebrew word for "confusion" (*tôhûw*) is the same term used in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Earth Without Form and Void") to describe the earth as "without form and void" before creation. Thus, the "city of confusion" symbolizes any human civilization, society, or stronghold that has rejected God's order and embraced wickedness, ultimately leading to a return to primeval chaos and emptiness. It represents the ultimate futility and destruction of human endeavors built apart from God.

**Does this verse refer to a specific historical event or a future judgment?**

Answer: While Isaiah's prophecies often have historical fulfillments, [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - Global Judgment") is generally interpreted as having a universal and eschatological scope, pointing to a future, global judgment upon the earth. The language used—widespread devastation, the breaking of an "everlasting covenant" ([Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Breaking the Eternal Covenant")), and the earth reeling like a drunkard ([Isaiah 24:20](/isaiah/24-20 "Isaiah 24:20 - Earth Reeling"))—suggests a judgment far grander than any single historical event. It foreshadows the ultimate divine reckoning with human sin and the establishment of God's righteous kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 24:10, with its depiction of a "city of confusion" broken down and deserted, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, the chaos and desolation described here underscore humanity's desperate need for a divine restorer. Jesus Christ, as the Word through whom all things were created ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Him")), is the one who brings order out of chaos, not merely at creation but continually. He is the true foundation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")) upon whom a lasting "city" can be built, in stark contrast to the rebellious human constructs destined for ruin. Furthermore, the judgment depicted in Isaiah points to Christ's role as the righteous judge. While the "city of confusion" faces destruction, Christ offers refuge and redemption, inviting humanity into His kingdom, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Ultimately, the desolation of the earthly city of rebellion foreshadows the glorious establishment of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "The City with Foundations")), where Christ reigns and there is no more confusion, sorrow, or desolation ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the judgment on the city of confusion paves the way for the eternal city of God, made possible through Christ's atoning work and triumphant reign.

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

Revelation 18:2

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 17:6

And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Isaiah 34:11

But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 27:10

Yet the defenced city [shall be] desolate, [and] the habitation forsaken, and left like a wilderness: there shall the calf feed, and there shall he lie down, and consume the branches thereof.

Jeremiah 52:13

And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great [men], burned he with fire: