Isaiah 24:19

The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.

The earth {H776} is utterly {H7489} broken down {H7489}, the earth {H776} is clean {H6565} dissolved {H6565}, the earth {H776} is moved {H4131} exceedingly {H4131}.

The earth cracks and breaks open, the earth crumbles to pieces, the earth trembles and totters.

The earth is utterly broken apart, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken violently.

The earth is utterly broken, the earth is rent asunder, the earth is shaken violently.

Commentary

Context of Isaiah 24:19

Isaiah chapter 24 is often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" due to its sweeping prophetic vision of global judgment and cosmic upheaval. This chapter describes the Lord's impending judgment upon the entire earth, not just Israel or a specific nation. The desolation depicted in verses 1-12 is a direct consequence of humanity's widespread sin, transgression of laws, and breaking of the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:5). Verse 19 intensifies this portrayal, graphically illustrating the physical collapse and dissolution of the world as part of God's righteous wrath. It sets the stage for the dramatic events and ultimate restoration described later in the chapter and book.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully conveys God's absolute control over creation and His unwavering justice. The earth's instability is not random but a direct manifestation of His judgment against human rebellion and sin.
  • Global Cataclysm: The imagery of the earth being "broken down," "dissolved," and "moved exceedingly" paints a picture of unprecedented, universal devastation. This is a cosmic shaking that affects the very foundations of the world, highlighting the severity of God's wrath against unrighteousness.
  • Consequences of Sin: This intense judgment serves as a stark reminder that widespread sin and defiance against God's laws have severe, far-reaching consequences, extending beyond individuals to impact the entire created order. The chaos reflects the spiritual brokenness of humanity.
  • Inescapability of God's Reckoning: The comprehensive nature of the destruction implies that no one can escape God's ultimate reckoning. The judgment is so pervasive that the very ground beneath one's feet gives way, emphasizing the futility of resistance. This echoes similar prophecies of a future "day of the Lord" found in other prophetic books, such as Zephaniah 1:14-18.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's translation of Isaiah 24:19 uses strong, evocative language, which is reinforced by the original Hebrew terms:

  • "broken down" (Hebrew: ืคึธึผืจึนื–, paroz, related to ืคึธึผืจึทืฅ, paratz): This term implies a bursting forth, a breaking open, or a shattering. It suggests a collapse from internal pressure or a violent rupture, like a wall being breached.
  • "clean dissolved" (Hebrew: ืคึธึผืจึทืจ, parar): This word means to shake apart, to crumble, to annul, or to make void. It speaks to a complete disintegration, a loss of form and structure, leaving nothing coherent behind.
  • "moved exceedingly" (Hebrew: ืžื•ึนื˜, mot): This signifies a shaking, tottering, or wavering. It conveys extreme instability, as if the earth itself is reeling and unable to stand firm. The repetition of the root emphasizes the profound and relentless shaking.

The triadic repetition of these phrases emphasizes the totality and extreme nature of the earth's devastation, underscoring that this is not a partial or temporary disturbance but a fundamental unraveling.

Practical Application and Reflection

Isaiah 24:19, while depicting a terrifying future, offers profound lessons for today:

  • A Call to Repentance: The verse serves as a sober reminder of God's holiness and justice. It urges humanity to recognize the severity of sin and to seek repentance before the day of ultimate judgment. Living righteously and seeking God's will becomes paramount.
  • Understanding God's Sovereignty: Even in chaos, God remains in control. This passage reaffirms His power over all creation and His ability to bring about His purposes, whether in judgment or redemption.
  • The Temporary Nature of This World: The vivid imagery of the earth's dissolution reminds us that our current world is not eternal. Believers are called to set their hope not on transient earthly possessions or security, but on the enduring kingdom of God and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
  • Motivation for Evangelism: Knowing the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin should motivate believers to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, offering hope and deliverance from future judgment.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 34:4

    And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

  • Isaiah 34:10

    It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

  • Deuteronomy 11:6

    And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that [was] in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:

  • Revelation 20:11

    ยถ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Nahum 1:5

    The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

  • Jeremiah 4:23

    I beheld the earth, and, lo, [it was] without form, and void; and the heavens, and they [had] no light.

  • Jeremiah 4:28

    For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken [it], I have purposed [it], and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.
โ† Back