Isaiah 24:22

And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.

And they shall be gathered together {H622}, as prisoners {H616} are gathered {H626} in the pit {H953}, and shall be shut up {H5462} in the prison {H4525}, and after many {H7230} days {H3117} shall they be visited {H6485}.

They will be assembled like prisoners in a dungeon and shut up in prison to be punished many years.

They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days.

And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall they be visited.

Context

Isaiah 24:22 is part of a larger prophetic section, often called the "Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27), which describes a comprehensive, global judgment by God. The preceding verse, Isaiah 24:21, identifies "they" as the "host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth." This indicates a judgment that encompasses both spiritual powers (demonic forces or rebellious angelic beings) and earthly rulers. The entire chapter paints a picture of the earth being laid waste and its inhabitants suffering due to their transgressions, leading to this ultimate divine reckoning.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute authority over all creation, both visible and invisible. He is sovereign over spiritual beings and earthly leaders, bringing them to account for their rebellion and wickedness.
  • Universal Scope of Judgment: This prophecy highlights that no entity, whether supernatural or human, is beyond God's justice. The "gathering" and "shutting up" signify an inescapable capture and confinement.
  • Confinement and Imprisonment: The imagery of being "gathered in the pit" and "shut up in the prison" vividly portrays a state of utter powerlessness and inescapable punishment. This echoes other biblical descriptions of evil powers being bound, such as the binding of Satan for a period in Revelation 20:1-3.
  • Deferred but Certain Justice: The phrase "after many days shall they be visited" is crucial. It indicates that the final disposition or ultimate judgment of these imprisoned entities is not immediate but will occur after a significant period. This speaks to God's perfect timing and the certainty of future accountability, as seen in the ultimate release and destruction of evil forces in Revelation 20:7-10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "visited" is paqad (פקד). This versatile term can mean "to visit," "to inspect," "to muster," "to appoint," or "to attend to." In contexts of judgment, as here, it often carries the strong connotation of "to punish" or "to hold accountable." Therefore, "after many days shall they be visited" implies a future visitation for the purpose of final reckoning, judgment, or punishment, rather than a release or benevolent visit.

Practical Application

For believers, Isaiah 24:22 offers profound reassurance and a call to patience. It reminds us that:

  • God is Ultimately in Control: Despite the chaos, evil, and injustice we witness in the world, God holds all powers, both human and spiritual, accountable. His justice will prevail.
  • Justice Will Be Served: This verse provides comfort that those who defy God and oppress others will not escape their just deserts. There is a coming day of reckoning for all.
  • Hope in God's Timing: The "after many days" teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing. While justice may seem delayed from a human perspective, it is absolutely certain and will be executed at the appointed time. This offers a steadfast hope in the face of present difficulties, knowing that the Lord is not slack concerning His promise.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 9:11

    As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein [is] no water.

  • Isaiah 42:22

    But this [is] a people robbed and spoiled; [they are] all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

  • Jeremiah 38:6

    Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

  • Jeremiah 38:13

    So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

  • Joshua 10:16

    But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

  • Joshua 10:17

    And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.

  • Ezekiel 38:8

    After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
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