Isaiah 24:3

KJV

The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.

KJV (with Strong's)

The land {H776} shall be utterly {H1238} emptied {H1238}, and utterly {H962} spoiled {H962}: for the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} this word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The land will be completely stripped, completely plundered, for ADONAI has spoken this word.

Berean Standard Bible

The earth will be utterly laid waste and thoroughly plundered. For the LORD has spoken this word.

American Standard Version

The earth shall be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste; for Jehovah hath spoken this word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 24:3 delivers a stark prophetic declaration of comprehensive divine judgment, foretelling a complete desolation and plundering of the land. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the absolute certainty and inevitability of God's decree, emphasizing that the impending devastation is not a random occurrence but a direct and irreversible consequence of the LORD's spoken word, thus underscoring His ultimate sovereignty and the unwavering power of His pronouncements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 24:3 is strategically placed within a pivotal prophetic section of the book, often referred to as "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This section marks a significant shift from prophecies directed at specific nations to a universal judgment encompassing the entire earth. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 24:1-2](/isaiah/24-1-2 "Isaiah 24:1-2 - Earth's Devastation and Universal Judgment"), vividly depict the earth being "emptied" and "laid waste," affecting all societal strata from priest to people, master to servant, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the impending catastrophe. Verse 3 reiterates and intensifies this theme of desolation, providing the divine rationale for such widespread destruction: "for the LORD hath spoken this word," thereby setting the stage for the detailed reasons and profound implications of this judgment that unfold throughout the chapter, particularly the breaking of the everlasting covenant mentioned in [Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - The Earth Defiled by Transgression").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the immediate historical trigger for this specific prophecy is not explicitly stated, Isaiah's prophetic ministry spanned a period of profound political instability and spiritual decline in Judah and Israel, marked by the rising power of Assyria. The concept of divine judgment for covenant disobedience was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought, rooted in the Mosaic Law and its blessings and curses outlined in texts like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The imagery of a land being "emptied" and "spoiled" would have resonated powerfully with a people familiar with the devastating consequences of warfare, invasion, and agricultural ruin, often understood as direct divine chastisement. The "land" (Hebrew: `erets`) in this context, while capable of referring to the land of Israel, appears in [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Earth's Desolation") to denote a cosmic or universal scope, reflecting a global judgment that transcends national boundaries, a theme that, while present in ancient Near Eastern apocalyptic literature, is uniquely framed by Israel's covenant theology.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Earth's Desolation") and the broader book. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting that the cataclysmic events are not random occurrences but meticulously orchestrated and decreed by God Himself. This highlights His absolute control over creation and history, a theme prevalent throughout Isaiah, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10-11](/isaiah/46-10-11 "Isaiah 46:10-11 - God's Unchanging Purpose"). Secondly, the repeated emphasis on "utterly emptied" and "utterly spoiled" establishes the theme of **Total Desolation**, signifying a complete and irreversible stripping away of all order and prosperity. This thoroughness of judgment is a direct consequence of the **Consequences of Sin and Covenant Breaking**, which [Isaiah 24:5-6](/isaiah/24-5-6 "Isaiah 24:5-6 - Earth's Defilement and Curse") explicitly links to humanity's transgression of God's laws. Finally, the concluding phrase, "for the LORD hath spoken this word," reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Certainty and the Efficacy of God's Word**, assuring the reader that divine pronouncements are not mere predictions but powerful decrees that will unfailingly come to pass, echoing the reliability of God's word found in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **emptied (Hebrew, _bâqaq'_):** From H1238, a primitive root meaning "to pour out, i.e., to empty, figuratively, to depopulate; by analogy, to spread out (as a fruitful vine); (make) empty (out), fail, [idiom] utterly, make void." The intensive repetition of this verb (rendered "utterly emptied") in the KJV text signifies a profound and complete evacuation and voiding. It suggests a process of stripping away everything, leaving the land desolate and devoid of inhabitants, resources, or any form of flourishing. This is not a partial removal but a thorough and absolute emptying, akin to pouring out a vessel until nothing remains.
* **spoiled (Hebrew, _bâzaz'_):** From H962, a primitive root meaning "to plunder; catch, gather, (take) for a prey, rob(-ber), spoil, take (away, spoil), [idiom] utterly." Paired with "emptied," this word emphasizes the violent, aggressive, and destructive nature of the judgment. It implies not just a removal but a forceful taking of possessions, a plundering that leaves the land ravaged and its resources confiscated or destroyed. The combination with "utterly" (derived from the same root `bâzaz`) reinforces the completeness of this plundering, leaving nothing of value, order, or sustenance behind.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, derived from H1696 (`dâbar`, "to speak"). This noun signifies "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." In this context, `dâbâr` refers to a divine decree, a pronouncement that carries inherent power, authority, and performative efficacy. When the LORD "hath spoken this word," it is not merely a statement or a prediction but an active, creative, and executive force that ensures the certain and absolute fulfillment of the prophecy. It highlights the dynamic and causative nature of God's speech, where His words are not just descriptive but bring about the reality they declare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled":** This opening clause vividly portrays the extent and nature of the impending devastation. The emphatic repetition of "utterly" (derived from the intensive forms of the Hebrew verbs `bâqaq` and `bâzaz`) serves as a powerful intensifier, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of the judgment. The land will be completely stripped of its inhabitants, resources, and order, leaving it desolate and plundered. This signifies a reversal of creation's order, a return to a state of void and chaos, indicating the severity and thoroughness of God's righteous wrath against sin.
* **"for the LORD hath spoken this word.":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and irrefutable guarantee for the preceding declaration of desolation. The conjunction "for" (`ki`) introduces the reason for the land's catastrophic state: it is a direct result of the sovereign will and authoritative pronouncement of "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel). The phrase "hath spoken this word" (Hebrew: `dibber et ha-davar ha-zeh`) emphasizes the certainty, irrevocability, and efficacy of the prophecy. God's word is not empty or powerless; it is self-fulfilling and potent, ensuring that what He declares will undoubtedly come to pass. This statement serves as a divine seal, authenticating the prophecy and highlighting God's ultimate control over all events and His unwavering faithfulness to His pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 24:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of impending judgment with profound impact. **Repetition** is prominently used with the words "utterly emptied" and "utterly spoiled." This repetition serves as an **Intensification**, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of the devastation, leaving no doubt about the totality of the judgment. The pairing of "emptied" (suggesting depopulation and void) and "spoiled" (implying plundering and destruction) creates a vivid **Parallelism** that comprehensively describes the state of the land, reinforcing the idea of complete ruin. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "for the LORD hath spoken this word" functions as a **Divine Assertion of Authority**, serving as a theological anchor that grounds the prophecy in God's immutable will and omnipotent power. This statement also embodies **Prophetic Certainty**, transforming the declaration from a mere prediction into a guaranteed outcome due to the inherent power and reliability of God's spoken word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 24:3 profoundly articulates the theme of divine sovereignty and the unwavering efficacy of God's word in executing judgment. The desolation described is not random chaos or a mere consequence of natural forces, but a direct, intentional act of God, a testament to His ultimate authority over creation and history. This verse establishes a foundational theological principle: what God declares, He performs. His word is not merely informative but performative, carrying the inherent power to bring about the reality it describes. This certainty of divine judgment serves as a solemn warning against sin and rebellion, emphasizing that disobedience to God's covenant has dire and inevitable consequences, ultimately leading to a stripping away of all that is valued and a reversal of created order.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "Jeremiah 1:12 - God Watches Over His Word to Perform It")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 24:3 serves as a profound reminder of the gravity of God's justice and the absolute certainty of His word. In a world that often dismisses divine authority, presumes upon God's patience, or believes that consequences for sin can be avoided, this verse unequivocally states that God's pronouncements are not idle threats but powerful decrees that will unfailingly come to pass. For us today, it calls for a deep reverence for God's sovereignty and a serious consideration of the consequences of living in opposition to His revealed will. It compels us to examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with the "word" that the LORD has spoken, embracing His truth and commands, or are we contributing to the spiritual emptiness and moral decay that invite His righteous judgment upon individuals and societies? This verse is a stark call to repentance and a renewed commitment to humble obedience, recognizing that true security and flourishing lie not in worldly possessions or power, but in reverent submission to the One whose word controls all things and whose promises are eternally sure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute certainty of God's judgment, as declared in this verse, impact your understanding of His character and holiness?**
* **In what ways might our contemporary society be experiencing a form of being "emptied" or "spoiled" due to a collective disregard for God's word and moral order?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better align your personal life and influence with the "word" that the LORD has spoken, ensuring you are building on an unshakeable foundation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the repetition of "utterly" in this verse?**
Answer: The repetition of "utterly" (derived from the Hebrew roots `bâqaq` for emptied and `bâzaz` for spoiled) is a powerful literary device that serves as an intensifier. It emphasizes the absolute, complete, and comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. It means the land will not just be partially affected, but thoroughly and totally stripped bare, depopulated, and plundered, leaving nothing behind. This underscores the severity and finality of God's decree, as described in [Isaiah 24:1](/isaiah/24-1 "Isaiah 24:1 - The Earth Laid Waste and Distorted").

**Does "the land" refer specifically to Israel or the entire earth?**
Answer: While "the land" (`erets` in Hebrew) can indeed refer to a specific country like Israel, in the broader context of [Isaiah 24](/isaiah/24 "Isaiah 24 - The Earth's Desolation"), the scope of the judgment appears to be universal, encompassing the entire earth. Phrases like "the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof" in [Isaiah 24:5](/isaiah/24-5 "Isaiah 24:5 - Earth's Defilement by Transgression") strongly suggest a global catastrophe, not limited to a single nation. This chapter is often called "Isaiah's Little Apocalypse" precisely because of its cosmic and universal scope of judgment.

**How does "for the LORD hath spoken this word" relate to God's sovereignty?**
Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and the unwavering power of His word. It signifies that the devastation is not a random event or a consequence of natural forces alone, but a direct and intentional act decreed by the LORD (Yahweh), the covenant God. It highlights that God's pronouncements are not mere predictions but performative acts that bring about what they declare. His word is efficacious and self-fulfilling, guaranteeing the certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment and demonstrating His ultimate control over all creation and history, a theme powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 24:3 speaks of a devastating judgment upon the land, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not solely in the *destruction* itself, but profoundly in the *sovereignty of the God who speaks* and the *certainty of His word*—themes that find their ultimate embodiment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The God who "hath spoken this word" in judgment is the same God whose eternal "Word became flesh and dwelt among us," full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus Himself is the living Word, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, decrees, and redemptive purposes. The judgment prophesied in Isaiah, a dire consequence of humanity's sin and covenant-breaking, points forward to the profound need for a perfect sacrifice and a new covenant. Christ, through His atoning work on the cross, took upon Himself the ultimate "emptying" and "spoiling" of divine judgment, becoming sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Furthermore, the certainty of God's word in judgment foreshadows the even greater certainty of God's word in salvation and consummation. Just as the LORD's word guaranteed desolation for the unrepentant, so too does His word guarantee eternal life and the glorious restoration of all things for those who believe in Christ ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Ultimately, the Christ-centered perspective transforms the warning of judgment into a profound affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness, both in His righteous wrath against sin and in His redemptive plan for humanity through His Son, whose words "will never pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")).

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 24:1

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

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,

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Deuteronomy 29:28

And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as [it is] this day.

Leviticus 26:30

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

Leviticus 26:35

As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.