Isaiah 24:3

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 24:3 is a vivid declaration of impending, widespread judgment, emphasizing the absolute certainty of its fulfillment because it is decreed by God Himself. This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in Isaiah (chapters 24-27) often referred to as Isaiah's "Little Apocalypse," which foretells a time of global devastation and divine reckoning.

Context

Chapter 24 of Isaiah paints a desolate picture of the earth being laid waste, turned upside down, and scattered. It describes a judgment that affects all inhabitants, from priest to people, master to servant, buyer to seller, signifying a universal upheaval. This is not merely a local or national judgment, but a cosmic one, a precursor to the earth's utter devastation due to the transgression of God's laws and the breaking of the everlasting covenant. The land's desolation is directly attributed to the actions of its inhabitants, underscoring a principle of divine justice.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully asserts that the desolation is not random but a direct result of God's spoken word. His decree ensures its absolute fulfillment, demonstrating His ultimate authority over creation and history.
  • Utter Desolation: The repetition of "utterly emptied" and "utterly spoiled" emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the destruction. It signifies a total stripping away, leaving nothing behind.
  • Consequences of Sin: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Isaiah 24 makes it clear that this devastating judgment is a direct consequence of humanity's sin, rebellion, and breaking of God's covenant (Isaiah 24:5).
  • Prophetic Certainty: The phrase "for the LORD hath spoken this word" acts as a divine seal, guaranteeing that what is prophesied will undoubtedly come to pass. It highlights the reliability and power of God's pronouncements, echoing themes found elsewhere, such as in Isaiah 46:11 where God declares, "I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words translated "utterly emptied" (בּוֹקֵק, boqeq) and "utterly spoiled" (בּוֹזֵז, bozez) are participles that convey continuous action and a sense of absolute stripping and plundering. The pairing of these terms creates a powerful, emphatic declaration of total devastation. The phrase "for the LORD hath spoken this word" (כִּי־יְהוָה דִּבֶּר אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה, ki YHWH dibber et ha-davar ha-zeh) underscores the divine origin and unchangeable nature of the prophecy.

Practical Application

Isaiah 24:3 serves as a solemn reminder of God's justice and sovereignty. It teaches us that God's word is not empty but carries inherent power to bring about what it declares. For believers, it reinforces the importance of living in accordance with God's will and recognizing the serious consequences of sin and rebellion. For all, it is a call to acknowledge God's authority and to seek His mercy, understanding that ultimately, He is in control of all things, and His purposes will prevail.

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.

  • 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.

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