Isaiah 24:6

Commentary on Isaiah 24:6 (KJV)

Isaiah 24:6 is part of a prophetic chapter often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" (Isaiah 24-27) due to its focus on a global judgment and cosmic upheaval. This verse vividly describes the devastating consequences of God's judgment upon the entire earth, emphasizing a universal desolation that leaves only a remnant.

Context

Chapter 24 opens with a dramatic declaration of the Lord's intent to lay waste to the earth, turning it upside down. This is not a judgment confined to Israel or a specific nation, but a comprehensive divine reckoning upon all inhabitants because they have transgressed laws, changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:5). Verse 6 then explains the direct result of this widespread sin and rebellion, painting a picture of extreme scarcity and ruin.

Key Themes

• Universal Divine Judgment: The verse explicitly states "the earth" and "the inhabitants of the earth," highlighting that God's judgment is not limited to a specific people or region but encompasses the entire world. This speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and justice over all creation.
• The Curse and Desolation: The central theme is the effect of "the curse" devouring the earth. This is a direct consequence of humanity's sin and breaking of God's covenant, leading to widespread desolation and destruction. The earth itself suffers under the weight of human iniquity.
• Scarcity and Remnant: The stark phrase "few men left" underscores the severity of the judgment. It implies a near-total annihilation, with only a small number surviving, a common theme in prophetic literature where a righteous remnant endures God's purifying judgments.

Linguistic Insights

• The word for "curse" in Hebrew, 'alah (אָלָה), can refer to an oath, a solemn imprecation, or a curse that brings desolation. Its usage here signifies a powerful, binding judgment from God.
• "Devoured" ('akalah, אָכְלָה) is a strong verb, literally meaning "eaten" or "consumed." It paints a picture of the curse actively consuming the land and its people, leaving nothing behind.
• "Desolate" ('ashmu, אָשְׁמוּ) carries connotations of guilt, punishment, and ruin. It suggests that the inhabitants are experiencing the just consequences of their actions.
• "Burned" (charu, חָרוּ) implies scorching or being inflamed, indicating intense heat and destruction, further emphasizing the severity and finality of the judgment.

Related Scriptures

The concept of the curse devouring the earth harks back to the consequences of sin in the Garden of Eden. This depiction of widespread desolation and a small remnant is echoed in other prophetic warnings, such as Zephaniah 1:2-3, which speaks of God consuming everything from the face of the land. The idea of God's righteous judgment against sin is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from the flood in Genesis 6 to the ultimate reckoning described in Revelation 20:11-15.

Practical Application

Isaiah 24:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of widespread sin and rebellion against His laws. It highlights that sin affects not only individuals but also the very fabric of creation. For us today, this verse calls for:

• Humility and Repentance: Acknowledging God's absolute authority and the seriousness of our own transgressions, leading to genuine repentance.
• Reverence for God's Holiness: Understanding that God is not only loving but also just, and His holiness demands a response to unrighteousness.
• Hope in God's Preservation: Even in the midst of severe judgment, the mention of "few men left" can subtly point to God's ultimate plan of salvation and the preservation of a chosen remnant through Christ, offering hope beyond the immediate desolation.