Isaiah 24:7

Commentary on Isaiah 24:7 (KJV)

Isaiah 24:7 is a vivid picture of desolation and sorrow, forming part of a larger prophecy detailing God's judgment upon the whole earth. This specific verse focuses on the impact of this judgment on the sources of human joy and celebration.

Context

Chapter 24 of Isaiah describes a sweeping, global judgment from the Lord, often referred to as a "mini-apocalypse" due to its comprehensive scope. The prophet foretells a time when the earth will be "emptied and wasted" (Isaiah 24:1) because its inhabitants have transgressed laws, changed the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant. Verse 7 specifically illustrates the consequences of this widespread rebellion: the cessation of all merriment and the decay of what once brought delight, symbolizing a profound spiritual and physical decline.

Key Themes

• Loss of Joy and Prosperity: The primary imagery of "new wine mourneth" and "the vine languisheth" directly speaks to the end of festivity and abundance. Wine was a symbol of joy and blessing in ancient Israelite culture, and its absence signifies deep sorrow and economic hardship. The "merryhearted" sigh, indicating that no one is exempt from this pervasive sadness.
• Divine Judgment and Its Consequences: This verse underscores the severe consequences of human sin and rebellion against God's laws. The desolation is not random but a direct result of God's righteous judgment, leading to the removal of blessings and a state of lamentation.
• Universal Impact: The phrase "all the merryhearted do sigh" emphasizes the widespread and inescapable nature of this judgment. It affects everyone, turning former joy into universal grief. This echoes the broader theme of judgment impacting the entire earth, as seen in Isaiah 24:4 where "the earth mourneth and fadeth away."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used convey the depth of the sorrow:

• "Mourneth" (אָבַל, 'aval) implies a deep, personal lament, often used for grieving the dead. Here, it personifies the wine itself, suggesting it is sorrowful.
• "Languisheth" (אֻמְלַל, 'umlal) describes a physical withering or fading, perfectly depicting the vine's decay and loss of vitality. This term highlights the complete ruin of the source of joy.
• "Merryhearted" (שִׂמְחֵי־לֵב, simchei-lev) literally means "joyful of heart," emphasizing that even those who were once carefree and happy are now filled with sighs, a sound of deep distress.

Practical Application

Isaiah 24:7 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

1. The Transience of Earthly Joys: It highlights how quickly sources of human joy and prosperity can vanish, particularly when divine judgment is at hand. This encourages us to consider where our true joy and security lie.
2. The Seriousness of Sin: The widespread sorrow is a direct consequence of widespread transgression. The verse underscores God's sovereignty and the severe implications of rejecting His covenant and living in rebellion.
3. A Call to Reflection: It prompts believers to examine their own hearts. Are our joys rooted in fleeting earthly pleasures, or in the enduring hope and spiritual blessings found in God? While judgment brings sorrow, God also offers a future of restored joy for those who turn to Him, as prophesied in passages like Isaiah 35:10.