What does Isaiah 24:10 mean?
In the last days of history before Messiah's direct rule on earth, the planet will become nearly lifeless. For one, an apparent drought and heat have caused the plants to wither and stopped the crops from thriving, including the harvest of wine grapes (Isaiah 24:6–9).In another sense, life itself has become secluded, withdrawn, and joyless. Isaiah is comparing life in a city that once pulsed with the energy of many people going about their business, along with music and wine and good times together. Of course, some of those good times may have led to the very sinfulness that brought judgment on the earth. Still, there was noise, connection, and community.
Isaiah pictures survivors keeping to themselves in the ruins of a formerly proud city. The entrance to every house is barred. People clearly don't feel safe interacting together. This could be due to threats of violence or perhaps disease. Everyone lives in a kind of permanent lockdown, at least until the riots begin in the following verse (Isaiah 24:11).
Isaiah 24:1–13 describes the Lord's judgment of all humanity during the end times. This destruction comes in response to human sinfulness. God will bring a calamity on earth that will tear the people from their homes. All will suffer equally. Everything will wither, and the few survivors will be scorched. Music, wine, and joy will end: what's left of civilization will be like the olives missed by workers at harvest.
Isaiah describes terrible judgment the Lord will bring on the earth during the final days. The Lord will twist the surface of the earth, scattering the people. All will suffer equally regardless of status, and the earth will be fully emptied. Everything will wither and languish. The Lord will do this because of human sinfulness against Him. Few will survive, and there will be no wine, music, or gladness. The only exception to this will be the singing of those who praise the Lord. Massive earthquakes will destroy the earth, and the Lord will lock up all who stood against Him before beginning His reign as king.
