What does Isaiah 24:4 mean?
The Lord's judgment has come to the earth, as predicted here by Isaiah. This oracle is likely about the end times: the very last days of history before the Messiah comes to rule and reign over the earth. Isaiah has described all class and caste systems made invalid. Every human being will be scattered. They will be running for their lives from whatever catastrophes God uses to twist the surface of the earth and lay it to waste (Isaiah 24:1–3).Now Isaiah describes the earth in the aftermath of those events. The world is grieving and wasting away. Everything is dried up and dying. Nobody is protected by their privilege or status. Even the world's most important people deteriorate as they wait for what will come next. No one will be shielded by their perceived position in the world.
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.
