The Pulpit Commentary on Isaiah 24:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty. Several critics (Lowth, Ewald, Gesenius, Knobel) prefer to render, "maketh the land empty;" but the broader view, which is maintained by Rosenmüller, Kay, Cheyne, and others, seems preferable.

The mention of "the world" in Isaiah 24:4, and of "the-kings of the earth" in Isaiah 24:21, implies a wider field of survey than the Holy Land. Of course the expression, "maketh empty," is rhetorical, some remarkable, but not complete, depopulation being pointed at (comp.

Isaiah 24:6). Turneth it upside down (comp. Ezekiel 21:27). Scattereth abroad the inhabitants. The scanty population left is dispersed, and not allowed to collect into masses.

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