24–27 These four chapters are often called “Isaiah’s Apocalypse.” They discuss God’s judgment on the entire world for its sin. Isaiah’s prophecies were first directed to Judah, then to Israel, then to the surrounding nations, and finally to the whole world. These chapters describe the last days when God will judge the whole world. At that time he will finally and permanently remove evil.
24:4, 5 Not only the people suffered from their sins; even the land suffered the effects of evil and lawbreaking. Today we see the results of sin in our own land: pollution, crime, addiction, poverty. Sin affects every aspect of society so extensively that even those faithful to God suffer. We cannot blame God for these conditions because sin has brought them about. The more we who are believers renounce sin, speak against immoral practices, and share God’s Word with others, the more we slow our society’s deterioration. We must not give up: Sin is rampant, but we can make a difference.
24:14-16 The believers who are left behind after God judges Judah will sing to the glory of God’s righteousness. Isaiah grieved because of his world’s condition. We, too, can become depressed by the evil all around us. At those times we need to hold on to God’s promises for the future and look forward to singing praises to him when he restores heaven and earth.
24:21 “The host of the high ones” refers to spiritual forces opposed to God. Nobody, not even the so-called high ones, will escape due punishment.