Isaiah 24 · a question people ask
Is this chapter about the whole earth, or about one land?
The Hebrew word can mean either. Earth in this chapter is erets, which Brown-Driver-Briggs gives as "earth, land", and the WEB gives it as earth 15 times here and as land once: "The mirth of the land is gone" (24:11). In "the kings of the earth on the earth" (24:21) the word is another one, adamah, which Brown-Driver-Briggs gives first as "ground, land (as tilled)". What the chapter itself names is wide: "the islands of the sea" (24:15), "the uttermost part of the earth" (24:16), "the army of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth" (24:21). It also names one place: "for the LORD of Armies will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem" (24:23). It doesn't name Judah, Babylon or any other nation; Israel is named only in "the God of Israel" (24:15). These notes give the WEB's words as they stand and don't settle more than the chapter says.
The verses
“Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.”
“There is a crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone.”
“Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, even the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea! From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs. Glory to the righteous! But I said, “I pine away! I pine away! woe is me!” The treacherous have dealt treacherously. Yes, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously.”
“It will happen in that day that the LORD will punish the army of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth on the earth.”