“The earth is polluted by its inhabitants, for they have transgressed teachings, overstepped decrees, and broken the everlasting covenant” (v. 5).

“earth’s rejoicing goes into exile” (v. 11).

The earth faces God’s judgment.  This is Isaiah 24.  And it’s not a mystery as to why.  The Scriptures say it is because they have gone so far away from the ways of God that he brings judgment.

“The earth staggers like a drunk and sways like a hut.  Earth’s rebellion weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again” (v. 20).

Most conclude that this isn’t just regarding the land of Israel as the wording is “earth” which is used a number of times.  Therefore it is assumed that this and the next couple of chapters is the final judgment of God upon the earth.  And it isn’t pretty.

No one is exempt from his judgment (v. 2-3):

people and priest alike,
servant and master,
female servant and mistress,
buyer and seller,
lender and borrower,
creditor and debtor.
The earth will be stripped completely bare
and will be totally plundered,
for the Lord has spoken this message.

Just as God has judged the great nations of the earth, so God will bring judgment upon the inhabitants of the earth.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of judgment upon the earth.  But His judgment will come.

So what is our response?

That we be ready like the parable of the virgins (Mt 25).  That we know Christ who delivers us from our sins (Mt 1).  And that we become the fragrance of Christ and not those who pollute the world (2 Cor 2).