DEFILEMENT OF THE EARTH In the previous chapters the prophet demonstrated the activity of sin in the life of nations and peoples, giving prophesies concerning about seven nations, to confirm the corruption of all peoples, even his own people: Judah and Ephraim. Now, in chapters 24 to 27 he presents general prophesies concerning the earth as a whole, to reveal the generality of corruption. Yet, his talk shines with words giving hope, and opens the way to salvation. The prophesies start with the proclamation that the same earth, that God created with His goodness, for the sake of happiness of mankind, became corrupted, and in need to be laid waste then renewed by God. That was what occurred to the flesh (as the earth refers to the earthly flesh). Sin has destroyed its capabilities and possibilities, and the very nature of things that God created is good, in order to work for the edification of the individuals and the people. We became in need of the renewal of our nature, namely the new birth, of the flesh together with the soul, with all the inner energies and capabilities. 1. General devastation 1-13. 2. Believers rejoice in the Lord 14-16. 3. Praise with terror 17-23. 1. GENERAL DEVASTATION The prophet likens the earth as a whole, to a pot, in which all its contents got corrupted. That is why its owner would empty it completely, by turning it upside down, saying, “And it shall be: As with the people, so with the priest, as with the servant, so with his master, as with the maid so with her mistress, as with the buyer so with the seller, as with the lender so with the borrower, as with the creditor so with the debtor.” (Is. 24: 1, 2) All its inhabitants are alike in rebellion. All are worthy of death. All are in need of a Savior who is capable of renewing their nature - the priest like the people, the great with the despised, and the rich with the poor. It is as though necessary to empty the earth, to get it back to its original condition before its creation - empty and waste - for God Himself to recreate once again. This is the theological principle of salvation: The creation has been utterly corrupted, and needed its Creator to renew it. And as Pope Athanasius the Apostolic says, [This likens a portrait of somebody drawn on paint, later distorted by some foreign colors. It became necessary, for the artist who created it to renew the whole work over the same paint1.] What has sin or rebellion done to humanity? Humanity came near the fire of the divine wrath; thus got burnt. The cause of that burning is the rebellious will of man that draws him to perdition. The prophet Isaiah presents a similitude to reveal the miserable condition that humanity reached: People used, at times of harvesting the vine, to hold joyful celebrations, to drink wine, sing songs, and give donations to the poor. Now, when time came, the vines are languishing, as they carry no fruits. The gaiety of the tambourine and the joy of the harp come to an end, and the noise of the jubilant ceases. All joys turns to gloom, all gaiety is banished from the earth. In desolation the city is left (Is. 24: 7-12). 1 Against Arians 1:14. So he likens the world to a burnt city turned into ashes, and sad dry fields that carry no fruits. He likens it to an olive tree that has shaken away its leaves, to turn bare of both leaves and fruits, and like “the gleaning of grapes when the vintage is done.” (Is. 24: 13) It is fitting for the priest to realize his need for salvation, like anyone of his flock (Is. 24: 2). And as St. Gregory of Nazianzus says, [Actually, there is no difference in this concern, between clergy and people2.] 2. BELIEVERS REJOICE IN THE LORD In the midst of that devastation, that deprived humanity of its inner peace and joy, there is a holy remnant that proclaims their joy in the Lord, through songs and praise. “They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing. For the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea. Therefore, glorify the Lord in the dawning light, the name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea. From the end of the earth we have heard songs. Glory to the Righteous.” (Is. 24: 14-16) He is speaking here, of the small remnant in the world that received faith, and returned to God. These dwell in the East, that is, they enjoy the “Rising Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4: 3). And in order not to consider “the East” here as a mere location, he says, “Exalt the name of the Lord in the islands of the sea,” to confirm that the inhabitants of the west (the islands of the Mediterranean Sea to the west of Jerusalem) are also enjoying salvation together with those of the East. The object of praise is: “Glory to (Christ) the Righteous One.” 3. PRAISE WITH TERROR The salvation that God offers to humanity makes believers’ hearts flare with joy and gaiety. Yet at the same time, it fills the denying unbelievers, together with the demons, with terror. The devil realized that he was robbed, as the cross has drawn a multitude of souls, previously captivated by the enemy, and as the resurrection has destroyed all forces of darkness, and opened the gates of paradise. The prophet sees the devil as a wild beast, entangled in a net, and fallen into a deep pit, crying out, and wailing his condition in despair and trembling (Is. 24: 16- 18), terrified to see himself falling down to the abyss, while the heaven and earth stand testifying to the cross: ”The foundations of the earth are shaken. The earth is violently broken, The earth is split open. The earth is shaken exceedingly.” (Is. 24: 18, 19) “In that day the moon will be abashed, the sun ashamed, for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem.” (Is. 24: 23) The nature is testifying to the great weight of sin, that the Lord Christ has carried upon Himself in our place, as though it is an extremely heavy meteorite fallen to the earth, to split it open and to shake its foundation. The moon was abashed, the sun was ashamed of what the sin has done, and nature stood in shame and disgrace before what man has committed against his Savior and Redeemer. Through the cross we entered into the spiritual reign (Revelation 20), where the Lord of hosts will reign on the Mount of Zion in Jerusalem (Is. 24: 23); reigning through the cross over the hearts of believers. “They will be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will 2 In Defense of His Flight to Pontus. be shut up in the prison.” (Is. 24: 22) He “made a public spectacle of them” (Colossians 2: 15), giving us “authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.” The cross destroyed the enemy, proclaiming the divine glory “before the elders” (Is. 24: 23), as the apostles beheld the power of salvation, and realized it in their lives, as well as in their preaching.
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