Isaiah 24:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In another passage, the same prophet describes a vision where a man clothed in linen, with a sash around his waist, is followed by six men, each bearing a weapon. He instructs them, “Go ye into the town after him, and cut off, and spare not your eyes, and have no mercy: old man, and young man, and maiden, and babes, and wives, be slain for consumption: but all that have a sign upon them, touch them not: from my sanctified ones begin ye” (Ezek. 9:2-6). However, it is essential to elucidate the prophet's words: if Noah, Job, and even Daniel have long passed, how will they be saved in their righteousness when the earth, under the decree of death, is being devastated? It is clear that Noah symbolizes those who please God through faith; Daniel represents the wise and discerning; and Job exemplifies those who gain God's favor through their steadfastness and readiness for all praiseworthy endeavors. Consequently, while wrath consumes the inhabitants of the earth—not solely within the region of the Jews but also among the Gentiles—those who endure, having been deemed righteous by God's just decisions, shall find joy in the glory of God. For they will celebrate as ones rescued from ruin by the unfathomable glory of Him who stands before the saints, safeguarding the righteous through His grace and compassion. Additionally, we note that at the conclusion of this age, those engaged in shameful acts will be cast into eternal punishment, while the righteous shall rejoice in the glory of the Lord, for they will be united with Christ, who embodies the glory of God the Father. He proclaimed, “I will glorify you on earth, I will do the work which you gave me to do” (John 17:4). Furthermore, God the Father does not declare to the blessed Moses, “I live, and my name shall live forever” (Num. 14:21). Truly, the entire earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord, for all things are made complete in Christ.

They will raise their voices in worship when the Lord is exalted, crying out from the sea: When a remnant remains, amidst a land consumed by curses, desolation will fill the city. During these times, in the midst of the earth and among the nations, the number of saints will be minuscule, as the Lord mentions in the Gospel, "Many are called, but few are chosen." (Luke 14:24) The oppression faced by the righteous will be so severe that even the elect might face temptation, for the few saints will be compared to the very rare olives remaining on an oil tree after the bulk of the fruit has been harvested. This situation echoes how, at the end of the grape harvest, those in need often sift through the abandoned vines to collect a handful of grapes. Therefore, those who endure when the world’s grapes have been harvested and crushed will find refuge from the pursuing Antichrist or the fires of imminent distress and will lift their voices in praise to God. Thus, in doctrine, let us praise the Lord; in the islands of the sea, His name will be exalted, the Lord God of Israel. When the Lord returns in the glory of His Father with the holy angels, and everyone beholds Him reigning in magnificence, they shall express great joy, roaring like mighty horses as they celebrate from the sea of this age. Therefore, you who are well-versed in the Holy Scriptures and are aware of the magnificent rewards and joy that await you, give praise to the Lord and pay attention to this written truth: "But he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord." (2 Cor. 10:17). Not only in Judah, but also in the islands, meaning in the churches of this world, where the name of the Lord God is honored and praised by the former Israel, or by the one who gazes upon God. Concerning the LXX, all we have learned about the saints may also apply to the unrighteous—when the grape harvest concludes, they shall lament in suffering; however, those who escape being counted among the ungodly will rejoice in the glory of the Lord, and the waters of the nations will be agitated.