Isaiah 24:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This passage reveals the reasons behind the foreseen events and indicates that they will face severe and unavoidable tribulations. It conveys that fear, the abyss, and a snare encompass them, and should anyone escape the abyss, they will undoubtedly be ensnared. What brings this about? It states that the heavens have been opened, meaning that God is observing those who inhabit the earth. Although He is patient with those who persist in transgression, it appears that He is indifferent and that the heavens are seemingly closed. Yet when He scrutinizes the conduct of the earth's inhabitants, it is as if He looks through opened windows, imposing judgments based on each individual's deeds.

The earth will tremble as if in a drunken state and will sway like a barn filled with produce. The prophet foretells the downfall of the Assyrian forces; they will be brought to ruin, and there will be no one to restore them.

The heavens have opened from above, and the foundations of the earth will tremble. The earth shall be crushed through calamity; it shall face destruction and be shaken to its core. The earth will stagger like one who is intoxicated, and it will collapse like a tent in a single night, weighed down by its iniquity until it falls and does not rise again. When the windows of heaven were opened, all human deeds were seen, and the foundations of the earth trembled, as stated in another passage regarding the Lord’s gaze: He who observes the earth makes it tremble (Psalm 103:32). Consequently, the earth will be broken, destroyed, and reeled like one who is drunk—not because the earth will dissolve into dust and nothingness, but because all earthly matters will fade away, making way for new life.