Isaiah 24 23

Isaiah 24:23 kjv

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Isaiah 24:23 nkjv

Then the moon will be disgraced And the sun ashamed; For the LORD of hosts will reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem And before His elders, gloriously.

Isaiah 24:23 niv

The moon will be dismayed, the sun ashamed; for the LORD Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders?with great glory.

Isaiah 24:23 esv

Then the moon will be confounded and the sun ashamed, for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and his glory will be before his elders.

Isaiah 24:23 nlt

Then the glory of the moon will wane,
and the brightness of the sun will fade,
for the LORD of Heaven's Armies will rule on Mount Zion.
He will rule in great glory in Jerusalem,
in the sight of all the leaders of his people.

Isaiah 24 verses

Isaiah 24 23 Meaning

The sun shall be ashamed, and the moon confounded, because the LORD of hosts reigns in mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Isaiah 24 23 Context

This verse concludes Isaiah chapter 24, which depicts a sweeping judgment upon the entire earth due to its sin and corruption. It's a chapter that outlines universal desolation and the consequence of rebellion against God. The preceding verses detail the devastation, the emptiness, and the profound silence that will fall upon the earth as a result of divine wrath.

Isaiah 24 describes a world overthrown, where the foundations of creation are shaken. This judgment is so comprehensive that even celestial bodies, typically symbols of God's order and reliability, are affected. The context shifts from this universal judgment and a desolate earth to a declaration of God's sovereign and glorious reign. This reign is specifically anchored in Zion and Jerusalem, pointing to a future restoration and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The mention of "ancients" suggests a venerated council or the elders, who will witness and acknowledge God's glorious presence.

Historically, the audience would have understood Zion and Jerusalem as the center of God's covenant and dwelling place. The verse points beyond immediate historical events to a future, eschatological reality where God's reign is not only established but openly and gloriously manifested.

Isaiah 24 23 Word Analysis

• וְהָיָה (və·hā·yəh): "And it shall be" or "And will be." This conjunction connects the statement to what precedes it and introduces a future consequence or state. It emphasizes the unfolding of God's plan.
• הַחַמָּה (ha·ḥam·māh): "the sun."
  • הַ (ha-): The definite article, "the."
  • חַמָּה (ḥam·māh): "sun." This direct reference to the sun, a source of light and life, being "ashamed" highlights the magnitude of God's glory, which eclipses even the most powerful natural phenomena.
• וּבֹשָׁה (ū·ḇō·šāh): "and ashamed."
  • וּ (ū-): "and."
  • בֹשָׁה (ḇō·šāh): "ashamed." This personification of the sun indicates that its light will be rendered insignificant or put to shame in comparison to the brilliance of God's revealed glory.
• וְהַלְּבָנָה (wə·hal·lə·ḇā·nāh): "and the moon."
  • וְ (wə-): "and."
  • הַ (ha-): "the."
  • לְבָנָה (lə·ḇā·nāh): "moon," literally "whiteness" or "pale one."
• וּתְבוּשָׁה (ū·ṯə·ḇū·šāh): "and confounded" or "put to shame."
  • וּ (ū-): "and."
  • תְבוּשָׁה (ṯə·ḇū·šāh): Similar to "ashamed" (בּוּש), it conveys disgrace or confusion. The moon, like the sun, will appear inadequate in the presence of God's radiant glory.
• כִּי (kî): "because," "for," or "that." Introduces the reason for the sun and moon's shame.
• יוֹרֶה (yō·reh): "reigns" or "teaches." In this context, it means "reigns" or "rules." From the root ירה (yarah), meaning to cast, shoot, or teach; here it refers to exercising authority.
• יהוה (YHWH): "the LORD." The personal covenant name of God.
• צְבָאוֹת (·ṣə·ḇā·ō·wṯ): "of hosts" or "of armies." Refers to God as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies and earthly powers.
• בְּהַר (bə·har): "in mount."
  • בְּ (bə-): "in" or "on."
  • הַר (har): "mount" or "mountain."
• צִיּוֹן (ṣî·yōn): "Zion." A poetic name for Jerusalem and the hill on which it stood, representing God's presence and kingdom.
• וּבִירוּשָׁלַ ִם (ū·ḇî·rū·šā·lā·im): "and in Jerusalem."
  • וּ (ū-): "and."
  • בִירוּשָׁלַ ִם (bî·rū·šā·lā·im): "in Jerusalem."
• וְנֶגֶד (wə·nə·ḡeḏ): "and before."
  • וְ (wə-): "and."
  • נֶגֶד (nə·ḡeḏ): "before," "opposite," "in front of." Indicates the audience or witnesses.
• זְקֵנָיו (·zə·qê·nāw): "his ancients" or "his elders." This can refer to heavenly beings, the patriarchs, or the esteemed leaders in Jerusalem.
• כָּב וד (kā·ḇō·wḏ): "gloriously" or "with glory." The adverbial form of כָּבוֹד (kābôḏ), meaning "glory," "honor," "splendor." It describes the manner of God's reign – a reign characterized by magnificent presence and authority.

Word-Group Analysis

The phrase "the sun shall be ashamed, and the moon confounded" uses personification to convey the unparalleled brilliance and absolute sovereignty of God's reign. Natural sources of light and order are rendered insignificant when God's own glory is fully manifested. The specific location, "mount Zion and in Jerusalem," anchors this ultimate reign in God's chosen city and people, a theme prominent throughout Isaiah. "Before his ancients gloriously" emphasizes that this reign is not hidden but will be witnessed and acknowledged, even by revered beings, with magnificent splendor.

Isaiah 24 23 Bonus Section

The concept of the sun and moon being affected echoes earlier passages in Isaiah, such as Isaiah 13:10 where the stars and constellations also do not give their light as a sign of judgment upon Babylon. However, in this verse, the effect is not due to cosmic disruption but due to the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory. The ultimate fulfillment of this verse can be seen in Revelation 21:23, which describes the New Jerusalem where there is no need for the sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light." This indicates that the "shame" of the sun and moon in Isaiah 24:23 is the result of being eclipsed by the superior, eternal light and glory of God directly dwelling with His people. The mention of "ancients" could also allude to the communion of saints or those who have faithfully served God, now witnessing His ultimate victory.

Isaiah 24 23 Commentary

This verse is a profound declaration of God's ultimate triumph and sovereignty. It asserts that when the LORD of hosts establishes His reign in Zion and Jerusalem, His glory will be so immense that celestial bodies, like the sun and moon which govern the day and night, will appear to shrink in comparison and be put to shame. This isn't about literal astronomical events but a poetic representation of the absolute supremacy of God's divine presence and power over all creation.

The regathering of God’s people in Zion and Jerusalem under His direct rule signifies the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The presence of His "ancients" (possibly patriarchs, prophets, or even angelic beings) witnessing this reign underscores its significance and the glory attendant upon it. This passage points towards the Messianic age and the new heavens and new earth where God's presence is the ultimate light and source of all glory, fulfilling promises of His enduring kingdom.