Isaiah 24:10
The city of confusion is broken down: every house is shut up, that no man may come in.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The 'city of confusion' could reference any rebellious city, but many scholars identify it with Babylon, which Isaiah later depicts extensively (chapters 13-14, 47). Others suggest it represents all cities organized in autonomous rebellion against God. Ancient Near Eastern cities were centers of political power, economic activity, and often idolatrous worship. Their fortified walls provided security—but judgment breaches walls and empties streets. Archaeological evidence from destroyed ancient cities (Lachish, Hazor, Jerusalem in 586 BC) shows burned houses sealed shut, sometimes with skeletal remains inside—graphic evidence of siege warfare and plague.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the term 'tohu' (chaos/emptiness from Genesis 1:2) emphasize that judgment un-creates God's ordering work?
- What does the 'city of confusion' represent in your life—areas organized around autonomous rebellion rather than submission to God?
- How does this image of houses 'shut up' with no one entering challenge modern confidence in urban civilization and technology?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The city of confusion is broken down—qiryat tohu (קִרְיַת תֹּהוּ) literally means "city of emptiness/chaos." Tohu appears in Genesis 1:2 describing pre-creation chaos ("without form")—judgment returns creation to primordial disorder. The city represents human civilization organized in rebellion against God (Gen 11:4, Babel's tower-city). Broken down uses shabar (שָׁבַר), depicting violent demolition—walls breached, structures collapsed.
Every house is shut up, that no man may come in—sagar (סָגַר, "shut up") indicates sealing or closing, possibly from plague quarantine (Lev 13:4) or defensive measures during siege. The phrase me-bo (מִבּוֹא, "from entering") suggests complete isolation—no commerce, fellowship, or hospitality. The house (bayit, בַּיִת), normally the center of domestic life and security, becomes a prison or tomb. This previews Revelation 18:2's description of fallen Babylon as "the habitation of devils... the hold of every foul spirit."