Isaiah 24:21
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִפְקֹ֧ד
shall punish
H6485
יִפְקֹ֧ד
shall punish
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 14
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צְבָ֥א
the host
H6635
צְבָ֥א
the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
7 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
H4791
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
Strong's:
H4791
Word #:
8 of 14
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
H4791
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
Strong's:
H4791
Word #:
9 of 14
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 76:12He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.Isaiah 10:12Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern worldviews recognized spiritual beings governing nations (Deuteronomy 32:8 LXX). Jewish apocalyptic literature (1 Enoch, Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs) elaborated this concept. Early Christians understood demonic forces behind idolatrous empires. The Reformation emphasized Christ's victory over these powers (Colossians 2:15), though debate continues whether 'high ones' are angels, demons, or earthly rulers with spiritual titles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing spiritual powers behind earthly evil change how we pray and engage in spiritual warfare?
- What comfort does it provide that God judges not only human evildoers but also the demonic forces empowering them?
- How does Christ's victory on the cross already accomplish what this verse prophesies about judging evil powers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
It shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high—The phrase tseva ha-marom ba-marom (host of the height in the height) refers to spiritual powers, not merely earthly rulers. These 'high ones' are likely the principalities and powers Paul describes: 'spiritual wickedness in high places' (Ephesians 6:12). The verb paqad (visit, punish, reckon with) indicates judicial accountability. And the kings of the earth upon the earth—After judging the spiritual powers above, God judges earthly rulers below. The dual judgment—celestial then terrestrial—reveals a biblical worldview where earthly events reflect spiritual realities.
This passage unveils the cosmic scope of God's final judgment. Evil operates on two levels: demonic powers manipulating human affairs, and human kings executing wickedness. God judges both. Daniel 10:13, 20 describes 'princes' (spiritual beings) over Persia and Greece; here they face reckoning. Revelation 20:10 depicts Satan's final judgment before human judgment (20:11-15). This verse assures oppressed believers: both the seen and unseen enemies of God will face justice. No evil escapes—neither principalities nor presidents, neither demons nor dictators.