Isaiah 24:2

people and priest alike, servant and master, maid and mistress, buyer and seller, lender and borrower, creditor and debtor.

Study Bible

And it will be the same
This phrase sets the tone for the entire verse, emphasizing the universality of the coming judgment. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher), which means "as" or "like." This indicates a leveling effect, where distinctions between social classes and roles are erased. Theologically, this speaks to the impartiality of God's judgment, a theme consistent throughout Scripture, where God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).

for the people as for the priest
The Hebrew word for "people" is "עָם" (am), and "priest" is "כֹּהֵן" (kohen). Historically, priests held a special status in Israelite society, serving as mediators between God and the people. However, in this context, Isaiah prophesies that both the common people and the religious elite will face the same consequences. This reflects the biblical principle that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and thus all are subject to His judgment.

for the servant as for his master
The term "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved) in Hebrew, while "master" is "אֲדוֹן" (adon). This pairing highlights the social and economic structures of ancient Israel, where servitude was a common practice. The equal treatment in judgment underscores the biblical truth that earthly status does not influence one's standing before God. It is a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God over all human hierarchies.

for the maid as for her mistress
Here, "maid" is "שִׁפְחָה" (shifchah) and "mistress" is "גְּבֶרֶת" (geberet). This phrase continues the theme of equality in judgment, extending it to gender roles within the household. In a patriarchal society, women often had defined roles, yet Isaiah's prophecy reveals that God's judgment transcends these societal norms, affirming the equal accountability of all individuals before Him.

for the buyer as for the seller
The Hebrew words "קֹנֶה" (koneh) for "buyer" and "מֹכֵר" (mocher) for "seller" reflect the commercial activities of the time. This phrase suggests that economic transactions and material wealth offer no protection from divine judgment. It echoes the biblical teaching that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24), and that true security is found only in God.

for the lender as for the borrower
"Lender" is "מַלְוֶה" (malveh) and "borrower" is "לוֶֹה" (loveh) in Hebrew. This highlights financial relationships and the dependence they create. The equal treatment of both parties in judgment serves as a warning against placing trust in financial power or debt. It is a call to recognize that all are ultimately dependent on God's grace and provision.

for the creditor as for the debtor
The terms "נֹשֶׁה" (nosheh) for "creditor" and "לוֶֹה" (loveh) for "debtor" further emphasize the theme of economic equality in judgment. In ancient times, debt could lead to servitude or loss of property, yet Isaiah's message is clear: financial status does not exempt anyone from God's righteous judgment. This serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10), and that true wealth is found in spiritual riches.

Persons / Places / Events

1. People and Priest
Represents the general populace and religious leaders, indicating that divine judgment is impartial.

2. Servant and Master
Symbolizes social hierarchies, emphasizing that all social statuses are subject to God's judgment.

3. Maid and Mistress
Highlights gender roles and domestic relationships, showing that God's judgment transcends these distinctions.

4. Buyer and Seller
Reflects economic transactions, suggesting that commerce and trade will not escape divine scrutiny.

5. Lender and Borrower, Creditor and Debtor
Points to financial relationships, indicating that financial status offers no protection from God's judgment.

Teaching Points

Impartiality of God's Judgment
God's judgment is not influenced by human status or roles. This should encourage us to live righteously, knowing that God sees beyond our earthly positions.

Equality Before God
In God's eyes, all people are equal. This should inspire us to treat others with fairness and respect, regardless of their social or economic status.

Accountability in Relationships
Whether in religious, social, or economic relationships, we are accountable to God. This should motivate us to conduct ourselves with integrity in all our dealings.

The Futility of Earthly Status
Earthly status and possessions are temporary and hold no weight in God's eternal judgment. This should lead us to prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth.

Preparation for Judgment
Knowing that God's judgment is comprehensive and impartial, we should prepare by aligning our lives with His will and seeking His righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the impartiality of God's judgment in Isaiah 24:2 challenge our views on social and economic status?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of equality before God in our daily interactions with others?

3. How do the relationships mentioned in Isaiah 24:2 (e.g., servant and master, buyer and seller) reflect the broader theme of accountability in Scripture?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our earthly pursuits do not overshadow our spiritual responsibilities?

5. How can the message of Isaiah 24:2 encourage us to live with integrity and fairness in all areas of life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:15
This verse speaks to the impartiality of God's justice, similar to Isaiah 24:2, where all people are judged equally regardless of status.

Romans 2:11
Paul reiterates the theme of God's impartiality, aligning with Isaiah's message that no one is exempt from divine judgment.

James 2:1-9
James warns against favoritism, which connects to the idea in Isaiah 24:2 that God does not show partiality based on social or economic status.