Understanding Isaiah 24:16–18 – “My Leanness!” in Light of Christ

Question: What is the meaning of Isaiah 24:16–18, especially the part where the prophet says, “My leanness! My leanness!”?

Answer:

Isaiah 24:16–18:

16 From the ends of the earth we hear singing: “Glory to the Righteous One.” But I said, “I waste away, I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray! With treachery the treacherous betray!”
17 Terror and pit and snare await you, people of the earth.
18 Whoever flees at the sound of terror will fall into a pit; whoever climbs out of the pit will be caught in a snare. The floodgates of the heavens are opened, the foundations of the earth shake.

1. The Righteous One and the Joy of His Revelation (v.16a)

Isaiah hears voices from the ends of the earth praising “the Righteous One.” This is a prophetic vision of global worship directed toward the Messiah — Jesus Christ. The title “Righteous One” aligns with messianic titles found elsewhere in Scripture (see Acts 3:14, Isaiah 53:11). His arrival is portrayed as glorious and praiseworthy, echoing how angels and people celebrated Christ’s birth and entrance into Jerusalem (cf. Luke 2:10–14; John 12:12–13).

2. The Prophet’s Grief Amid Rebellion (v.16b)

Immediately after hearing these praises, Isaiah exclaims in sorrow:

“I waste away! Woe to me! The treacherous betray!”

The phrase “I waste away” (or “My leanness!” Isaiah is heartbroken not because of the glory of the Messiah, but because of how people will respond to Him — with betrayal, not worship. This betrayal culminated historically in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ by His own people (cf. John 1:11, Luke 23:18–23).

3. God’s Judgment on a Sinful World (vv.17–18)

Verses 17–18 then shift to a warning of judgment:

Those who run from terror will fall into a pit.
Those who escape the pit will be caught in a snare.
The heavens are opened, and the earth’s foundations shake.

This is apocalyptic language, describing the “Day of the Lord” — a future time when God will judge the earth (cf. Zephaniah 1:14–18, Revelation 6:12–17). The shaking of the earth and the opening of the heavens speak to divine wrath and cosmic upheaval, emphasizing that no one can escape God’s justice without His mercy.

4. The Urgency of Accepting Christ

The message is clear: the Righteous One has come — and will come again. To reject Him is to face eternal judgment. As Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23,), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). But “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).

Salvation is not based on our good works, but on faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9). If we reject Him, we are left to face judgment alone — and we will not stand. But if we receive Him, our sins are forgiven, and our names are written in the Book of Life (cf. Revelation 20:15).

5. A Final Plea

If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, now is the time. The end of the age is near. If you were to die today, are you confident you would be with God?