John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 24:11

"There is a crying in the streets because of the wine; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone." — Isaiah 24:11 (ASV)

There is a cry about wine. He means that there will be a scarcity of wine. For where want or hunger is found, it is accompanied by unceasing complaints, not only in private, but also "in the streets" and public places. He therefore points out these mournful sounds and complaints. At the same time, he reproves their luxury and intemperance. They acted this way because they were not satisfied with what was necessary but greedily swallowed wine and abandoned themselves to every kind of enjoyment. We must supply the contrast: "Until now you have had an abundance of wine and food, and you have used it as an occasion to grow insolent against God. Therefore, you will justly be deprived of them, and instead of your wanton indulgence, wailing and lamentations will be heard in the streets."

All joy is darkened. The metaphor in this second clause deserves attention; for just as we say that joy brightens when it obtains its object, so the Prophet here says that "joy is darkened," because sorrow may be described as a cloud drawn over it. To rejoice is not in itself evil, any more than to drink; and the Prophet does not censure joy simply considered, but excessive and immoderate mirth. When men are merry, they lay no restraint on themselves on account of that dissoluteness or love of disorder (ἀταξίαν) which is natural to them. The Jews, having behaved insolently and lived luxuriously, are deservedly threatened with God’s vengeance. This is because joy is most justly taken from us when we do not know how to make a right use of the Lord’s benefits or how to rejoice in Him. It thus becomes necessary that He should take away our pleasures and delights, and compel us to sigh and groan.