John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 24:12

"In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction." — Isaiah 24:12 (ASV)

In the city is left desolation. By an elegant mode of expression he describes the desolation of Jerusalem or of many other cities. The ornament and perfection of cities consists of people; and therefore, when their inhabitants have been removed, cities are said to be deserted. The Prophet says ironically, that “ruin” will be left; but the word שמה (shămmăh) is rendered by others desolation, which amounts to the same thing.

And the gate is smitten with desolation. He mentions the gates, because in them the crowded population of the city was seen, for there the people assembled, and there the courts of justice were held. At first, therefore, he mentions the whole city, and next he names one part of it, but for the purpose of setting the matter in a stronger light; for although cities are deprived of their inhabitants, yet some are seen in the gates; but if the gates are altogether empty, there must be grievous solitude in the whole city.