The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.
When the Lord brings judgment upon the earth, its music and mirth and celebration come to an end, and the noise of those who rejoice and the joy of the harp cease amid desolation. Music, gladness, festivity and the happiness of rejoicing cease, with even the joy of the heart ending amid the earth's desolation and the effects of sin. That desolation comes because people have defiled the earth by transgressing God's laws, changing His ordinance, and breaking the everlasting covenant.
The verse belongs to the great final scenes of world history, when the earth is made empty and waste and turned upside down and its inhabitants scattered, when the curse devours the earth and leaves those dwelling in it desolate. Its shadows already fall beforehand, and the sound of its approach makes the earth tremble and human hearts fail for fear. It is part of the prophecy of a coming worldwide crisis and devastation. The rejoicing that is thus ended is especially that of the unprepared. The same ending of rejoicing also applies to those brought low by strong drink and fleshly indulgence, whose lives have lost joy amid sin and who need help to hear the call of hope.
When the Lord brings judgment upon the earth, its music and mirth and celebration come to an end, and the noise of those who rejoice and the joy of the harp cease amid desolation. Music, gladness, festivity and the happiness of rejoicing cease, with even the joy of the heart ending amid the earth's desolation and the effects of sin. That desolation comes because people have defiled the earth by transgressing God's laws, changing His ordinance, and breaking the everlasting covenant.
The verse belongs to the great final scenes of world history, when the earth is made empty and waste and turned upside down and its inhabitants scattered, when the curse devours the earth and leaves those dwelling in it desolate. Its shadows already fall beforehand, and the sound of its approach makes the earth tremble and human hearts fail for fear. It is part of the prophecy of a coming worldwide crisis and devastation. The rejoicing that is thus ended is especially that of the unprepared. The same ending of rejoicing also applies to those brought low by strong drink and fleshly indulgence, whose lives have lost joy amid sin and who need help to hear the call of hope.