That is why the curse itself has eaten up the land, and those inhabiting it are held guilty. That is why the inhabitants of the land have decreased in number, and very few mortal men have remained over.” (Isaiah 24:4-6)

Jehovah’s curse would ‘eat up the land.’ (Deuteronomy 28:15-20, 38-42, 62, 63) Judah must now expect to experience that curse.

Hence, the people will be removed from the land. No mercy will be shown in the coming judgment. Among the first to ‘wither’ because of Jehovah’s withdrawing his protection and favor will be “the high ones,” the nobility. In fulfillment of this, as the destruction of Jerusalem approaches, first the Egyptians and then the Babylonians make Judean kings their vassals. Subsequently, King Jehoiachin and other members of the royal family are among the first ones taken into Babylonian captivity.​—2 Chronicles 36:4, 9, 10.