The prophet gives a graphic description of what was shown him in prophetic vision. The expression, “I beheld ..., and, lo,” occurs four times (vs. 23-26).
Earth.
Heb. ’ereṣ, which may be rendered either “land” or “earth” (see on v. 20). On the application of prophecy to the immediate present as well as to the more distant future see on Deut. 18:15; see also pp. 25-38. By secondary application Jer. 4:23-27 can be taken as describing the millennial desolation (see GC 659).
Without form, and void.
The same phrase is used to describe the earth in its original state (Gen. 1:2). The earth will return partially to that condition in the great day of God (GC 659; see on Rev. 20:1).