Isaiah 33:11-14

11 "You have 1conceived chaff, you will give birth to stubble; My 2breath will consume you like a fire.
12 "The peoples will be burned to lime, 3Like cut thorns which are burned in the fire.
13 "You who are far away, 4hear what I have done; And you who are near, acknowledge My might."
14 5Sinners in Zion are terrified; 6Trembling has seized the godless. "Who among us can live with 7the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual 8burning?"

Isaiah 33:11-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 33

This chapter contains an account of God's judgments upon the enemies of his people, and of the peaceable, comfortable, and happy state of the church in the latter day. The judgment denounced, Isa 33:1 a prayer of the church for safety and protection, which it promises itself from what God had heretofore done, Isa 33:2,3 an answer to it, declaring the spoil of the enemy, and the happy times the people of God should enjoy through his appearance for them, Isa 33:4-6 though previous thereunto there would be very distressing ones, Isa 33:7-9 when the Lord resolves to arise and exert his power in the destruction of the people, who should be burnt up like stubble, thorns, and lime, Isa 33:10-12 persons far and near are called upon to take notice of this, Isa 33:13 which would issue in a different manner, in the surprise and terror of hypocrites, and in the safety and plenty of provisions for good men, who are described, Isa 33:14-16 and then follow promises to them, of seeing the King in his beauty, and beholding a distant country of reflecting on past terror with pleasure, being freed from it, and in no danger of a foreign enemy, Isa 33:17-19 and the chapter is concluded with a famous prophecy of the peace, prosperity, and safety of the church, and of the healthfulness of its inhabitants, under the protection of Christ, its King and Lawgiver, its enemies being also an easy prey to it, Isa 33:20-24.

Cross References 8

  • 1. Psalms 7:14; Isaiah 26:18; Isaiah 59:4; James 1:15
  • 2. Isaiah 1:31
  • 3. 2 Samuel 23:6, 7; Isaiah 10:17; Isaiah 27:4
  • 4. Psalms 48:10; Isaiah 49:1
  • 5. Isaiah 1:28
  • 6. Isaiah 32:11
  • 7. Isaiah 30:27, 30; Hebrews 12:29
  • 8. Isaiah 9:18, 19; Isaiah 10:16; Isaiah 47:14

Footnotes 4

  • [a]. Lit "dry grass"
  • [b]. So one ancient version; M.T. reads "Your breath will"
  • [c]. Lit "know"
  • [d]. Lit "everlasting"
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