Isaiah 33:12

12 The peoples will be as if burned into lime, like thorns cut off to burn in the fire.

Isaiah 33:12 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 33:12

And the people shall be [as] the burnings of lime
Like chalk stones that are burnt to make lime of; which may denote not only their hardness and impenitency, which brought upon them and issued in the wrath of God; but the miserable condition into which they are brought, and the torture they should be put to: perhaps this may refer to the casting of the beast and false prophet alive into the lake burning with fire and brimstone, ( Revelation 19:20 ) : [as] thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire;
"thorns" are a fit simile to express the unfruitfulness, uselessness, and harmfulness of wicked men, particularly the sons of Belial, the followers of antichrist; and these "cut up", and so not green and moist, but dry, and fit fuel for the fire, which burn the more easily and quickly, makes the metaphor more agreeable. The burning of Rome seems here to be pointed at, ( Revelation 17:16 ) ( 18:8 ) .

Isaiah 33:12 In-Context

10 "Now I will arise," says ADONAI, "Now I will exalt and lift myself up.

11 You conceive chaff and give birth to stubble, your breath is a fire devouring you.

12 The peoples will be as if burned into lime, like thorns cut off to burn in the fire.

13 You living far off, hear what I have done! You who are near, acknowledge my strength!"

14 The sinners in Tziyon are frightened; trembling has seized the ungodly. "Who of us can live with the devouring fire? Who of us can live with eternal burning?"