Isaiah 30:27

KJV

¶ Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning [with] his anger, and the burden [thereof is] heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} cometh {H935} from far {H4801}, burning {H1197} with his anger {H639}, and the burden {H4858} thereof is heavy {H3514}: his lips {H8193} are full {H4390} of indignation {H2195}, and his tongue {H3956} as a devouring {H398} fire {H784}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here comes the name of ADONAI from afar, his anger burning, in thick rising smoke. His lips are full to the brim with fury, his tongue a consuming fire.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire.

American Standard Version

Behold, the name of Jehovah cometh from far, burning with his anger, and in thick rising smoke: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 30:27 delivers a potent and awe-inspiring prophetic vision of the LORD's imminent and decisive intervention. It dramatically portrays God's righteous anger as an overwhelming, consuming force, emphasizing His transcendent power and the absolute certainty of His judgment against those who persist in rebellion and self-reliance rather than trusting in His divine counsel. The vivid imagery underscores the weighty and inescapable consequences of defying the Holy One of Israel, revealing a God whose justice is as fervent and unyielding as His steadfast love and mercy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 30:27 is strategically positioned within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33), which primarily denounces Judah's spiritual apostasy and their misguided political alliances. Specifically, this chapter opens with a severe "woe" pronounced against "rebellious children" who seek security in an alliance with Egypt rather than relying on the LORD, as articulated in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children Who Trust in Egypt"). The preceding verses highlight Judah's obstinate refusal to heed God's word, preferring to trust in human military strength and worldly wisdom over divine promises. Verse 27, therefore, serves as a climactic declaration of the LORD's inevitable response to this persistent disobedience, portraying His coming judgment as a powerful, unavoidable, and consuming manifestation of His holy character. The subsequent verses in chapter 30 (e.g., [Isaiah 30:28-33](/isaiah/30-28-33 "Isaiah 30:28-33 - The LORD's Judgment and Deliverance")) continue to describe the devastating impact of this divine wrath upon the unrighteous, while simultaneously contrasting it with the ultimate restoration and blessing that awaits those who truly turn to God in repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 30 is the tumultuous late 8th century BCE, a period marked by immense geopolitical instability. The formidable Assyrian Empire, under the reign of Sennacherib, posed an existential threat to the kingdom of Judah. In response to this looming danger, King Hezekiah and the leaders of Judah, despite Isaiah's fervent warnings and prophetic counsel, chose to pursue a military alliance with Egypt, a traditional rival of Assyria. This decision represented a profound theological failure, as it demonstrated a critical lack of faith in the LORD, who had repeatedly proven Himself as Israel's sovereign deliverer. Culturally, forming such alliances was common practice among nations in the ancient Near East for strategic defense. However, for the covenant people of God, it constituted a direct violation of their unique relationship with Yahweh, who demanded exclusive trust, allegiance, and reliance. The imagery of God's "anger" and "indignation" would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood divine retribution as a just and necessary response to covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion against the supreme deity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. First and foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**. The vivid imagery of "burning anger," "indignation," and "devouring fire" underscores the intensity, certainty, and consuming nature of God's righteous response to sin and rebellion, particularly against His covenant people who have strayed from His path. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Majesty**. The declaration that "the name of the LORD cometh from far" emphasizes His transcendent authority and His ability to intervene decisively in human affairs, demonstrating that His plans and purposes will ultimately prevail regardless of human schemes or opposition. This also ties into the theme of the **Consequences of Disobedience**, serving as a solemn warning that rejecting God's counsel and seeking alternative sources of security inevitably leads to severe divine repercussions, contrasting sharply with the blessings promised to those who wait upon the [LORD in quietness and trust](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Repentance and Rest is Your Salvation"). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **God's Word as Power**, as His "lips" and "tongue" are the instruments of His consuming judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **burning (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, a primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "to consume," often specifically by fire. In the context of divine anger, it conveys an active, intense, and destructive force. It is not a passive emotion but an active, consuming flame that emanates from God's holy character, indicating a thorough and complete judgment that will "burn up" or "waste" all that stands against Him.
* **indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** From H2195, derived from a root meaning "froth at the mouth," this word powerfully describes fury, especially God's intense displeasure with sin. It conveys a deep, righteous wrath that is provoked by human rebellion and unfaithfulness. It's a strong term indicating divine abhorrence for evil and a resolute determination to address it, suggesting a boiling, overflowing rage against unrighteousness.
* **devouring (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, a primitive root meaning "to eat" or "to consume," literally or figuratively. When applied to fire, as in "devouring fire," it emphasizes the complete and destructive nature of the flame, leaving nothing behind. It portrays God's judgment as utterly consuming, implying that nothing can withstand its power or escape its reach, much like a fire that "eats up" everything in its path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far":** This opening exclamation, "Behold," demands immediate attention, signaling a profound and impending divine manifestation. "The name of the LORD" (Hebrew: *Shem Yᵉhôvâh*) signifies not merely a title, but the full revealed character, authority, active presence, and very essence of God Himself. His "coming from far" emphasizes His transcendent nature, His sovereign power to intervene from beyond human limitations, and the deliberate, inevitable nature of His approach. It suggests an arrival that is both distant in its origin (from heaven, from eternity) and yet certain in its arrival, demonstrating His ultimate control over time and space.
* **"burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy":** This clause immediately introduces the formidable nature of God's coming: it is an act of intense, consuming wrath. "Burning with his anger" depicts divine fury as a tangible, fiery force, underscoring its ferocity and destructive potential. This is not a fleeting emotion but a holy, purifying fire. The phrase "the burden thereof is heavy" (Hebrew: *kôbed*) emphasizes the immense weight, gravity, and seriousness of this divine judgment. It is not a light matter but a weighty, inescapable consequence, reflecting the profound offense of human sin against a holy God and the significant impact of His intervention.
* **"his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire":** This powerful anthropomorphic imagery attributes human features (lips, tongue) to God to convey the intensity and certainty of His righteous displeasure. "His lips are full of indignation" means His very utterances, His decrees, are saturated with divine wrath, indicating that His judgment is declared and executed by His authoritative word. The comparison of "his tongue as a devouring fire" further reinforces the destructive and consuming power of His spoken word, which acts as an irresistible force, consuming all that opposes His holiness. This imagery connects His judgment with the very essence of His being and His pronouncements, highlighting that His word is not just spoken but acts with consuming power.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 30:27 is profoundly rich with powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of divine judgment. The descriptions of "burning anger," a "heavy burden," and a "devouring fire" appeal directly to the senses, allowing the reader to viscerally grasp the intensity and destructive nature of God's wrath. **Anthropomorphism** is prominently employed, attributing human body parts and actions—specifically "lips" being "full of indignation" and a "tongue" acting "as a devouring fire"—to God. This device makes the abstract concept of divine anger more relatable and impactful, emphasizing God's active, personal, and decisive involvement in judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs strong **Metaphor** and **Simile**, particularly in comparing God's tongue to a "devouring fire." This is not a literal description but a figurative one, conveying the consuming, irresistible, and annihilating power of God's word and judgment. The cumulative effect of these literary techniques creates an overwhelming sense of divine power, inescapable consequence, and holy terror, designed to evoke profound awe and reverent fear of the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 30:27 serves as a profound theological statement about the character of God, particularly His absolute holiness and unwavering justice. It reveals that while God is infinitely patient, merciful, and slow to anger, His very nature also demands a righteous and decisive response to sin and rebellion. His "anger" and "indignation" are not capricious human emotions but a holy, consuming fire that purifies and judges, flowing directly from His absolute moral perfection and His covenant faithfulness. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God is not to be trifled with; His warnings are serious, and His justice is certain and inescapable. It reminds us that true security and salvation lie not in human alliances, political schemes, or military strength, but in humble, obedient, and exclusive trust in the LORD alone.

* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Nahum 1:2-6](/nahum/1-2-6 "Nahum 1:2-6 - The LORD's Vengeance and Wrath")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 30:27 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our trust, allegiance, and obedience. In a world that constantly tempts us to rely on human ingenuity, political solutions, technological advancements, or financial security, this verse starkly reminds us that ultimate power and authority reside solely with the LORD. It challenges us to examine where our true confidence lies, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty, or perceived threat. Do we, like ancient Judah, seek comfort and deliverance in "chariots and horses" (human strength and worldly strategies) rather than turning wholeheartedly to God, who alone is our refuge and strength? The "devouring fire" of God's judgment is a solemn warning against spiritual complacency, self-reliance, and a call to genuine repentance and humble dependence. It compels us to live in awe of His holiness, recognizing that His justice is as real and inevitable as His boundless mercy. This verse encourages us to cultivate a life of deep reverence, ensuring that our trust is firmly placed in the One whose "name" embodies all power and whose word is a consuming, irresistible force.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strength or worldly solutions rather than trusting fully in God's provision and guidance?**
* **How does the imagery of God's "burning anger" and "devouring fire" deepen your understanding of His holiness, justice, and absolute opposition to sin?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of awe, reverence, and humble dependence on the LORD in your daily life and decision-making?**
* **How does the certainty of God's righteous judgment motivate you to live a life of greater obedience, faithfulness, and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the name of the LORD cometh from far" signify?**

Answer: "The name of the LORD" (Hebrew: *Shem Yᵉhôvâh*) is a profound theological concept that represents God's entire revealed character, His authority, His active presence, and His very being. When it is said that His name "cometh from far," it emphasizes God's transcendence – He is not limited by human space or time. It signifies that His intervention is sovereign, deliberate, and originates from His heavenly dwelling, beyond the immediate human sphere. This phrase underscores the inevitability and certainty of His coming, highlighting that His judgment is not a sudden, rash outburst but a predetermined, weighty act of His divine will, executed from His eternal throne. It communicates His absolute control and His ability to act decisively from a position of ultimate authority, much like when He [descended on Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Presence on Sinai") to reveal His law and presence to Israel.

**Is God's anger a human-like emotion?**

Answer: While the Bible uses anthropomorphic language (attributing human characteristics to God) to help us understand divine attributes, God's anger is fundamentally different from human anger. Human anger is often tainted by sin, impulsiveness, selfishness, or a lack of control. God's "anger" (Hebrew: *ʼaph* or *zaʻam*) is a holy, righteous indignation that stems from His perfect justice and His absolute opposition to sin and evil. It is a controlled, purposeful, and consistent response to rebellion, unfaithfulness, and injustice, never irrational or out of control. It is always in perfect alignment with His holy character and His redemptive purposes, ultimately serving to uphold His moral order and to bring about either repentance or righteous judgment. This divine wrath is a manifestation of His holiness, which cannot tolerate evil, as [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "Psalm 7:11 - God is a Righteous Judge") states, "God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 30:27, with its vivid imagery of the LORD's coming in fiery judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often depicts God's wrath against sin, the New Testament reveals that the execution of this judgment is fully entrusted to the Son. Jesus Himself declared that the Father "judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son" ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - All Judgment Given to the Son")). At His first coming, Christ, as the spotless Lamb of God, bore the full "burden" of God's wrath against sin on the cross, becoming the atoning sacrifice that consumed the indignation due to humanity ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation for Sins")). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a path to escape the "devouring fire" of divine judgment through faith in His substitutionary sacrifice. However, the imagery of a coming, consuming fire also powerfully foreshadows Christ's glorious second advent. He will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge, with "eyes like a flame of fire" ([Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Revelation 1:14 - Description of Christ's Appearance")) and a "sharp sword coming out of his mouth" to strike down the nations ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment at His Return")), embodying the very "tongue as a devouring fire" described by Isaiah. Thus, Isaiah 30:27 points to the comprehensive work of Christ, who both absorbs God's wrath for believers and executes it against unrepentant rebellion, demonstrating the full spectrum of divine justice and mercy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Psalms 18:9

He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet.

Isaiah 9:5

For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire.

Deuteronomy 32:22

For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Isaiah 10:17

And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;