Isaiah 34:9

KJV

¶ And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the streams {H5158} thereof shall be turned {H2015} into pitch {H2203}, and the dust {H6083} thereof into brimstone {H1614}, and the land {H776} thereof shall become burning {H1197} pitch {H2203}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its streams will be changed to tar, its dust to sulfur, its land burning tar

Berean Standard Bible

Edom’s streams will be turned to tar, and her soil to sulfur; her land will become a blazing pitch.

American Standard Version

And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 34:9 presents a terrifying prophetic vision of divine judgment, depicting a land utterly transformed by God's wrath into a desolate, perpetually burning wasteland. The vivid imagery of streams turning to pitch and dust to brimstone evokes a complete and irreversible destruction, signifying the severe and unyielding consequences for those nations that oppose the Lord and His covenant people. This verse serves as a stark warning of God's righteous indignation against sin and rebellion, portraying a scene of absolute desolation where life is extinguished and the very elements of nature are consumed by divine fire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 34 forms a pivotal part of a larger prophetic oracle, often referred to as a "little apocalypse" (chapters 34-35), which starkly contrasts the severity of God's judgment with the glory of His future restoration. Chapter 34, specifically titled "The Day of the Lord's Vengeance," pronounces a universal judgment against all nations, with a particular and intense focus on Edom, Israel's long-standing historical adversary. This chapter vividly portrays the complete and cataclysmic destruction of the wicked, setting the stage for the glorious promises of salvation and restoration found in [Isaiah 35](/isaiah/35 "Isaiah 35 - The Future Glory of Zion"). The extreme imagery in verse 9 underscores the finality and totality of this judgment, making it clear that there will be no escape or recovery for those who incur God's wrath, emphasizing the irreversible nature of divine retribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific mention of "pitch" and "brimstone" (sulphur) immediately calls to mind the catastrophic judgment of [Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), a foundational narrative of divine retribution in Israelite consciousness. This powerful allusion serves to emphasize the severity, divine origin, and comprehensive nature of the coming destruction, signaling that it will be as complete and devastating as that ancient event. Edom, a nation descended from Esau, had a long history of animosity and betrayal towards Israel, often exploiting their misfortunes. The prophecy against Edom, therefore, carries a particular weight, representing God's justice against those who persistently oppose His people and His divine purposes. The transformation of a once-fertile land into an uninhabitable, burning waste would have been a profoundly potent image of ultimate curse, abandonment, and divine displeasure within the ancient Near Eastern worldview.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Vision of Isaiah") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous response to human sin and rebellion. The imagery emphasizes the **Fiery Desolation** that results from God's wrath, a motif consistently used throughout Scripture to describe ultimate destruction and purification. Furthermore, the irreversible nature of the transformation underscores the **Finality of Judgment**, signifying that once God's decree is enacted, there is no turning back or possibility of recovery for the judged. This serves as a stark warning, reinforcing the call to repentance and adherence to God's covenant, as seen in the broader prophetic messages of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - The Vision of Isaiah") concerning the "Day of the Lord."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** This primitive root means "to turn about or over," implying a complete change, an overturning, or a perversion. In this context, it signifies a radical and irreversible transformation of the natural landscape. The streams are not merely polluted but fundamentally *become* pitch, indicating a shift in their very essence and function from life-giving to destructive.
* **pitch (Hebrew, _zepheth'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to liquify," this word refers to asphalt or bitumen, a highly flammable, viscous substance. Its use here, especially in conjunction with "brimstone," directly alludes to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the nature of the judgment as fiery, consuming, and utterly destructive, rendering the land uninhabitable.
* **brimstone (Hebrew, _gophrîyth'_):** Probably related to "cypress-resin," this term refers to sulphur, known for its strong odor and high flammability. Like "pitch," its presence signifies a judgment by fire, a divine act of purification and destruction that leaves nothing but desolation. The combination of pitch and brimstone paints a picture of an inferno, a land perpetually smoldering and uninhabitable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch":** This clause describes a fundamental perversion of the natural order. Life-giving water sources, essential for sustenance, fertility, and habitation, are transformed into a thick, black, flammable substance. This signifies the cessation of all life and fruitfulness, replaced by an element of destruction and barrenness, indicating a complete reversal of natural blessing.
* **"and the dust thereof into brimstone":** The very ground, the source of life and foundation for habitation, is similarly transformed. Dust, which represents the common earth and from which humanity was formed, becomes brimstone, a highly combustible material. This imagery reinforces the idea that the entire land, from its waters to its soil, is consumed by the divine fire of judgment, leaving no part untouched.
* **"and the land thereof shall become burning pitch":** This final clause synthesizes the previous two, emphasizing the comprehensive and enduring nature of the judgment. The entire land is not merely affected by pitch and brimstone but *becomes* a perpetually burning, smoldering mass. This signifies total and irreversible desolation, a land rendered forever uninhabitable and a monument to God's unyielding wrath against wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 34:9 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of utter destruction. The most prominent is **Imagery**, which creates a vivid and terrifying mental picture of a land consumed by fire. The transformation of "streams into pitch" and "dust into brimstone" is a striking example of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the natural state to emphasize the extreme and unnatural nature of the divine judgment. This hyperbole underscores the complete and irreversible desolation. Furthermore, the specific choice of "pitch" and "brimstone" constitutes a clear **Allusion** to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"), immediately recalling a well-known biblical precedent for total divine retribution. This allusion amplifies the severity and theological significance of the promised judgment. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, repeating the structure of transformation ("streams...turned into pitch," "dust...into brimstone," "land...become burning pitch") to build a cumulative effect, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 34:9 serves as a profound theological statement on the character of God, particularly His holiness and justice. It underscores that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who will not tolerate unrepentant sin and rebellion indefinitely. The imagery of consuming fire and irreversible desolation highlights the seriousness of divine wrath, demonstrating that there are ultimate and terrifying consequences for those who set themselves against the Creator. This verse stands as a solemn reminder that God's justice is as real and unyielding as His love and mercy, providing a necessary balance to a full understanding of His nature. It warns humanity that persistent wickedness will inevitably lead to a state of complete spiritual and existential barrenness, mirroring the physical desolation described.

* [Revelation 14:10-11](/revelation/14-10-11 "Revelation 14:10-11 - Tormented with Fire and Brimstone")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Sodom and Gomorrah as an Example of Eternal Fire")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day That Shall Burn Like an Oven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid and terrifying imagery of Isaiah 34:9 compels us to sober reflection on the nature of God's justice and the ultimate consequences of sin. It serves as a stark reminder that God is holy and righteous, and His patience with human rebellion is not infinite. For believers, this verse deepens our appreciation for the immense grace found in Christ, who delivers us from such wrath. It should stir within us a profound gratitude for salvation and a renewed commitment to living lives that honor God, marked by repentance and obedience. For those who have not yet embraced God's offer of salvation, it stands as a solemn warning, urging them to consider the eternal implications of rejecting His authority and love. The desolation described is not merely historical but points to a spiritual reality of separation from God, which is the true "burning pitch" of existence, a state of utter barrenness and alienation from the source of all life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "pitch" and "brimstone" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might the "burning pitch" of judgment manifest in a person's life, even before eternal consequences?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes in your life might be considered "rebellion" against God, and how does this verse prompt you to respond?**
* **How does the severity of this judgment highlight the incredible value and necessity of God's grace and mercy in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "pitch" and "brimstone" imagery in Isaiah 34:9?**

Answer: The imagery of "pitch" (Hebrew, _zepheth_) and "brimstone" (Hebrew, _gophrîyth_) is highly significant because it directly alludes to the destruction of [Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah") in Genesis 19. This connection immediately conveys a sense of complete, fiery, and divinely orchestrated destruction. In the biblical narrative, pitch (asphalt) and brimstone (sulphur) are associated with God's direct judgment against profound wickedness, rendering the land utterly uninhabitable and a perpetual monument to His wrath. Thus, Isaiah uses this powerful, well-known historical precedent to emphasize the severity, totality, and irreversible nature of the judgment awaiting those who oppose God.

**Is the prophecy in Isaiah 34:9 meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?**

Answer: While the language is highly vivid and employs literal elements (pitch, brimstone), prophetic passages often use such intense imagery to convey spiritual and theological truths that transcend a purely literal, physical interpretation. The transformation of an entire land into perpetually burning pitch is an example of **hyperbole**, emphasizing the *completeness* and *finality* of the judgment. It signifies a state of utter desolation, barrenness, and divine curse, where all life and fertility are extinguished. Therefore, it is best understood as a symbolic representation of the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment against sin and rebellion, drawing on historical events like Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate the terrifying reality of divine retribution. It speaks to a spiritual reality of separation from God that culminates in eternal consequences, rather than a precise geological prediction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 34:9 vividly portrays the terrifying reality of God's righteous wrath against sin, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound truth that Jesus Christ Himself bore this very judgment on behalf of humanity. The "burning pitch" and "brimstone" that symbolize the consuming fire of divine anger were poured out upon the Son of God at the cross. He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). The desolation described in Isaiah 34:9, which represents the just consequences of rebellion against a holy God, is precisely what Christ endured, allowing those who believe in Him to escape this condemnation.

Through His sacrifice, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), diverting the full force of God's judgment from His people. The New Testament speaks of a future "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" ([Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The Second Death in the Lake of Fire")) as the final destination for the unredeemed, echoing the Old Testament imagery of consuming judgment. However, for those who are "in Christ Jesus," there is "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")), because Christ has already suffered the ultimate desolation, allowing believers to inherit eternal life and communion with God, rather than the burning wasteland of His wrath. Thus, Isaiah 34:9, while a terrifying prophecy of judgment, ultimately magnifies the glorious redemption found in Jesus Christ, the one who bore the curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")).

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

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Psalms 11:6

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Revelation 19:20

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Genesis 19:28

And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

Job 18:15

It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

Revelation 21:8

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.