Isaiah 47:14

KJV

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: [there shall] not [be] a coal to warm at, [nor] fire to sit before it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, they shall be as stubble {H7179}; the fire {H784} shall burn {H8313} them; they shall not deliver {H5337} themselves {H5315} from the power {H3027} of the flame {H3852}: there shall not be a coal {H1513} to warm {H2552} at, nor fire {H217} to sit {H3427} before it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, they will be like straw! The fire will consume them. They will not save even themselves from the power of the flame. It will not be coals for warming oneself, not a fire to sit beside!

Berean Standard Bible

Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There will be no coals to warm them or fire to sit beside.

American Standard Version

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 47:14 serves as a stark prophetic declaration of the utter and irreversible judgment awaiting Babylon, personified as the "Daughter of Babylon" or "Lady of Kingdoms." After a period of arrogant self-sufficiency, oppressive rule, and reliance on pagan divinations, the prophet reveals her swift and complete downfall. This verse vividly portrays the futility of her trusted sorcerers and astrologers, likening them to dry stubble consumed by an unquenchable fire, from which there is no escape, no remnant of comfort, and no hope of recovery. It underscores the absolute sovereignty of God in bringing justice against all who defy Him and trust in their own fleeting power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 47 stands as a powerful and dramatic oracle of judgment against Babylon, following a series of oracles against other nations (chapters 13-23) and preceding passages that highlight God's redemptive plan for Israel (chapters 48-55). Within chapter 47 itself, verses 1-8 describe Babylon's humiliation and fall from her position of power, depicting her as a once-proud queen now brought low. Verses 9-13 specifically condemn Babylon's reliance on her "many sorceries" and "great enchantments," highlighting her false sense of security derived from occult practices and her belief that "no one sees me" ([Isaiah 47:10](/isaiah/47-10 "Isaiah 47:10 - Babylon's Arrogance")). Verse 14 directly responds to this hubris, demonstrating the impotence of these very practices and those who perform them in the face of divine judgment. The imagery of fire consuming stubble underscores the swiftness and totality of this judgment, leaving no room for escape or comfort, directly fulfilling the warnings of the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 47 is set against the backdrop of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which rose to prominence in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, famously conquering Judah and destroying Jerusalem in 586 BCE. Babylon was renowned for its immense wealth, military might, and advanced civilization, including its sophisticated astronomical and astrological practices. The Chaldeans, a dominant ethnic group within Babylon, were particularly known for their divination and sorcery, which were deeply integrated into their cultural and religious life. The "stargazers" and "monthly prognosticators" mentioned in [Isaiah 47:13](/isaiah/47-13 "Isaiah 47:13 - Futility of Babylon's Diviners") refer to these Chaldean astrologers and diviners whom Babylon trusted for guidance and protection. The prophet's message would have been shocking and counter-cultural, directly challenging the perceived invincibility of this global superpower and the efficacy of its most revered spiritual practices. The imagery of burning stubble would have been immediately understood by an agrarian society familiar with the swift destruction of dry refuse by fire, making the divine judgment tangible and relatable.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, showcasing God's absolute authority to humble even the most powerful and arrogant nations that defy His will and oppress His people. Babylon's fall is not merely a political upheaval but a direct act of divine retribution, demonstrating that no earthly power can stand against the Lord of Hosts. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Self-Reliance and False Wisdom**. Babylon's trust in her own strength, her "wisdom and knowledge" ([Isaiah 47:10](/isaiah/47-10 "Isaiah 47:10 - Babylon's Self-Confidence")), and especially her occult practices, is exposed as utterly worthless. The swift consumption by fire illustrates that all human efforts and false spiritualities, when divorced from God, are fragile and ultimately powerless against His righteous anger. This reinforces the broader biblical warning against relying on anything other than the true God, as seen in [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Curse on Trusting in Man"). Finally, the verse conveys the theme of **Irreversible and Total Destruction**. The imagery of no "coal to warm at" or "fire to sit before it" vividly depicts a judgment so complete that no comfort, no remnant, and no hope for recovery will remain. It speaks to a desolation that leaves nothing beneficial behind, underscoring the severity of God's final judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stubble (Hebrew, _qash'_):** From an unused root meaning "to glow or kindle," this word refers to dry, light stalks left after harvest. In this context, it powerfully symbolizes extreme fragility, worthlessness, and susceptibility to rapid and complete destruction by fire. It conveys the idea that Babylon and her trusted advisors are as insubstantial and easily consumed as dry straw.
* **power (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** Literally meaning "hand," this word is used extensively in a variety of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it signifies "power," "dominion," or "control." The phrase "from the power of the flame" emphasizes that there will be no escape from the overwhelming force and destructive grip of the divine judgment, which is likened to an all-consuming fire.
* **coal (Hebrew, _gechel'_):** Or _gacheleth_, derived from an unused root meaning "to glow or kindle," referring to an ember or burning coal. In this verse, its absence is significant. A coal or ember typically signifies a lingering warmth, a small remnant of fire that can provide comfort or be rekindled. The declaration that there will be "not a coal to warm at" emphatically states the utter and complete desolation, leaving no trace of comfort, hope, or even a tiny spark of life or benefit from the destructive fire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, they shall be as stubble;":** This opening clause immediately sets the tone of impending judgment, likening the objects of divine wrath (Babylon and her wise men/diviners) to dry, brittle stubble. This imagery powerfully conveys their extreme vulnerability, worthlessness, and the ease with which they will be consumed by the coming judgment, emphasizing their lack of substance and their inability to withstand divine power.
* **"the fire shall burn them;":** This clause introduces the agent of destruction: fire. Fire here is a powerful biblical metaphor for divine judgment, purification, and destruction. The active burning signifies a swift, thorough, and inescapable consumption of those likened to stubble, leaving nothing behind. It highlights the intensity and inevitability of God's wrath.
* **"they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame:":** This crucial statement emphasizes the utter helplessness and inescapable nature of the judgment. Despite Babylon's former might and her reliance on various forms of "power" (including her sorceries and diviners), she will be powerless to rescue herself or her people from the overwhelming force and destructive grip of this divine "flame." The phrase underscores the finality and omnipotence of God's judgment.
* **"[there shall] not [be] a coal to warm at, [nor] fire to sit before it.":** This concluding, highly emphatic statement uses a double negative to vividly portray the absolute and complete desolation that will follow. It signifies that not only will there be no escape from the destructive fire, but there will also be no beneficial outcome, no lingering comfort, no warmth, no solace, and no remnant from the devastation. The judgment will be so severe and comprehensive that nothing will be left to provide relief or hope, underscoring the total annihilation and desolation of Babylon's former glory and security.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 47:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Simile**, where Babylon and her advisors are directly compared to "stubble." This comparison is highly effective, as stubble is universally understood as dry, light, and easily combustible, immediately conveying the fragility and worthlessness of those facing divine wrath. The use of **Metaphor** is evident in "the fire shall burn them" and "the power of the flame," where fire and flame are not merely literal but represent the consuming, destructive force of God's judgment. This metaphor emphasizes the intensity and inevitability of the divine wrath. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** and **Understatement (Litotes)** in the concluding phrase, "not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it." While literally stating the absence of a small ember, it hyperbolically implies total and irreversible destruction, emphasizing that no comfort, no hope, and no benefit whatsoever will remain from the devastation. This stark imagery serves as a powerful **Antithesis** to Babylon's earlier boasts of comfort and security, highlighting the dramatic reversal of her fortunes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 47:14 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no human power, no matter how great or seemingly invincible, can ultimately withstand the righteous judgment of the Almighty. Babylon's reliance on her own wisdom, military might, and especially her occult practices, is exposed as utterly futile, underscoring the biblical principle that true security and wisdom are found only in the Lord. This passage powerfully illustrates the consequences of pride, self-sufficiency, and rebellion against God, affirming that divine judgment, when it comes, is comprehensive, inescapable, and leaves no room for comfort or recovery for those who have rejected His ways. It is a stark reminder that God will ultimately hold all powers accountable for their actions, particularly their oppression of His people.

* [Psalm 37:20](/psalms/37-20 "Psalm 37:20 - The Wicked Perish Like Stubble")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the Lord Burns Like an Oven")
* [Revelation 18:8](/revelation/18-8 "Revelation 18:8 - Babylon's Judgment by Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 47:14 offers a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, reminding us that pride, self-sufficiency, and reliance on anything other than the one true God lead to inevitable destruction. In an age where human wisdom, technological advancement, and various forms of self-help or spiritual alternatives often compete for our trust, this verse calls us to examine the foundations of our security. Are we building our lives on the shifting sands of worldly power, fleeting comforts, or even deceptive spiritual practices, or on the unshakeable rock of God's truth? The swift and complete consumption of Babylon serves as a powerful reminder that all human systems, powers, and intellectual pursuits, when divorced from God's truth and justice, are ultimately fragile and susceptible to divine judgment. For believers, this passage offers profound assurance that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and will ultimately bring justice against oppressors and those who defy Him. It encourages us to place our hope not in the transient comforts or human wisdom of this world, but in the enduring power, faithfulness, and eternal salvation offered by God alone. Our ultimate security is found not in what we possess or achieve, but in our humble reliance on Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stubble" in my life or culture might I be relying on for security instead of God?**
* **How does the imagery of an unquenchable fire challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to trust in human wisdom or self-sufficiency rather than divine guidance?**
* **What comfort or hope does this verse offer to those who feel oppressed or witness injustice in the world?**

### FAQ
**What is the historical context of Babylon's "sorceries" and "stargazers" mentioned in Isaiah 47?**

Answer: The historical context refers to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was prominent in the 7th-6th centuries BCE. Babylon was famous for its advanced knowledge of astronomy, which was deeply intertwined with astrology and divination. The Chaldeans, a dominant group within Babylon, were particularly renowned as astrologers, soothsayers, and practitioners of various forms of magic and occult arts. They believed they could predict the future and influence events through the observation of celestial bodies and other mystical practices. [Isaiah 47:13](/isaiah/47-13 "Isaiah 47:13 - Babylon's Astrologers") specifically mentions these groups, highlighting Babylon's deep reliance on them for guidance and security. Isaiah 47:14 then dramatically declares the utter futility of these practices in the face of God's judgment, demonstrating that these "wise men" cannot even save themselves, let alone Babylon.

**Does this verse suggest that God's judgment is always immediate and irreversible?**

Answer: While Isaiah 47:14 vividly portrays an immediate and irreversible judgment for Babylon, it's important to understand that the timing and nature of God's judgment can vary. God is patient and often offers opportunities for repentance, as seen with Nineveh in [Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh's Repentance"). However, for those who persistently refuse to repent, like Babylon in this prophecy, God's judgment is indeed certain and, when it comes, can be swift and complete. The imagery of "stubble" and an unquenchable "fire" in this verse emphasizes the finality and totality of the destruction for those who have exhausted God's patience and continued in their defiance and oppression. This particular prophecy speaks to a decisive, comprehensive divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 47:14 directly prophesies the judgment of ancient Babylon, its theological implications find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Babylon, throughout Scripture, often serves as a symbol of the world system in rebellion against God, characterized by pride, idolatry, and oppression. Just as ancient Babylon's self-reliance and occult practices proved futile against God's judgment, so too will all earthly powers and human systems that reject Christ ultimately face a similar, inescapable fiery judgment. The "fire" that consumes Babylon foreshadows the eschatological judgment described in the New Testament, where all that is not built on Christ will be consumed. [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord and the Burning of the Earth") speaks of a day when the heavens will pass away with a roar and the earth and its works will be burned up. More specifically, the ultimate "Babylon" in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") is depicted as falling with a finality that leaves no "coal to warm at," mirroring Isaiah's imagery of complete desolation. Christ, as the righteous judge, is the one who will execute this judgment, as seen in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Righteous Judge"). For believers, this passage is not a source of fear but an affirmation of Christ's ultimate victory over all evil and oppressive powers, assuring us that our hope is secure in Him, the one who delivers us from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Deliverance from Wrath")).

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

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Nahum 1:10

For while [they be] folden together [as] thorns, and while they are drunken [as] drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

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;

Ezekiel 15:7

And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from [one] fire, and [another] fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I set my face against them.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Isaiah 41:2

Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.

Isaiah 40:24

Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.