Isaiah 5:24

KJV

Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, [so] their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore as the fire {H784} devoureth {H398} the stubble {H7179}, and the flame {H3956}{H3852} consumeth {H7503} the chaff {H2842}, so their root {H8328} shall be as rottenness {H4716}, and their blossom {H6525} shall go up {H5927} as dust {H80}: because they have cast away {H3988} the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and despised {H5006} the word {H565} of the Holy One {H6918} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, as fire licks up the stubble, and the chaff is consumed in the flame; so their root will rot, and their flowers scatter like dust; because they have rejected the Torah of ADONAI-Tzva'ot, they have despised the word of the Holy One of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

American Standard Version

Therefore as the tongue of fire devoureth the stubble, and as the dry grass sinketh down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Jehovah of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:24 delivers a profound prophetic indictment against ancient Judah, vividly portraying the devastating and comprehensive judgment that inevitably follows the deliberate rejection of God's divine law and revealed word. Through striking agricultural metaphors, the verse illustrates the swift and absolute destruction awaiting a people whose spiritual foundation has rotted from within due to their contempt for the Holy One of Israel. This pronouncement serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the dire consequences of spiritual rebellion and the foundational importance of adherence to divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 5:24 serves as the climactic and concluding declaration of judgment within a series of "woes" pronounced by the prophet Isaiah. This chapter begins with the poignant [Song of the Vineyard](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), where God, as the diligent vineyard owner, expresses His disappointment over Judah's failure to yield righteousness despite His meticulous care. Following this allegorical lament, Isaiah transitions into specific condemnations against various societal sins: land accumulation and greed ([Isaiah 5:8](/isaiah/5-8 "Isaiah 5:8 - Woe to the Greedy")), drunkenness and revelry ([Isaiah 5:11](/isaiah/5-11 "Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to the Drunkards")), spiritual blindness and defiance of God's work ([Isaiah 5:18-19](/isaiah/5-18 "Isaiah 5:18-19 - Woe to the Mockers")), moral perversion (calling evil good and good evil) ([Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good")), self-conceit ([Isaiah 5:21](/isaiah/5-21 "Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to the Wise in Their Own Eyes")), and corruption in justice ([Isaiah 5:22-23](/isaiah/5-22 "Isaiah 5:22-23 - Woe to the Corrupt Judges")). Verse 24, therefore, acts as the culminating sentence, explicitly stating the root cause of these woes – the rejection of God's law – and declaring the comprehensive nature of the impending divine retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Isaiah ministered in Judah during the 8th century BCE, a period marked by significant political upheaval, social injustice, and widespread spiritual decline. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen or was on the brink of falling to Assyria, and Judah faced constant threats from powerful regional empires. Internally, despite periods of religious revival under kings like Hezekiah, there was pervasive idolatry, syncretism, and a stark disparity between the rich and the poor. The agricultural imagery employed in Isaiah 5:24 – "stubble," "chaff," "root," "blossom," "dust" – would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society. Stubble and chaff were worthless byproducts of the harvest, easily consumed by fire or scattered by wind, symbolizing utter destruction and worthlessness. A rotting root meant no future growth, and a blossom turning to dust signified the complete failure of life and fruitfulness, a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual barrenness as described in the [Song of the Vineyard](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to Isaiah's prophecy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost among them is the **inevitability of divine judgment** for covenant infidelity and persistent disobedience. The vivid imagery underscores the thoroughness and destructive power of God's righteous wrath against sin. Another crucial theme is the **total spiritual decay** that results from rejecting God's truth; the "rottenness" of the root and the "dust" of the blossom signify a deep, internal corruption that precludes any possibility of flourishing. This is not merely a superficial problem but a foundational one, leading to absolute desolation. Most importantly, the verse highlights that the **rejection of God's revealed law and word** is the ultimate, foundational sin. It is a deliberate act of contempt against the sovereign authority and holy character of "the LORD of hosts" and "the Holy One of Israel," underscoring the gravity of despising His commands and the direct link between a nation's moral state and its adherence to divine precepts, a principle echoed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chaff (Hebrew, _châshash'_):** This term refers to the dry, lightweight husks separated from grain during threshing. It is worthless, easily scattered by wind, and readily consumed by fire. In this context, "chaff" symbolizes worthlessness, ephemerality, and the ease with which the wicked or disobedient will be destroyed or swept away by divine judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the valuable grain, representing those who are righteous or obedient.
* **Rottenness (Hebrew, _maq'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to melt" or "to putrefy," _maq_ denotes a state of decay, putridity, or stink. When applied to the "root" in this verse, it vividly conveys a complete and foundational corruption. A rotten root cannot sustain life or produce fruit; it signifies an irreversible internal collapse, preventing any future growth or vitality. This imagery powerfully depicts the deep spiritual and moral decay within Judah.
* **Cast away (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** This verb signifies a strong, contemptuous rejection, to spurn, despise, or abhor. It is an active, intentional act of disdain, not mere passive ignorance or neglect. The use of _mâʼaç_ here emphasizes the deliberate and willful nature of Judah's rebellion against God's law, highlighting that their judgment is a direct consequence of their conscious and scornful repudiation of divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff,"**: This opening clause establishes a powerful **simile**, comparing the impending judgment to the rapid and complete destruction wrought by fire upon dry, worthless agricultural waste. "Stubble" (the stalks left after harvest) and "chaff" (the husks) are highly combustible and represent that which is valueless and easily obliterated. This imagery immediately conveys the swift, thorough, and inescapable nature of God's judgment against the disobedient.
* **"so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust:"**: This clause continues the **simile** and extends the agricultural metaphor. "Their root" refers to the very foundation, source, or essence of their being and society. If the root is "rottenness," it signifies a deep, internal, and irreversible decay, preventing any possibility of life or flourishing. "Their blossom" represents their potential, their future, or their outward display of vitality. For it to "go up as dust" means it will be utterly annihilated, scattered, and reduced to nothing, without any hope of bearing fruit or achieving its purpose. This paints a picture of comprehensive and irrecoverable ruin.
* **"because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel."**: This final clause provides the explicit reason for the severe judgment. The conjunction "because" directly links the preceding imagery of destruction to the specific sin of Judah. "The law of the LORD of hosts" refers to God's revealed will, His covenant commands, and His divine instruction. "The LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation. To "cast away" (a strong, contemptuous rejection) and "despise" (to scorn or abhor) "the word of the Holy One of Israel" highlights the deliberate and profound nature of their rebellion. "The Holy One of Israel" underscores God's moral purity and His unique covenant relationship with His people, making their rejection an act of profound betrayal against their sacred bond.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:24 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, employing vivid agricultural metaphors to convey the severity and completeness of divine judgment. The comparison of the people's fate to "fire devouring the stubble" and "flame consuming the chaff" immediately evokes a sense of swift, overwhelming destruction of that which is worthless. This is further extended by the imagery of a "root" becoming "rottenness" and a "blossom" turning to "dust," which powerfully symbolizes a complete, foundational, and irreversible decay, preventing any future growth or fruitfulness. The verse also utilizes effective **Parallelism** to reinforce its message. The phrases "fire devoureth the stubble" and "flame consumeth the chaff" are synonymous parallels, as are "their root shall be as rottenness" and "their blossom shall go up as dust," emphasizing the totality of the destruction. Similarly, "cast away the law of the LORD of hosts" and "despised the word of the Holy One of Israel" are parallel expressions of their core sin, underscoring the deliberate and contemptuous nature of their rebellion against divine authority. The prophet's use of these devices ensures the message is not only understood but viscerally felt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:24 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical principle that God's justice is inextricably linked to His holiness and His revealed will. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a direct and proportional consequence of Judah's deliberate and contemptuous rejection of the divine covenant embodied in "the law of the LORD of hosts" and "the word of the Holy One of Israel." This verse underscores the profound gravity of despising God's truth, revealing that such defiance leads to a deep, internal spiritual decay that ultimately culminates in utter desolation. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His ultimate sovereignty over the affairs of nations, demonstrating that His patience has limits and that persistent rebellion will inevitably invite His righteous wrath.

* [Psalm 1:4](/psalms/1-4 "Psalm 1:4 - The Wicked are Like Chaff")
* [Hosea 8:7](/hosea/8-7 "Hosea 8:7 - Sowing the Wind")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:24 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all generations, reminding us that spiritual rebellion and contempt for God's revealed truth carry severe and inevitable consequences. It challenges us to examine the "root" of our own lives and societies: is it grounded in the unchanging truth of God's Word, or is it succumbing to the "rottenness" of self-will and worldly wisdom? The vivid imagery of fire consuming stubble and chaff, and roots decaying, compels us to consider the ultimate futility of a life lived apart from divine guidance. This verse calls us to a profound reverence for God's law and His word, not as burdensome restrictions, but as the very foundation for true flourishing and lasting fruitfulness. It encourages a proactive and humble posture of obedience, recognizing that genuine wisdom begins with acknowledging God's supreme authority and aligning our lives with His righteous precepts, lest our "blossom" too should turn to "dust."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be "casting away" or "despising" God's word today, perhaps subtly or unintentionally?**
* **What "stubble" or "chaff" in my life needs to be consumed by the fire of God's refining judgment, and what "root" might be showing signs of spiritual "rottenness"?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence and obedience to God's law and word, ensuring my spiritual foundation remains strong and fruitful?**

### FAQ
**What does the agricultural imagery in Isaiah 5:24 signify?**

Answer: The agricultural imagery of "stubble," "chaff," "root," "blossom," and "dust" is highly symbolic. "Stubble" and "chaff" represent worthlessness, that which is easily discarded and quickly consumed by fire, symbolizing the swift and complete destruction of those who defy God. A "rottenness" in the "root" signifies a deep, internal, and foundational spiritual decay, indicating that the problem is not superficial but goes to the very core of a people's being, preventing any future growth or vitality. The "blossom" going up "as dust" means that any potential for life or fruitfulness is utterly annihilated, scattered, and reduced to nothing. Together, these images paint a picture of comprehensive and irreversible ruin, a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual barrenness and disobedience, much like the unfruitful vineyard in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard").

**Who are "the LORD of hosts" and "the Holy One of Israel," and why are these titles significant here?**

Answer: "The LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _YHWH Sabaoth_) is a powerful divine title emphasizing God's omnipotent power and His sovereign command over all creation, including heavenly armies and cosmic forces. It underscores His absolute authority and ability to execute His judgments. "The Holy One of Israel" emphasizes God's distinct moral purity, His transcendence, and His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. To "cast away the law of the LORD of hosts" and "despise the word of the Holy One of Israel" is therefore an act of profound rebellion and betrayal against the most powerful and sacred being, highlighting the immense gravity of Judah's sin. These titles reinforce that the rejected law and word originate from the ultimate, unchallengeable authority and perfect righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 5:24 pronounces a severe judgment upon Israel for their rejection of God's law, it also foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Jesus Christ. Israel, as a nation, failed to uphold the covenant and despised God's word, leading to the "rottenness" of their spiritual "root" and the scattering of their "blossom as dust." However, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), living a life of complete obedience where Israel failed. He is the very "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and to reject Him is to reject the ultimate revelation of God's will. For those who believe in Him, the judgment of "fire" and "rottenness" is averted, as Christ bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin on the cross ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Through His death and resurrection, He provides a new "root" of life, grafting believers into Himself, the true vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")), ensuring that their "blossom" will not turn to dust but will bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Isaiah's warning highlights the dire consequences of disobedience, while simultaneously pointing to the necessity of Christ as the only means to escape such judgment and experience true spiritual vitality.

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 30:12

Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Joel 2:5

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Luke 3:17

Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

Isaiah 30:9

That this [is] a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD:

Exodus 15:7

And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, [which] consumed them as stubble.

Isaiah 47:14

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.