Isaiah 9:18

KJV

For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up [like] the lifting up of smoke.

KJV (with Strong's)

For wickedness {H7564} burneth {H1197} as the fire {H784}: it shall devour {H398} the briers {H8068} and thorns {H7898}, and shall kindle {H3341} in the thickets {H5442} of the forest {H3293}, and they shall mount up {H55} like the lifting up {H1348} of smoke {H6227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For wickedness burns like fire, it devours briars and thorns; it sets the forest underbrush ablaze, with clouds of smoke whirling upward.

Berean Standard Bible

For wickedness burns like a fire that consumes the thorns and briers and kindles the forest thickets which roll upward in billows of smoke.

American Standard Version

For wickedness burneth as the fire; it devoureth the briers and thorns; yea, it kindleth in the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 9:18 paints a chillingly vivid picture of the destructive and self-propagating nature of wickedness, likening it to an uncontrolled forest fire that relentlessly consumes everything in its path. This profound prophetic imagery underscores the inevitable and comprehensive consequences of unrepentant sin, demonstrating how moral decay spreads insidiously through a society, devouring both the insignificant and the deeply entrenched, ultimately leaving behind only the desolate evidence of its destructive power in the form of rising smoke. It serves as a stark warning of the futility and ultimate self-annihilation inherent in rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a powerful prophetic oracle (Isaiah 9:8-21) that pronounces God's severe and unyielding judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim. The preceding verses meticulously detail Israel's persistent pride, defiance, and stubborn refusal to repent despite repeated divine chastisements and warnings, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 9:9-10](/isaiah/9-9-10 "Isaiah 9:9-10 - Israel's Pride and Defiance"). The imagery of fire and consumption in verse 18 dramatically escalates the theme of judgment, building upon earlier declarations of God's unyielding anger, such as the repeated phrase, "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still" (e.g., [Isaiah 9:12](/isaiah/9-12 "Isaiah 9:12 - God's Hand is Stretched Out Still")). The passage inexorably builds towards a climax of internal strife and utter devastation, vividly described in [Isaiah 9:21](/isaiah/9-21 "Isaiah 9:21 - Internal Strife and Devastation"), emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending doom that their sin has wrought.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Isaiah 9 is primarily directed at the northern kingdom of Israel during the turbulent 8th century BCE. This was a period characterized by profound political instability, rampant idolatry, and widespread social injustice, all of which contributed to Israel's spiritual decay. The mighty Assyrian Empire was a rapidly rising power, posing an existential threat, and Israel's misguided alliances coupled with severe internal corruption left them acutely vulnerable. The potent imagery of "briers and thorns" and "thickets of the forest" would have resonated profoundly with an agrarian society intimately familiar with the rapid and devastating spread of wildfires, especially during dry seasons, consuming both cultivated lands and wild areas indiscriminately. This natural phenomenon serves as a powerful and easily understood metaphor for the socio-political and spiritual decay that was relentlessly consuming Israel from within, making them ripe for the external judgment that would eventually come through the Assyrians.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 9:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present within the broader book of Isaiah and particularly within this specific chapter. It powerfully highlights the **destructive power of sin and rebellion**, demonstrating that wickedness is not merely a contained act but an active, corrosive, and consuming force that spreads relentlessly, undermining societal foundations. This verse also underscores the **inevitability of divine judgment** as a natural and just consequence of unrepentant hearts and persistent moral decay, where God's righteous wrath is vividly portrayed as a consuming fire (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). Furthermore, it illustrates the **comprehensive nature of this judgment**, affecting all strata of society, from the common people (symbolized by "briers and thorns") to the entrenched leadership and institutions ("thickets of the forest"), leaving nothing but desolation, powerfully symbolized by the rising smoke. This stark picture of impending judgment stands in dramatic and poignant contrast to the glorious prophecy of the Messiah's coming in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah"), emphasizing the critical choice between light and darkness, blessing and curse, that Israel faced.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wickedness (Hebrew, _rishʻâh'_):** From H7564, this feminine noun denotes moral evil, guilt, and injustice. Its use here is crucial, as it emphasizes that the destructive "fire" is not merely an external force but the inherent nature and inevitable consequence of the people's own unrighteousness. It is the very essence of their rebellion against God that actively consumes them from within.
* **Burneth (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** From H1197, a primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "consume (by fire or by eating)." This word powerfully conveys the active, intense, and self-propagating nature of wickedness. It is not a passive decay but an aggressive, devouring force, much like an uncontrolled wildfire that actively spreads and consumes everything in its path without external intervention once ignited.
* **Lifting up (Hebrew, _gêʼûwth'_):** From H1348, this word primarily signifies "arrogance or majesty" and, by implication, "pride" or "exaltation." While literally referring to the rising of smoke, its deeper semantic range subtly connects the physical image of rising smoke to the spiritual reality of the "lifting up" of human pride and arrogance that fueled Israel's wickedness. This profound double entendre suggests that the very pride and self-exaltation that led to their sin will ultimately result in their "lifting up" as smoke, signifying complete annihilation and the ultimate futility of their self-exaltation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For wickedness burneth as the fire:"** This opening clause establishes the central and terrifying metaphor of the verse. Wickedness—encompassing moral evil, injustice, and rebellion against God—is not merely destructive but possesses an inherent, active, and consuming quality, akin to a raging fire. It powerfully suggests that sin, left unchecked and unrepentant, naturally expands and devastates, much like a blaze that requires no external prodding once ignited, but rather feeds upon itself.
* **"it shall devour the briers and thorns,"** The consuming fire of wickedness is depicted as first attacking the easily combustible and less substantial elements: "briers and thorns." These often symbolize things of little value, common weeds, or perhaps the more vulnerable, less entrenched, or even the common people within society. This indicates that the destructive force of sin begins its work by corrupting and consuming the more common, perhaps less obvious, moral and social structures, spreading from the periphery inward.
* **"and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest,"** The fire's spread is portrayed as relentless and comprehensive. After consuming the less resistant elements, it "kindles" in the "thickets of the forest," which represent dense, tangled, and far more substantial growth. This signifies that wickedness will penetrate and destroy even the most established, seemingly impenetrable, or powerful structures within a nation, such as its leadership, its foundational institutions, or its deeply ingrained cultural norms. No part of society, regardless of its perceived strength or resilience, is immune from its pervasive and corrosive reach.
* **"and they shall mount up [like] the lifting up of smoke."** The ultimate and devastating outcome of this consumption is depicted by the rising smoke. This imagery signifies complete and utter destruction, leaving nothing but the ephemeral, insubstantial evidence of what once was. The "lifting up" of smoke, as explored in the Key Word Analysis, subtly links this physical outcome to the spiritual pride and arrogance that initiated the wickedness, suggesting that the "lifting up" of human self-exaltation ultimately leads to the "lifting up" of their society in smoke – a poignant and terrifying testament to their self-destruction and ultimate futility.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 9:18 is profoundly rich with **Imagery** and employs a powerful **Metaphor** and **Simile** to convey its urgent and dire message. The central **Metaphor** boldly compares "wickedness" directly to "fire," emphasizing its inherent destructive, consuming, and self-propagating nature. This fire is not merely a passive force but is vividly personified as actively "devouring" and "kindling," endowing it with an almost sentient, relentless, and insatiable quality. The phrase "like the lifting up of smoke" introduces a potent **Simile**, drawing a direct and stark comparison between the rising, ephemeral remnants of the consumed forest and the inevitable, desolate outcome of unchecked wickedness. Furthermore, the deliberate selection of "briers and thorns" followed by "thickets of the forest" creates a vivid **Progression** and **Contrast**, illustrating the comprehensive and escalating reach of this destructive force, from the easily consumed to the most entrenched structures. The **Symbolism** of fire for divine judgment and smoke for complete annihilation and desolation is deeply embedded in biblical literature, making the message immediately impactful and universally understood across cultural contexts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 9:18 serves as a stark and uncompromising theological declaration about the intrinsic nature of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It powerfully affirms that wickedness is not merely a transgression but a corrosive, self-destructive force that, left unchecked, will inevitably lead to ruin and desolation. The vivid image of fire underscores God's righteous character, where His judgment is not arbitrary but a just and holy response to persistent rebellion, allowing sin to run its course to its natural, destructive conclusion or actively bringing about its consuming effects. This verse highlights the profound biblical principle that actions have inescapable consequences, and a society that embraces moral decay and rebellion will ultimately face comprehensive annihilation, leaving behind only the desolate evidence of its former existence. It stands as a timeless and solemn warning against the insidious spread of sin and the ultimate futility of human pride and self-reliance in the face of divine justice.

* [Proverbs 11:31](/proverbs/11-31 "Proverbs 11:31 - The Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 9:18 offers a profound and deeply sobering reflection on the insidious nature of sin, both in our personal lives and in the broader fabric of society. It compels us to recognize that wickedness is an active, consuming force, not a passive state or a contained incident. Just as a small, seemingly insignificant spark can ignite a devastating forest fire, so too can seemingly minor transgressions, if left unaddressed and unrepented, spread and corrupt every aspect of our character, our relationships, and our communities. This verse challenges us to confront the insidious ways sin takes root and expands, consuming our inner peace, fracturing our relationships, and draining our spiritual vitality. It serves as a stark reminder that there are inescapable consequences to unrepentant sin, whether manifested as internal decay or external judgment. Therefore, we are called to vigilant self-examination, actively and proactively rooting out the "briers and thorns" of sin—those small compromises and unconfessed faults—before they can "kindle in the thickets" of our souls and societies, leading to widespread devastation. The only true and lasting antidote to this consuming fire of wickedness is genuine repentance, a turning away from sin, and a turning towards the transformative power of God's grace, which alone can extinguish the flames of evil and restore spiritual health and wholeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have I observed "wickedness burn[ing] as the fire" in my own life, my community, or the wider world around me?**
* **What "briers and thorns" (seemingly small sins, unaddressed habits, or compromises) might I be allowing to fester, potentially leading to a larger, more destructive "fire" in my spiritual walk or relationships?**
* **How does this verse deepen my understanding of God's justice and the inherent, destructive consequences of unrepentant sin?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to actively resist the spread of wickedness, both personally within my own heart and within my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Does "wickedness burneth as the fire" refer to God's judgment or the self-destructive nature of sin?**

Answer: It refers to both, intricately intertwined. The primary imagery in [Isaiah 9:18](/isaiah/9-18 "Isaiah 9:18 - Wickedness as a Consuming Fire") emphasizes the inherent, self-propagating, and destructive nature of wickedness itself. Sin, by its very essence, is a corrosive force that consumes and devastates everything it touches. However, this self-destruction is also a profound manifestation of God's righteous judgment. In His justice and holiness, God often allows wickedness to run its course, bringing about the natural and inevitable consequences of rebellion. Furthermore, in a broader biblical context, God Himself is often described as a "consuming fire" ([Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")), implying that His holy presence actively confronts, purges, and ultimately judges evil. So, while sin is inherently self-destructive, its ultimate outcome is also a direct component of divine judgment, demonstrating God's unwavering opposition to evil.

**What do "briers and thorns" and "thickets of the forest" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: These terms are powerful agricultural symbols representing different aspects or stages of corruption and decay within a society. "Briers and thorns" (Hebrew: *shâmîyr* and *shayith*) typically represent things of lesser value, common weeds, or perhaps the more superficial, easily consumed, or common aspects of moral decay, or even the general populace. "Thickets of the forest" (Hebrew: *çᵉbâk* and *yaʻar*) refers to dense, tangled undergrowth, symbolizing more substantial, entrenched, and perhaps seemingly impenetrable elements. This could represent the deeper, more pervasive corruption, the established institutions, the powerful leadership, or the deeply rooted cultural norms of the nation. The progression from "briers and thorns" to "thickets of the forest" vividly illustrates the comprehensive and relentless spread of wickedness, indicating that no part of society, from the most common to the most powerful, will be left untouched by its destructive power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 9:18, with its stark portrayal of wickedness as a consuming fire leading to utter desolation and rising smoke, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. While this Old Testament verse powerfully highlights the consequences of unrepentant sin under the Old Covenant, Christ offers the definitive and complete solution to the pervasive problem of wickedness. He is the [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who came not only to expose the darkness of sin—which Isaiah 9:18 describes as a destructive blaze—but also to overcome it definitively. Unlike the consuming fire of judgment that annihilates, Jesus offers a purifying fire—the [Holy Spirit](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - Baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire")—that refines, transforms, and empowers believers, extinguishing the flames of evil within and enabling righteous living. His sacrificial death on the cross became the ultimate act that absorbed the consuming fire of God's righteous wrath against sin, allowing all who believe in Him to escape its devastating effects and the eternal judgment it brings. Through His glorious resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over the power of sin and death, offering a path to new life, spiritual restoration, and eternal hope where only smoke and desolation once threatened. Thus, the terrifying judgment depicted in [Isaiah 9:18](/isaiah/9-18 "Isaiah 9:18 - Wickedness as a Consuming Fire") serves as a powerful and essential backdrop, illuminating the profound grace, mercy, and salvation offered through Jesus, who came to deliver humanity from the very wickedness that consumes and to usher in His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace (cf. [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah")).

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.

Psalms 83:14

As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

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 5:24

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.

Isaiah 34:8

For [it is] the day of the LORD'S vengeance, [and] the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.

Isaiah 34:10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: