Isaiah 34:10

"Its streams will be turned into pitch, its dust into sulfur, and its land will become burning pitch."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 34:10 paints a vivid and apocalyptic picture of divine judgment upon a wicked land. The verse describes the environment as becoming desolate and inhospitable; streams turn to pitch, dust transforms into sulfur, and the land itself becomes like burning pitch. This imagery suggests not only physical destruction but also a spiritual cleansing, reflecting God's ultimate judgment where even the earth is transformed into a place of torment. Such a description underscores the severity of divine retribution in Isaiah’s prophetic vision.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

It shall not be quenched night nor day -That is, the burning brimstone and pitchIsaiah 34:9, the emblem of perpetual and entire desolation, shall not be extinguished. The smoke thereof shall go up for ever -Every river and rivulet is Supposed to be heated pitch, and every particle of dust sulphur, and a 1 on fire, sending up from an extended region dense columns of smoke to heaven. No idea of ruin could be more sublime; no idea of the vengeance of God more terrible. This image has been copied by John to describe the future woes of the wickedRevelation 14:11, and of mystical BabylonRevelation 18:9,Revelation 18:18;Revelation 19:2-3.

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