For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns; it kindles the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The vivid imagery of wickedness burning like fire isn't just about destruction; it highlights how sin's consuming nature spreads, starting with the "briers and thorns" (representing the lowest ranks) and igniting the "thickets of the forest" (the higher classes). This paints a picture of widespread societal decay, where the consequences of ungodliness escalate to engulf everyone, leaving only a "column of smoke" – the desolate remnants of what was once vibrant.
For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns; it kindles the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet is describing the rampant wickedness that has taken hold of the nation, portraying it as a destructive fire. This "fire" of sin is so pervasive that it consumes the lowliest and most insignificant aspects of society ("briers and thorns") and then spreads to engulf the entire nation ("thickets of the forest"). The image culminates in the rising smoke, symbolizing the widespread devastation and the visible manifestation of God's judgment upon their corruption.
The Bible often uses powerful imagery to describe sin. What does this verse reveal about the destructive nature of wickedness?
Isaiah uses the image of fire to vividly portray how wickedness spreads and consumes.
A Spreading Inferno
It's easy to think of sin as a personal failing, but this passage shows its impact on the whole community. How does Isaiah portray this?
Isaiah's imagery highlights that wickedness doesn't just affect individuals; it has a corrosive effect on the entire social fabric.
From Low to High
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The end result of this fiery consumption is described in a striking visual. What does this 'column of smoke' signify?
The rising column of smoke is a powerful metaphor for the visible, undeniable consequences of widespread wickedness.
The Aftermath of Destruction
Understand the original words
rish’ah · Hebrew Noun
Generally referring to moral perversity, lawlessness, or evil conduct that actively opposes God's righteous standard. It is often pictured as self-destructive or destructive to the community.
The imagery of wickedness burning like fire speaks to the consuming nature of sin and its devastating consequences, not just as divine judgment but as an intrinsic destructive force that engulfs individuals and societies, especially in times of political turmoil and impending conquest.
Late 8th century BC
Reign of Tiglath-Pileser III
King Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria expands his empire, demanding tribute from various kingdoms, including Israel and Judah. This period marks increased Assyrian influence and military pressure on the region.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
King Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of Israel attempt to force King Ahaz of Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance. Ahaz appeals to Assyria for help, leading to Assyrian invasion and devastation of parts of Israel and Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Destruction of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian king Shalmaneser V (and later Sargon II) conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting its population and effectively ending its existence as a distinct entity.
c. 705-681 BC— this verse
Reign of Sennacherib of Assyria
Sennacherib's campaigns include an invasion of Judah, during which he besieges Jerusalem but ultimately withdraws. This event deeply impacts Judah's political and religious life.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Judeans to Babylon, including members of the royal family and elite. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Temple
Nebuchadnezzar II utterly destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, followed by a final, larger deportation of Judeans to Babylon.
This passage uses similar imagery of fire to describe destruction and judgment, emphasizing how wickedness is consumed and leads to ruin, mirroring Isaiah's description.
James 1:15James describes how 'desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, brings forth death.' This echoes Isaiah's depiction of wickedness as a consuming fire that grows and ultimately leads to destruction.
Psalm 118:12This psalm compares the wicked to 'bees' or 'thorns' that flare up like fire but are quickly consumed, connecting to Isaiah's metaphor of fire consuming thorns and briers.
Isaiah 5:24This earlier passage in Isaiah also uses the imagery of fire consuming stubble and chaff to depict judgment against wickedness, reinforcing the theme of destructive consequences for sin.
pulpitIsaiah 9:18: "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."
Verse 18. - Wickedness burneth as the fire; i.e. the contagion of wickedness overspreads a whole nation in the same rapid way that fire spreads over a field of stubble or a forest. They shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke; rather, they - i.e., the forest thickets - shall be whirled upward with the…
barnesIsaiah 9:18: "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."
For wickedness - This commences the third part of the prophecy, which continues to the end of the chapter. It is a description of prevailing impiety. The effects and prevalence of it are described by the image of a raging, burning flame, that spreads everywhere: first among the humble shrubbery - the brier…
The vivid imagery of wickedness burning like fire isn't just about destruction; it highlights how sin's consuming nature spreads, starting with the "briers and thorns" (representing the lowest ranks) and igniting the "thickets of the forest" (the higher classes). This paints a picture of widespread societal decay, where the consequences of ungodliness escalate to engulf everyone, leaving only a "column of smoke" – the desolate remnants of what was once vibrant.
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet is describing the rampant wickedness that has taken hold of the nation, portraying it as a destructive fire. This "fire" of sin is so pervasive that it consumes the lowliest and most insignificant aspects of society ("briers and thorns") and then spreads to engulf the entire nation ("thickets of the forest"). The image culminates in the rising smoke, symbolizing the widespread devastation and the visible manifestation of God's judgment upon their corruption.
In this section of Isaiah, the prophet is describing the rampant wickedness that has taken hold of the nation, portraying it as a destructive fire. This "fire" of sin is so pervasive that it consumes the lowliest and most insignificant aspects of society ("briers and thorns") and then spreads to engulf the entire nation ("thickets of the forest"). The image culminates in the rising smoke, symbolizing the widespread devastation and the visible manifestation of God's judgment upon their corruption.
"For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns; it kindles the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke." — The vivid imagery of wickedness burning like fire isn't just about destruction; it highlights how sin's consuming nature spreads, starting with the "briers and thorns" (representing the lowest ranks)…
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Last reviewed October 2026