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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 9 - Verse 18

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.

Meaning

The verse "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" can be found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. This verse uses the metaphor of fire to describe the destructive power of wickedness. Just as fire consumes everything in its path, so does wickedness destroy and devour all that it touches. The imagery of briers, thorns, and thickets being consumed by fire symbolizes the consequences of evil actions - they will be consumed and destroyed. The mention of smoke rising up symbolizes the aftermath of wickedness, leaving a lingering impact that can be seen and felt by all. Overall, this verse serves as a warning against the power and destructive nature of wickedness, urging readers to turn away from sinful actions and seek righteousness instead.

Theological Overview

When exploring the theological interpretation of the verse, "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" (Isaiah 9:18), we can see a vivid metaphor being used to convey the destructive nature of evil. The image of fire consuming briers and thorns symbolizes how wickedness can quickly spread and destroy everything in its path. Just as fire spreads uncontrollably, so too does sin have the potential to escalate and wreak havoc if left unchecked. The mention of the smoke lifting up emphasizes the visibility and consequences of wicked actions, as they are not easily hidden but rise high like smoke, bringing attention to the destructive impact of sin. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing evil to take hold within our lives, urging us to remain vigilant and resist the temptation to indulge in sinful behaviors.

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