The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:14
Who can stand the testing fires? The terms "devouring fire," "everlasting burnings," do not mean hell; they mean God in visible, material judgments, such as may be symbolized by the destruction of the Assyrian army; and such as the presence of that army became to the people of Jerusalem. The appeal of Isaiah seems to be this: See the fright into which the people have fallen at the presence of this hostile army. See who has been calm and strong in this hour of national peril. How, then, would... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 33:14
The sinners in Zion are afraid . The prophet proceeds to speak in his own person. The judgment on Assyria, he says, cannot but strike terror into the hearts of the immoral and irreligious in Zion. They cannot fail to realize their own danger, and to tremble at it. Who among us , they will say, can dwell with the devouring fire ? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings ? They will recognize God as "a consuming Fire" ( Deuteronomy 4:24 ), whose next outbreak may be upon... read more