ישעיהו, פרק ל״ג, פסוק י״ב

The prophecy of destruction paints a vivid picture of total annihilation using a dual image of fire. The primary approach among commentators is that the targeted enemies are the massive armies of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, who are destined to suffer a sudden and devastating blow.

The destruction is first compared to a lime kiln. The primary approach among commentators is that the soldiers will be burned and destroyed just like stones that are scorched into lime, hinting at their sudden elimination by God's angel [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אבן עזרא]. Others view this comparison differently, focusing on the sheer intensity of the fire rather than the stones themselves. Because of the enormous number of casualties, the blaze will be massive, prolonged, and terrifying, mirroring the roaring flames and heavy smoke of a lime kiln [שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The second image used to describe this downfall is that of cut thorns set ablaze. Plants still rooted in the ground retain moisture and resist burning. However, once thorns are severed from the earth, they quickly dry out and ignite with extreme speed. This comparison highlights the suddenness of the plague that will strike the enemy camp, consuming them in the blink of an eye [רד״ק, שד״ל, מצודת דוד].

Blending these two distinct images creates a complete picture of the disaster. On their own, lime stones hold heat for a long time but are difficult to ignite, while dry thorns catch fire immediately but burn out quickly. Together, they reveal that God's fire will spark easily and rapidly among the enemies like dry thorns, yet it will continue to burn within them with the enduring intensity of a lime kiln [מלבי״ם]. A complementary perspective suggests that the scale of the fire will be as massive as a lime kiln, while the men trapped inside will be consumed as effortlessly as dry thorns [שד״ל].