ישעיהו, פרק מ״ז, פסוק י״ד

The false prophets and stargazers whom Babylon trusted for salvation face a sudden and absolute downfall. Their impending destruction is compared to light, flammable straw to show their immense weakness. Unlike solid wood, straw burns completely and rapidly [רד״ק, שד״ל]. It is so fragile that it ignites easily from a distant flame, long before the actual fire reaches it [מלבי״ם]. This consuming fire represents the approaching enemy forces and the imminent disaster [אבן עזרא, רד״ק].

These supposed wise men were expected to save the nation, yet they cannot even protect their own bodies. Because they failed to foresee their own ruin, it is obvious they cannot rescue anyone else [שד״ל, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון]. When wood burns, it leaves behind coals that still hold value, but the destruction of straw is absolute [מלבי״ם, רד״ק]. It leaves no remnant behind [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא]. The primary approach among commentators is that not a single coal remains to provide warmth [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, שד״ל, מצודת ציון], while others note there is no ember left even to bake or cook food upon [ביאור שטיינזלץ, שד״ל]. Furthermore, the destruction leaves behind no illuminating flame [מצודת ציון, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The fire that consumes them offers no residual heat or light for anyone to sit near and enjoy [מלבי״ם, רד״ק].

Beyond the historical events, there is a spiritual dimension to this punishment. Just as the physical straw is completely consumed in this world, these wicked individuals will be unable to save their souls from the fires of Hell in the world to come [חומת אנך].