Lexical Summary
hemes: Violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Original Word: הָמָס
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: hamac
Pronunciation: KHEH-mes
Phonetic Spelling: (haw-mawce')
KJV: melting
NASB: brushwood
Word Origin: [from an unused root apparently meaning to crackle]
1. a dry twig or brushwood
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
melting
From an unused root apparently meaning to crackle; a dry twig or brushwood -- melting.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitionbrushwood
NASB Translationbrushwood (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] only plural (compare De Che Di RV; some such meaning probably from context)
Isaiah 64:1 as fire kindleth brushwood (VB).
(√ of following; compare Arabic 👁 Image
pour, pour out).
Topical Lexicon
Definition and ScopeAppearing only in Isaiah 64:2, הָמָס depicts the sudden, vigorous agitation of liquids when subjected to intense heat, creating a vivid image of violent boiling. The single occurrence allows Scripture itself to govern the term’s meaning and theological weight rather than a broad semantic range.
Biblical Occurrence
Isaiah 64:2
“As fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil, make Your name known to Your enemies, so that nations will tremble at Your presence!” (Berean Standard Bible)
Imagery and Symbolism
1. Divine Irresistibility
The rapid transition from stillness to turbulent boiling mirrors the effect of God’s revealed presence. Just as heated water cannot remain calm, creation and nations cannot remain unmoved when the Lord “comes down.”
2. Purification and Refinement
Boiling separates impurities from liquid; the prophet’s prayer anticipates God’s purging work among both His people and the hostile nations (compare Malachi 3:2-3).
3. Holy Zeal
The fierce agitation evokes the intensity of divine zeal. Isaiah pleads for a theophany resembling Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19), where fire and quaking announced covenant authority.
Historical Context
Isaiah chapters 63–64 form a communal lament, likely voiced by the post-exilic community that still felt estranged from full covenant blessing. The imagery of brushwood and boiling water recalls wilderness survival scenes familiar to returning exiles. They held no political leverage; thus, only a supernatural intervention could shake imperial powers, “so that nations will tremble.”
Theological Themes
• God’s Transcendence and Immanence
Heaven-rending intervention underscores that the Creator is both enthroned above and willing to enter history.
• Judgment and Mercy
The same fire that terrifies enemies also vindicates the covenant community (Isaiah 64:9). הָמָס sits at the intersection of wrath and redemption.
• Prayer for Revival
Isaiah models intercession that appeals to past acts (“as fire…”) while seeking fresh manifestation. Christian worship and mission still echo this petition (Acts 4:24-31).
Christological Resonance
The incarnation fulfills the longing for God to “come down” (John 1:14). At Pentecost, “tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3) produced spiritual agitation, transforming timid disciples into bold witnesses, a New-Covenant parallel to הָמָס.
Eschatological Outlook
Revelation 16:18-21 describes final convulsions of earth and sea under divine wrath, amplifying Isaiah’s smaller portrait into cosmic scale. The boiling imagery anticipates the “elements…dissolved with intense heat” (2 Peter 3:10).
Ministry Applications
• Preaching
Use הָמָס to illustrate the impact of God’s presence on hard hearts, calling listeners to repentance before divine heat reaches full intensity.
• Prayer Gatherings
Pattern intercession after Isaiah: acknowledge past revivals, confess current apathy, and implore God to act powerfully.
• Discipleship
Encourage believers to cultivate holy fervor, allowing the Spirit’s fire to keep their devotion from settling into lukewarm complacency (Revelation 3:15-16).
Related Passages for Study
Exodus 19:16-19 – Sinai’s fiery descent
Psalm 18:7-15 – Earth and waters disturbed by God’s anger
Malachi 3:2-3 – Refiner’s fire purifying worship
Hebrews 12:25-29 – “Our God is a consuming fire”
Revelation 16:18-21 – Eschatological upheaval
Conclusion
Though occurring only once, הָמָס provides a concentrated picture of the Lord’s catalytic presence. It calls believers to expectant prayer, reverent fear, and wholehearted devotion until the day every nation feels the boiling heat of His unveiled glory.
Forms and Transliterations
הֲמָסִ֗ים המסים hă·mā·sîm hamaSim hămāsîm
Links
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