Verse 29

The fiery bellows of judgment burn fiercely. But there is too much dross to be removed. The process of refining them has proved useless. The wicked have not been purged.

Referenced Verses

• Prov 17:3 : 3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold, likewise the LORD tests hearts.
• Isa 49:4 : 4 But I thought,“I have worked in vain; I have expended my energy for absolutely nothing.” But the LORD will vindicate me; my God will reward me.
• Jer 9:7 : 7 Therefore the LORD of Heaven’s Armies,“I will now purify them in the fires of affliction and test them. The wickedness of my dear people has left me no choice. What else can I do?
• Ezek 24:13 : 13 You mix uncleanness with obscene conduct. I tried to cleanse you, but you are not clean. You will not be cleansed from your uncleanness until I have exhausted my anger on you.
• Hos 11:7 : 7 My people are obsessed with turning away from me; they call to Baal, but he will never exalt them!
• Zech 13:9 : 9 Then I will bring the remaining third into the fire; I will refine them like silver is refined and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name and I will answer; I will say,‘These are my people,’ and they will say,‘The LORD is my God.’”
• Mal 3:2-3 : 2 Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can keep standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. 3 He will act like a refiner and purifier of silver and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the LORD a proper offering.
• 1 Pet 4:12 : 12 Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.
• 1 Pet 1:7 : 7 Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold– gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away– and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.