“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” (Deuteronomy 32:22)

Here in the Song of Moses we find a mention of the foundations of Earth’s mountains being set on fire. Micah picks up and expands on this theme, saying, “Hearken, O earth…the mountains shall be molten under him.…For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel” (Micah 1:2, 4-5). What does the Lord mean by describing such a terrifying scene?

If Earth’s mountains literally melt, then surely nothing would remain of this place. Such descriptions match others of judgment day. For example, Jesus said, “As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world” (Matthew 13:40). But would the Lord burn up the whole world’s mountains merely for Israel’s sins?

Isaiah suggests an answer. He wrote, “Let the earth hear, and all that is therein.…For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations.…Their slain also shall be cast out; and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood” (Isaiah 34:1-3). Here the Lord melts mountains because of the wicked nations. God’s patience with both rebellious Jews and rebellious Gentiles will reach its limit.

“The earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10), but the good news is that anyone can escape such judgment. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Jesus endured the heat of God’s wrath toward sinners so that anyone who trusts in Him can receive everlasting life. BDT