For a burning place has long been prepared: The Hebrew particle ki rendered For is an emphatic marker here, so it is better translated “Indeed” or “Truly.” The Hebrew word for burning place (topheth) is rendered as a place name in many versions (for example, New International Version, Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). “Topheth” was the place where the garbage of Jerusalem was burned. It was located in the Hinnom Valley just outside the city. If translators choose the name “Topheth,” they should provide a footnote that explains its significance. Has long been prepared means that Yahweh prepared this place of cremation in anticipation of the Assyrian king’s death. If it is necessary to use an active verb here, Yahweh can be the subject; for example, Contemporary English Version renders this clause and the next one as “Long ago the LORD got a place ready for burning the body of the dead king.”
Yea, for the king it is made ready: The king probably refers to the Assyrian king, so this clause means the place of cremation is for the Assyrian king, not some other king. However, Revised English Bible renders the Hebrew word for king (melek) as “Molech,” and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh is similar with “Melech.” This view comes from the fact that offerings to the Canaanite god Molech were made in the Hinnom Valley during certain periods of Israelite history (see, for example, 1 Kgs 11.7). According to this view, the prophet is saying that Yahweh has prepared a place for sacrificing the Assyrian king to Molech. Such a view would be inconsistent with the prophet’s theology. However, if the suggestion that the king was to be sacrificed to Molech is correct, the prophet is using irony. We recommend that translators say “the king” here. Good News Translation says “the Assyrian king,” but this should not be done since it is a matter of interpretation. If translators need to clarify what king is in view here, it should be done in a footnote.
Its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance: This is a description of the funeral pyre on which the king’s body is to be burned. The Hebrew word for pyre basically means “woodpile,” but in this context it refers to a woodpile on which a corpse is burned. The Hebrew verb rendered made deep comes from a root that suggests some kind of a pit here into which firewood is piled, so pyre may be rendered “firepit” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Within this firepit the pile of wood is high as well as wide. With fire and wood in abundance means there is a very large pile of firewood and plenty of fire ready for the cremation.
The breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, kindles it: Yahweh’s anger sets the funeral pyre on fire. The breath of the LORD refers to his anger, as in verse 28. Here his breath is compared to a stream of brimstone, or a “stream of [burning] sulfur.” Sulfur is a yellow substance that burns with great heat. This phrase may be rendered “a stream of fire” or “a stream of flame” (Good News Translation). Kindles it means “set it on fire.”
Translation examples for this verse are:
• Truly, from long since Yahweh has prepared a cremation place for the king [or, a place for burning the corpse of the king];
the firepit is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood.
Yahweh’s breath, like a stream of flame, will set it on fire.
• Indeed, Yahweh prepared Topheth* for the king**;
its firepit is deep and wide, there is plenty of fire and wood;
The breath of Yahweh is like a burst of flame and will light it.
* Topheth was a place near Jerusalem used for burning rubbish.
** “The king” refers to the king of Assyria.
Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .