This Hebrew noun denotes a firebrand or burning stick—a piece of wood pulled from the fire, charred but not consumed. Isaiah 7:4 dismisses the threat of Syria and Israel as 'two stubs of smoking firebrands,' fierce in appearance but nearly burned out. Amos 4:11 compares Israel's narrow escape from judgment to 'a firebrand plucked from the burning,' emphasizing God's mercy in sparing a remnant. Zechariah 3:2 uses the same image for Joshua the high priest: 'Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?'—rescued from exile and restored to service despite unworthiness. The metaphor vividly portrays those saved at the last moment from destruction.