Literally, “dross.” All the base traits of character would be removed, and only the pure gold would remain.

 Waste product from smelting (see Isa. 1:22; cf. Mal. 3:2, 3). God would remove the accumulated dross of iniquity if Israel were only willing for Him to do so. The fires of affliction would remove the dross, and only the pure gold of holy character would remain (Job 23:10).

 The Judge of all the earth is also the Saviour of men. The guilty in Israel will surely be judged, but the penitent will as surely be saved. With threats of judgement God always offers promises of deliverance. Jerusalem must be judged, but she will also be saved. Though the faithful city had become a harlot (v. 21), she may yet become a holy city, a “new” Jerusalem, “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2; cf. Isa. 62:4). The Lord would “turn” His “hand” upon His people to redeem and to restore them.