(1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Gen. 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Lev. 6:9, 13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon's temple (2 Chr. 7:1, 3). The expressions "fire from heaven" and "fire of the Lord" generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; 2:3; 3:5, 9). Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called "strange fire" (Lev. 10:1, 2; Num. 3:4). The victims slain for sin offerings were afterwards consumed by fire outside the camp (Lev. 4:12, 21; 6:30; 16:27; Heb. 13:11). (2.) For domestic purposes, such as baking, cooking, warmth, etc. (Jer. 36:22; Mark 14:54; John 18:18). But on Sabbath no fire for any domestic purpose was to be kindled (Ex. 35:3; Num. 15:32-36). (3.) Punishment of death by fire was inflicted on such as were guilty of certain forms of unchastity and incest (Lev. 20:14; 21:9). The burning of captives in war was not unknown among the Jews (2 Sam. 12:31; Jer. 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were also sometimes burned (Josh. 7:25; 2 Kings 23:16). (4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Josh. 6:24), Ai (8:19), Hazor (11:11), Laish (Judg. 18:27), etc. The war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Josh. 11:6, 9, 13). The Israelites burned the images (2 Kings 10:26; R.V., "pillars") of the house of Baal. These objects of worship seem to have been of the nature of obelisks, and were sometimes evidently made of wood. Torches were sometimes carried by the soldiers in battle (Judg. 7:16). (5.) Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power (Ex. 14:19; Num. 11:1, 3; Judg. 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; 2:11; Isa. 6:4; Ezek. 1:4; Rev. 1:14, etc.). God's word is also likened unto fire (Jer. 23:29). It is referred to as an emblem of severe trials or misfortunes (Zech. 12:6; Luke 12:49; 1 Cor. 3:13, 15; 1 Pet. 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matt. 5:22; Mark 9:44; Rev. 14:10; 21:8). The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Matt. 3:11). His descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3). is represented as the symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power, in the way either of approval or of destruction. (Exodus 3:2; 14:19) etc. There could not be a better symbol for Jehovah than this of fire, it being immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, but also terrible and consuming. Parallel with this application of fire and with its symbolical meaning are to be noted the similar use for sacrificial purposes and the respect paid to it, or to the heavenly bodies as symbols of deity, which prevailed among so many nations of antiquity, and of which the traces are not even now extinct; e.g. the Sabean and Magian systems of worship. (Isaiah 27:9) Fire for sacred purposes obtained elsewhere than from the altar was called "strange fire," and for the use of such Nadab and Abihu were punished with death by fire from God. (Leviticus 10:1,2; Numbers 3:4; 26:61) Can be increased in intensity -- Da 3:19,22. Though small, kindles a great matter -- Jas 3:5. Things connected with Burning coals. -- Pr 26:21. Flame. -- Song 8:6; Isa 66:15. Sparks. -- Job 18:5; Isa 1:31. Ashes. -- 1Ki 13:3; 2Pe 2:6. Smoke. -- Isa 34:10; Joe 2:30. Kept alive by fuel -- Pr 26:20; Isa 9:5. Characterised as Bright. -- Eze 1:13. Spreading. -- Jas 3:5. Enlightening. -- Ps 78:14; 105:39. Heating. -- Mr 14:54. Melting. -- Ps 68:2; Isa 64:2. Purifying. -- Nu 31:23; 1Pe 1:7; Re 3:18. Drying. -- Job 15:30; Joe 1:20. Consuming. -- Jdj 15:4,5; Ps 46:9; Isa 10:16,17. Insatiable. -- Pr 30:16. Sacred Came from before the Lord. -- Le 9:24. Always burning on the altar. -- Le 6:13. All burn offerings consumed by. -- Le 6:9,12. Incense burned with. -- Le 16:12; Nu 16:46. Guilt of burning incense without. -- Le 10:1. Restored to the temple. -- 2Ch 7:1-3. Frequently employed as an instrument of divine vengeance -- Ps 97:3; Isa 47:14; 66:16. Miraculous In the burning bush. -- Ex 3:2. Plagued the Egyptians. -- Ex 9:23,24. Led the people of Israel in the desert. -- Ex 13:22; 40:38. On Mount Sinai at giving of law. -- De 4:11,37. Destroyed Nadab and Abihu. -- Le 10:2. Destroyed the people at Taberah. -- Nu 11:1. Consumed the company of Korah. -- Nu 16:35. Consumed the sacrifice of Gideon. -- Jdj 6:21. Angel ascended in. -- Jdj 13:20. Consumed the sacrifice of Elijah. -- 1Ki 18:38. Destroyed the enemies of Elijah. -- 2Ki 1:10,12. Elijah taken up in a chariot of. -- 2Ki 2:11. God appeared in -- Ex 3:2; 19:18. Christ shall appear in -- Da 7:10; 2Th 1:8. Punishment of the wicked shall be in -- Mt 13:42; 25:41. In houses Lighted in the winter. -- Jer 36:22. Lighted in spring mornings. -- Joh 18:18. Not to be lighted on the Sabbath. -- Ex 35:3. Made of charcoal. -- Joh 18:18. Made of wood. -- Ac 28:3. Injury from, to be made good by the person who kindled it -- Ex 22:6. Illustrative of God's protection. -- Nu 9:16; Zec 2:5. God's vengeance. -- De 4:24; Heb 12:29. Christ as judge. -- Isa 10:17; Mal 3:2. The Holy Spirit. -- Isa 4:4; Ac 2:3. The church destroying her enemies. -- Ob 1:18. The word of God. -- Jer 5:14; 23:29. Zeal of saints. -- Ps 39:3; 119:139. Zeal of angels. -- Ps 104:4; Heb 1:7. God's enemies. -- Isa 10:17; Ob 1:18. Lust. -- Pr 6:27,28. Wickedness. -- Isa 9:18. The tongue. -- Pr 16:27; Jas 3:6. The self-righteous. -- Isa 65:5. The hope of hypocrites. -- Isa 50:11. Persecution. -- Lu 12:49-53. Affliction. -- Isa 43:2. Judgments. -- Jer 48:45; La 1:13; Eze 39:6.
Fire