In biblical literature, the term "blazes" is not directly mentioned; however, the concept of fire and its symbolic meanings are prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Fire often represents God's presence, judgment, purification, and the Holy Spirit. This entry explores the various contexts in which fire, akin to blazes, is depicted in the Bible.

God's Presence and Revelation

Fire is frequently associated with the divine presence. In Exodus 3:2, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush: "The Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not consumed." This theophany signifies God's holiness and His ability to reveal Himself without destruction.

Similarly, in Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai is enveloped in smoke because "the LORD had descended on it in fire." This manifestation underscores God's majesty and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence.

Judgment and Wrath

Fire is also a symbol of God's judgment. In Genesis 19:24, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is described: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This event illustrates divine retribution against sin and wickedness.

The New Testament continues this theme. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, Paul writes, "This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Here, fire represents the ultimate judgment at the end of the age.

Purification and Refinement

Fire is also a metaphor for purification. In Malachi 3:2-3, the coming of the Lord is likened to a refiner's fire: "But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This passage highlights the purifying work of God in the lives of His people, removing impurities and refining their faith.

The Apostle Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 1:7, where he speaks of trials as a means of refining faith: "so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The Holy Spirit

Fire is also emblematic of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:3-4, during the event of Pentecost, "They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." The fire here symbolizes the empowering and purifying presence of the Holy Spirit in the early church.

Eternal Consequences

The concept of eternal fire is a sobering theme in Scripture. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks of the final judgment: "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" This eternal fire represents the ultimate separation from God and the consequences of rejecting His salvation.

Conclusion

While the term "blazes" is not explicitly found in the Bible, the imagery of fire is rich with meaning, encompassing God's presence, judgment, purification, and the work of the Holy Spirit. These themes serve as powerful reminders of God's holiness, justice, and transformative power in the lives of believers.

Chastisements.
... A flash of his old kingliness blazes out for a moment in his refusal to see his
son; but even that slight satisfaction to justice vanishes as soon as Joab ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

Continued.
... rolling through the sky or among the hills, imitated by clauses which repeat previous
ones, as indicated by the italics, and one forked flame blazes out in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

Of the Soul and the Mind, and their Affections.
... But the mind lies hid, oppressed with sleep, as fire buried [1929] by ashes drawn
over it; but if you stir it a little it again blazes, and, as it were, wakes ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap xviii of the soul and.htm

The Beginning, Increase, and End of the Divine Life
... To-day your mirth is as the crackling of thorns under a pot; it blazes, it crackles
with excess of joy; to-morrow thou shalt find nothing there but a handful ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the beginning increase and end.htm

On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ...
... The temptation overpowers him, his work is destroyed; therefore there is
nothing left for the Enemy to do, and he blazes it abroad. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiv on the presentation.htm

And it Should be Remarked in Passing that this Force Upon a Man to ...
... The fire need not blaze like electricity nor boil like boiling water; its point
is that it blazes more than water and warms more than light. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 18 and it should.htm

Drifting Away: a Fragment
... Yet overhead the boundless arch of heaven Still fades to night, still blazes
into day. . . . . Ah, God! My God! Thou wilt not drift away. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/drifting away a fragment.htm

Servants and Lords
... His thought, like some swiftly revolving wheel, catches fire of its own rapid motion;
and he blazes up into this triumphant enumeration of all the things that ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/servants and lords.htm

Thou Art the Man
... away Uriah's one ewe lamb, and did him to death by traitorous commands, setting
him in the front of the battle, that he was wanting in compassion, blazes up at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/thou art the man.htm

The Sunlit Church
... gleams from her. Touched by the sun, she becomes a sun, and blazes in her
heaven in a splendour that draws men's hearts. So, then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the sunlit church.htm

Blazes (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Blazes (2 Occurrences). Hosea 7:6 For they have
made ready their heart like an oven, while they lie in wait. ...
/b/blazes.htm - 6k

Blazed (9 Occurrences)

/b/blazed.htm - 8k

Blaze (9 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To shine with flame; to glow with flame; as, the fire blazes. 7. (vi) To
send forth or reflect glowing or brilliant light; to show a blaze. ...
/b/blaze.htm - 10k

Blazeth (1 Occurrence)

/b/blazeth.htm - 6k

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