The "Command to Scatter Coals" is a biblical motif that appears in the context of divine judgment and purification. This imagery is primarily found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where it symbolizes God's righteous judgment and the purifying fire of His holiness.

Ezekiel 10:2
The most direct reference to the scattering of coals is found in Ezekiel 10:2. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of God's glory departing from the temple in Jerusalem. The Lord commands the man clothed in linen to "go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim, fill your hands with coals of fire from among the cherubim, and scatter them over the city." This act signifies the impending judgment upon Jerusalem due to the people's persistent idolatry and rebellion against God. The scattering of coals represents the thorough and consuming nature of divine judgment, as fire is often associated with both destruction and purification in biblical literature.

Symbolism of Fire and Coals
Throughout the Bible, fire is a symbol of God's presence, holiness, and judgment. In the context of the "Command to Scatter Coals," the coals represent the purifying and consuming fire of God's judgment. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where fire is used to depict God's refining process, as seen in Malachi 3:2-3, where the Lord is described as a refiner's fire purifying the sons of Levi.

Isaiah 6:6-7
While not directly related to the scattering of coals, Isaiah 6:6-7 provides additional insight into the symbolic use of coals. In this passage, a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, saying, "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is atoned for." Here, the coal serves as a means of purification and atonement, highlighting the dual role of fire as both a destructive and purifying force.

Theological Implications
The command to scatter coals underscores the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. At the same time, the imagery of fire and coals also points to the possibility of purification and renewal for those who repent and seek God's mercy.

Relevance to Christian Doctrine
In Christian theology, the concept of divine judgment is balanced with the message of redemption through Jesus Christ. While the scattering of coals in Ezekiel signifies judgment, it also foreshadows the ultimate purification and redemption available through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Believers are called to live in holiness, recognizing both the severity of God's judgment and the depth of His grace.

The "Command to Scatter Coals" thus serves as a powerful symbol within the biblical narrative, illustrating the themes of judgment, purification, and the hope of redemption.