A firepot, in biblical times, was a container used to hold and maintain a fire. It was an essential household item in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites. The firepot served various purposes, such as cooking, providing warmth, and even in religious rituals. Its significance is highlighted in several biblical passages, where it is often associated with God's presence and covenantal promises.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 15:17 · The firepot is notably mentioned in the context of God's covenant with Abram. "When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces." In this passage, the firepot symbolizes God's presence and His binding promise to Abram. The imagery of the smoking firepot and blazing torch signifies the divine presence and the seriousness of the covenant being established.

2. Jeremiah 36:22-23 · The firepot is also mentioned in the context of King Jehoiakim's winter palace. "Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the firepot before him. And as Jehudi read three or four columns, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire." Here, the firepot is used for warmth, but it also becomes a tool for the king's defiance against God's word, as he burns the scroll of Jeremiah's prophecies.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israelite culture, the firepot was a practical tool for daily life, but it also held deeper religious significance. The firepot's role in Genesis 15:17, for instance, underscores its symbolic function in divine encounters. The presence of fire in biblical narratives often represents God's holiness, judgment, and guidance. The firepot, as a vessel containing fire, thus becomes a symbol of God's enduring presence and His covenantal faithfulness.

Symbolism and Theological Themes:

The firepot's symbolism extends to themes of purification and judgment. Fire, in biblical theology, is frequently associated with purification and the refining process. The firepot, as a container of fire, can be seen as a metaphor for God's refining work in the lives of His people. It also serves as a reminder of God's righteous judgment, as seen in the narrative of King Jehoiakim, where the firepot becomes an instrument of destruction for the rejected word of God.

In summary, the firepot in biblical literature is more than a mere household item; it is a powerful symbol of God's presence, covenant, and the dual themes of purification and judgment. Its appearances in Scripture invite readers to reflect on the nature of God's interactions with humanity and the enduring significance of His promises.8574. tannur -- (portable) stove, firepot
... 8573, 8574. tannur. 8575 . (portable) stove, firepot. Transliteration:
tannur Phonetic Spelling: (tan-noor') Short Definition: oven. ...
/hebrew/8574.htm - 6k

254. ach -- a firepot, brazier
... 253, 254. ach. 255 . a firepot, brazier. Transliteration: ach Phonetic
Spelling: (awkh) Short Definition: brazier. Word Origin of ...
/hebrew/254.htm - 5k

3595. kiyyor -- pot, basin
... Word Origin from the same as kur Definition pot, basin NASB Word Usage basin
(6), basins (5), firepot (1), laver (9), pan (1), platform (1). ...
/hebrew/3595.htm - 6k

Chapter xv
... 17, 18a. And it came to pass when the sun had set and dense darkness prevailed,
that, lo, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xv.htm

Firepot (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Firepot (4 Occurrences). Genesis 15:17 And it
cometh to pass -- the sun hath gone in, and thick darkness ...
/f/firepot.htm - 7k

Fires (8 Occurrences)

/f/fires.htm - 9k

Fireplace (7 Occurrences)

/f/fireplace.htm - 8k

Who was King Jehoiakim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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