Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, coal is often used symbolically to represent various spiritual truths and divine actions. The imagery of coal, particularly burning or live coals, is rich with meaning and is employed in several passages to convey concepts of purification, judgment, and divine presence.Purification and Atonement One of the most significant symbolic uses of coal is found in the context of purification and atonement. In Isaiah 6:6-7, the prophet Isaiah experiences a vision where a seraphim touches his lips with a live coal taken from the altar: "Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And with it he touched my mouth and said: 'Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.'" . Here, the live coal symbolizes the cleansing and purifying power of God, removing sin and preparing Isaiah for his prophetic mission. Judgment and Wrath Coal is also used to symbolize divine judgment and wrath. In Psalm 18:8, the psalmist describes the Lord's anger in terms of consuming fire: "Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth." . This imagery underscores the intensity and purity of God's judgment against sin, portraying His righteous anger as a consuming fire that purifies and destroys. Divine Presence and Holiness The presence of coals in biblical imagery often signifies the holiness and presence of God. In Ezekiel 1:13, the prophet describes the appearance of the living creatures in his vision: "The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it." . The burning coals here symbolize the divine presence and the awe-inspiring holiness of God, emphasizing His majesty and power. Kindness and Repentance In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of coals in a metaphorical sense to encourage kindness and promote repentance. In Romans 12:20, Paul quotes Proverbs 25:21-22: "On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.'" . This passage suggests that acts of kindness towards one's enemies can lead to their repentance and transformation, with the "burning coals" symbolizing the pangs of conscience and the potential for moral awakening. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, coal serves as a powerful symbol of God's purifying power, His righteous judgment, His holy presence, and the transformative potential of kindness. These symbolic uses of coal highlight the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with humanity, emphasizing themes of purification, judgment, holiness, and redemption. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 6:6,7Then flew one of the seraphim to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 14:7 Library The Making of a Prophet The Incense of Prayer Vision and SerVice The Record of Two Kings Fire on Earth The Copies of Things in the Heavens The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ... Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Church Fabrics and Services. Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature Resources Was Noah's flood global or local? | GotQuestions.orgHow does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.org How could Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven,” before He died on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Coal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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