Topical Bible: Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice

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In the biblical narrative, fire often symbolizes the presence and power of God, serving as a divine tool to demonstrate His will and approval. One significant instance of fire as a miraculous sign is found in the account of David's sacrifice, which is recorded in 1 Chronicles 21.

The context of this event begins with David's decision to conduct a census of Israel, an act that displeased God and brought about divine judgment in the form of a plague. Recognizing his sin, David sought to atone for his actions and intercede for the people. The prophet Gad, acting as God's messenger, instructed David to build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

David obeyed the divine command, purchasing the threshing floor and the necessary materials for the sacrifice. He built an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. The miraculous element of this event is captured in 1 Chronicles 21:26 : "And David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. And he called on the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering."

The descent of fire from heaven was a clear indication of God's acceptance of David's sacrifice and his repentance. This divine response not only halted the plague but also reaffirmed God's covenant relationship with David and Israel. The fire from heaven served as a powerful testament to God's mercy and readiness to forgive when approached with genuine contrition and obedience.

This event is significant in the broader biblical narrative as it underscores the importance of sincere repentance and the role of sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament as a means of atonement and reconciliation with God. The miraculous fire also prefigures later biblical events where fire signifies divine approval, such as the dedication of Solomon's Temple and the contest on Mount Carmel with Elijah.

David's sacrifice and the accompanying miracle of fire from heaven highlight the intersection of divine justice and mercy, illustrating the profound truth that God is both righteous and compassionate, willing to forgive those who earnestly seek Him.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 21:26
And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in ... bees,' but are quenched
as the fire of thorns ... Sabbath-Law, and hence, all laws connected with it ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... existence when they occurred, but as emblems of good connected with vowing ... Through
miracles. ... The flame of fire which appeared on many solemn occasions, held a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... teaches us that the circumstances connected with Melchizedek's ... a literal repetition
of the miracles wrought upon ... the pillar of cloud and of fire signified, his ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... and being himself the Prince of the fire, had proposed ... p.29 a and b), the legend
is connected with a ... The magicians of Egypt had imitated the miracles of Moses ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... we should worship God alone, [72]184; miracles wrought by ... 207]258; can they last
forever in burning fire? ... Demonolatry, illicit acts connected with, [451]185. ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

City of God
... Chapter 9.--Of the Illicit Arts Connected with Demonolatry ... are to Be Believed About
the Miracles Whereby the ... from Sodom, and Its Consumption by Fire from Heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Index of Subjects.
... 311; in the doers only, has worked miracles, [612]354 ... how gained from God, 35; how
connected with John's ... deceives His enemies, [684]51; appeared in fire, [685]71 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... to be put out by persecution, themselves set fire to world ... 646]397 sq., [647]401;
how Son of David and of ... so became His murderers, [713]400; His miracles on the ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... by John; and the time is the beginning of His miracles. ... in it they will be baptized
with Fire, in that ... These Mysteries were of Persian origin, connected it is ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Cloud and pillar of fire, types, [159]193. ... Elisha, the miracles of, [234]194. Enoch,
[235]188. ... Mugtasila, a Babylonian sect with which Mani was connected, 8. ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm