Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient world, fire served as a crucial means of communication, particularly in the context of warfare. The use of fire as a signal in war is documented in the Bible, where it played a strategic role in conveying messages across distances, alerting allies, and coordinating military actions.One of the most notable instances of fire used as a signal in the Bible is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, Gideon is instructed by God to reduce his army to just 300 men to defeat the Midianites. Gideon employs a clever tactic involving fire to create confusion and fear among the enemy. Each of his men is given a trumpet and a torch hidden inside a clay jar. At Gideon's signal, they break the jars, revealing the torches, and blow the trumpets, creating the illusion of a vast army. Judges 7:20 states, "The three companies blew their trumpets and shattered the jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands, they shouted, 'A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!'" Fire signals were also used to communicate warnings and mobilize forces. In Jeremiah 6:1 , the prophet warns the people of Benjamin to flee from Jerusalem, saying, "Raise a signal over Beth-haccherem; for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction." The signal likely involved fire, serving as a visual alert to the impending threat. The use of fire as a signal is further illustrated in the account of the fall of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah 52:12-13 , it is recorded that Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, "burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building." The fires set by the Babylonians would have served as a grim signal of their conquest and the city's destruction. In 2 Kings 11:5-8 , Jehoiada the priest uses fire signals to coordinate the protection of the young king Joash. He instructs the commanders of hundreds to station themselves around the king with weapons in hand, and any who attempt to breach the ranks are to be put to death. The use of fire as a signal here underscores the importance of communication and coordination in ensuring the safety of the king. The strategic use of fire in warfare highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of biblical figures in times of conflict. Fire, as a signal, provided a means to convey messages quickly and effectively, often turning the tide of battle through surprise and psychological impact. The biblical accounts of fire used as a signal in war reflect the broader theme of divine guidance and intervention, as God often directed His people in their military endeavors, using seemingly simple means to achieve great victories. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 6:1O you children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the middle of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appears out of the north, and great destruction. Nave's Topical Index Library The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 When the Banks were Completed and the Battering Rams Brought, and ... From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War. A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ... That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ... The Holy War, Book 15 Footnotes Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ... That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ... Resources Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the baptism of/by/with fire? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? | GotQuestions.org Fire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arson: General Scriptures Concerning Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals Fire: Things Connected With: Flame Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) |
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