Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, smoke is often used figuratively to convey various spiritual and moral truths. It serves as a powerful symbol in both the Old and New Testaments, representing concepts such as divine judgment, the transient nature of life, and the presence of God.1. Divine Judgment and Wrath: Smoke frequently symbolizes the judgment and wrath of God. In the prophetic literature, smoke is associated with the destruction that comes upon the wicked. For instance, in Isaiah 34:10, the prophet describes the judgment on Edom: "It will not be quenched night or day; its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever pass through it again." Here, smoke signifies the enduring nature of God's judgment. 2. Transience and Vanity: Smoke is also used to illustrate the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human life and endeavors. In Psalm 102:3, the psalmist laments, "For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers." This imagery highlights the brevity and fragility of human existence, reminding believers of the importance of focusing on eternal matters. 3. Presence of God: In some instances, smoke is associated with the divine presence and theophany. During the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, smoke enveloped the mountain as a sign of God's presence. Exodus 19:18 states, "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." This imagery underscores the holiness and majesty of God. 4. Prayer and Worship: In the context of worship, smoke is often linked to the prayers of the saints. Revelation 8:4 describes the prayers of the saints ascending before God: "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." This symbolizes the pleasing aroma of sincere prayer and worship reaching the divine throne. 5. Destruction and Suffering: Smoke can also represent destruction and suffering, as seen in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. In Revelation 9:2, the opening of the abyss releases smoke that darkens the sky: "When he opened the abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the abyss." This imagery conveys the chaos and suffering associated with the end times. Throughout Scripture, the figurative use of smoke serves as a vivid reminder of God's power, the impermanence of earthly life, and the importance of spiritual vigilance. It calls believers to recognize the reality of divine judgment, the need for sincere worship, and the hope of God's eternal presence. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 6:4And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Nave's Topical Index Hosea 13:3 Strong's Hebrew 6225. ashan -- to smoke, be angry... be angry be on a smoke. A primitive root; to smoke, whether literal or figurative -- be angry (be on a) smoke. 6224, 6225. ashan. 6226 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/6225.htm - 6k Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. Manich??us Got the Arrangement of his Fanciful Notions from ... Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... The Eternity of God The Lord's Furnace The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... Interpretation of Prophecy. The Doctrine of the Last Things. The Great Assize Resources I am a Christian who is addicted to smoking. How can I quit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about smudging? | GotQuestions.org Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Smoke: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |