Topical Encyclopedia Fire, as depicted in the Holy Scriptures, serves as a potent symbol and instrument of divine vengeance and judgment. Throughout the biblical narrative, fire is frequently employed by God to execute His righteous judgment upon sin and rebellion, demonstrating His holiness and justice.Sodom and Gomorrah One of the most prominent examples of fire as divine vengeance is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were infamous for their grievous sins, and God decided to execute judgment upon them. Genesis 19:24 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This act of divine retribution serves as a warning against immorality and a testament to God's intolerance of sin. Nadab and Abihu In Leviticus 10:1-2 , Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. As a result, "fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD." This incident underscores the seriousness of approaching God with irreverence and disobedience, highlighting the sanctity of His commands. Korah's Rebellion The rebellion led by Korah against Moses and Aaron is another instance where fire is used as divine punishment. Numbers 16:35 records, "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." This event illustrates God's swift judgment against those who challenge His appointed leaders and authority. Elijah and the Prophets of Baal In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah calls upon the LORD to demonstrate His power, and in response, "the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench" (1 Kings 18:38). This miraculous display of fire not only vindicates Elijah but also serves as a powerful testament to the supremacy of the God of Israel over false idols. The Day of the LORD Prophetic literature often speaks of fire in the context of the Day of the LORD, a time of divine judgment upon the wicked. Malachi 4:1 declares, "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day that is coming will set them ablaze, says the LORD of Hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." This imagery of fire conveys the totality and finality of God's judgment. The Lake of Fire In the New Testament, the ultimate expression of divine vengeance through fire is found in the imagery of the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 warns, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This eternal fire represents the final judgment and separation from God for those who reject His salvation. Throughout Scripture, fire is a recurring motif that signifies God's righteous judgment and serves as a sobering reminder of His holiness. It is a divine instrument used to purify, consume, and execute justice, reflecting the seriousness with which God regards sin and rebellion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 97:3A fire goes before him, and burns up his enemies round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 47:14 Isaiah 66:16 Library Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ... Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. The Prophet Amos. The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). What Messiah did the Jews Expect? It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... Babylonia and Assyria On Infants' Early Deaths. Luther Before the Diet. Luther Before the Diet 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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