Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, fire often serves as a symbol of divine presence, judgment, and purification. One of the remarkable instances of fire in the Scriptures is the miraculous event where an angel ascended in the flames. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in the account of Manoah and his wife, the parents of Samson.Biblical Account: The account is found in Judges 13. Manoah and his wife were childless, and the Angel of the LORD appeared to them to announce the birth of their son, Samson, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. After receiving the message, Manoah desired to honor the Angel and asked for His name. The Angel of the LORD responded, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" (Judges 13:18). Manoah then prepared a burnt offering to the LORD. As the flames rose from the altar, the Angel of the LORD performed a miraculous act: "As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground" (Judges 13:20). This extraordinary event confirmed the divine nature of the message and the messenger. Theological Significance: The ascension of the Angel in the flame is rich with theological implications. It underscores the holiness and transcendence of God, who often uses fire as a medium to reveal His presence and power. The Angel of the LORD in this context is often understood by conservative theologians to be a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The miraculous nature of the event emphasizes the divine authority behind the message given to Manoah and his wife. The fire also serves as a symbol of acceptance of the offering, indicating that God was pleased with the sacrifice and the faith of Manoah and his wife. Their reaction—falling facedown—demonstrates the appropriate human response to divine revelation: awe, worship, and submission. Contextual Considerations: In the broader biblical context, fire is frequently associated with God's presence and action. From the burning bush encountered by Moses (Exodus 3:2) to the pillar of fire guiding the Israelites (Exodus 13:21), fire signifies God's guidance, protection, and holiness. The event in Judges 13 fits within this pattern, highlighting God's direct intervention in the lives of His people. The miraculous ascension of the Angel in the fire also prefigures the New Testament revelation of Christ, who would ultimately fulfill the promises made to Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan for redemption, which unfolds throughout the biblical narrative. Conclusion: The account of the Angel ascending in the fire is a powerful testament to the miraculous ways in which God communicates with His people. It invites believers to recognize the divine presence in their lives and to respond with reverence and faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 13:20For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... On the Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead; He Ascended into ... Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy The Conversion of Cornelius. On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows... The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers. Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Imprisonment and Death of John The Ascension of Christ The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit 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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