Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, fire holds a significant place as a symbol of divine presence, purification, and judgment. One of the most profound uses of fire in the Scriptures is its role in consuming burn offerings, which were a central aspect of Israelite worship and sacrificial system.Divine Origin of Sacred Fire The sacred fire that consumed the burn offerings was not of human origin but was kindled by God Himself. This divine fire first appeared when the Tabernacle was consecrated. In Leviticus 9:24 , it is recorded, "Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown." This miraculous event signified God's acceptance of the offerings and His presence among His people. Perpetual Fire on the Altar The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually, as commanded in Leviticus 6:12-13 : "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished." This perpetual fire symbolized the ongoing need for atonement and the constant presence of God among the Israelites. Symbolism of Burn Offerings Burn offerings, or "olah" in Hebrew, were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. The complete consumption of the offering by fire represented the worshiper's desire to be wholly devoted to the Lord. As described in Leviticus 1:9 , "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." Instances of Divine Fire Consuming Offerings Throughout the Old Testament, there are several instances where divine fire consumed offerings, signifying God's approval and presence. In 1 Kings 18:38 , during the contest on Mount Carmel, "Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench." This event demonstrated God's supremacy over the false gods and His acceptance of Elijah's offering. Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 7:1 , at the dedication of Solomon's Temple, "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple." This divine act confirmed God's presence and blessing upon the newly built temple. Judgment and Purification Fire also served as a means of judgment and purification. In Numbers 16:35 , "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." This event was a direct judgment against those who rebelled against God's appointed leadership. In the prophetic literature, fire is often associated with purification and refining. Malachi 3:2-3 speaks of the Lord as a refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi so that they may offer righteous sacrifices. In summary, sacred fire in the Bible is a powerful symbol of God's presence, acceptance, and holiness. It consumed the burn offerings as a sign of divine approval and served as a continual reminder of the need for atonement and dedication to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 6:9,12Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning on the altar all night to the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy Sacrifice Renewed The Manner of Our Offering Sacrifices. Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Of the Priesthood of Aaron. The Voice in the Wilderness For the Candid and Thoughtful Scriptural Types. the Legendary History of Egypt The Sibylline Oracles. 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) |
    |