Topical Bible: Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals

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Burning coals are a significant symbol and element within the biblical narrative, often representing God's presence, judgment, purification, and the fervency of prayer. Throughout Scripture, burning coals are depicted in various contexts, each revealing a different aspect of God's character and His interaction with humanity.

1. Divine Presence and Holiness: In Isaiah's vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, burning coals play a crucial role. Isaiah 6:6-7 states, "Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And with it he touched my mouth and said: 'Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for.'" Here, the burning coal symbolizes purification and the removal of sin, preparing Isaiah for his prophetic mission. The coal from the altar signifies the holiness of God and the transformative power of His presence.

2. Judgment and Wrath: Burning coals are also associated with God's judgment. In Psalm 18:12-13 , the imagery of coals is used to describe God's wrath: "From the brightness of His presence, His clouds advanced—hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire." This passage illustrates the power and intensity of God's judgment against His enemies, using coals as a metaphor for His consuming anger.

3. Prayer and Intercession: The imagery of burning coals is further connected to prayer and intercession. In Revelation 8:3-5 , the prayers of the saints are symbolically linked to incense and burning coals: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake." Here, the burning coals represent the fervency and potency of prayer, ascending to God and resulting in divine action.

4. Symbol of Retribution and Kindness: In Proverbs 25:21-22 , burning coals are used metaphorically to describe the effect of kindness on an enemy: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." This passage suggests that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and transformation in the heart of an adversary, with the burning coals symbolizing a purifying and convicting influence.

5. God's Sovereignty and Power: The imagery of burning coals is also present in Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing from the temple. In Ezekiel 10:2 , the prophet describes a scene where coals are scattered over the city: "And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, 'Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with coals of fire from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.'" This act signifies God's sovereign control over judgment and purification, demonstrating His authority over the fate of nations.

In summary, burning coals in the Bible are multifaceted symbols that convey God's holiness, judgment, the power of prayer, and the potential for transformation through acts of kindness. They serve as a reminder of God's active presence in the world, His righteous standards, and His desire for the purification and redemption of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 26:21
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ among the Common Things of Life
... in whose minds every aspect of the Galilean lake was connected with some ... Christ once
more stands among the common things of life; the fire, the fish, the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/dawson christ among the.htm

On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ...
... The one thing is closely connected with the other ... 6. There are also many other things
which escape our notice ... which is said to be applied by fire, is understood ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter x on the resurrection and.htm

The House of Zacharias.
... rent by faction and war, ravaged by fire and sword ... In all these things they were
blameless"not faultless ... by no link whatsoever could they be connected with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ii the house of zacharias.htm

The Alarum
... I. Our text is connected with the duty of praise ... ever-wakeful Jehovah, before whose
eyes all things are naked ... three holy children sung in the fire, their song ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

In Death and after Death
... tombs will explain some of the particulars connected with the ... seven days it was,
among other things, forbidden to ... He put within it sparks of fire and burning ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

The Great Assize
... and sweetly, and wrought all into one connected chain of ... the surface of the earth,
and the things that surround us ... our whole bodies, are full of fire, as well ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
... You had a fire by which you lost your all ... mean not innocent mirth, but that which
is connected with uncleanness ... straits that you do not know where things will end ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jacobs waking exclamation.htm

The Census of Israel
... thoughts back to the ancient Bible story connected with the ... man shall give an account
for the things done in ... where their worm dieth not, and their fire is not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Human coercion, in anything connected with religion, whether it ... For God rules, and
has the dispose of things. ... was such sweet songs sung in the fire, such sweet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... will remember how in 1859 this fire was kindled in ... afterwards, are often most intimately
connected with our ... Ponder these things, dear reader, should you have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm