Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, fire and flame are rich in symbolism and significance, often representing the presence, power, and judgment of God. The imagery of flame is woven throughout Scripture, serving as a divine tool and a symbol of purification, guidance, and destruction.Divine Presence and Revelation One of the most profound connections between flame and the divine is found in the account of Moses and the burning bush. In Exodus 3:2, the angel of the Lord appears to Moses "in a flame of fire from within a bush." This flame, which does not consume the bush, signifies God's holy presence and His call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The flame here is a manifestation of God's glory and a medium through which He communicates His will. Guidance and Protection Flame also serves as a guide for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. In Exodus 13:21, the Lord leads them "by night in a pillar of fire to give them light," ensuring their safe passage through the wilderness. This pillar of fire is a symbol of divine guidance and protection, illustrating God's continual presence with His people. Judgment and Destruction Flame is frequently associated with God's judgment. In Genesis 19:24, the Lord rains down "sulfur and fire" on Sodom and Gomorrah, executing judgment on these cities for their wickedness. Similarly, in 2 Kings 1:10, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume the soldiers sent by King Ahaziah, demonstrating God's power to protect His prophet and execute judgment on those who oppose Him. Purification and Holiness Fire is also a symbol of purification and holiness. In Isaiah 6:6-7, a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, saying, "Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." The flame here represents the purifying power of God, cleansing Isaiah and preparing him for prophetic ministry. This theme of purification is echoed in Malachi 3:2-3, where the Lord is described as a refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi. The Holy Spirit In the New Testament, flame is associated with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:3, "tongues of fire" rest on the apostles, signifying the arrival of the Holy Spirit and empowering them to speak in different languages. This event marks the birth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel, with flame symbolizing the Spirit's presence and transformative power. Eternal Judgment Flame is also a symbol of eternal judgment. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus speaks of the "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels," highlighting the reality of divine judgment for those who reject God. Revelation 20:14-15 further describes the lake of fire as the final destination for death, Hades, and those not found in the book of life, underscoring the ultimate consequence of sin. Throughout Scripture, flame is a multifaceted symbol, representing God's presence, guidance, judgment, purification, and the power of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the transformative power of His presence in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 8:6Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which has a most vehement flame. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 66:15 Library As for all the Other Things which are Usually Dwelt Upon in ... Whether the Fire of Hell, if it be Material Fire, Can Burn the ... On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ... Letter i. To Eusebius. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Copies of Things in the Heavens The Shield of Faith Hebrews xiii. 17 The Consuming Fire. What is Man? Resources How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that hell is referred to as a lake of fire? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3:6)? | 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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