Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, fire is often used metaphorically to represent various aspects of wickedness, including judgment, destruction, and the consuming nature of sin. This imagery is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a powerful symbol of God's response to human iniquity and the inherent destructive power of evil.Judgment and Destruction Fire is frequently associated with divine judgment against wickedness. One of the most notable examples is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19:24-25 , it is recorded, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This event underscores the severity of God's judgment against rampant sin and immorality. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah speaks of fire as a tool of divine retribution. In Isaiah 66:15-16 , it is written, "For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD." Here, fire symbolizes the purifying and consuming nature of God's righteous anger against sin. The Consuming Nature of Sin Fire also represents the consuming nature of sin and wickedness. Proverbs 6:27-28 uses the imagery of fire to illustrate the dangers of adultery: "Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?" This passage highlights how engaging in sinful behavior inevitably leads to personal harm and destruction. In the New Testament, James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness." This metaphor emphasizes how words, when used wickedly, can cause great harm and spread sin like wildfire. The destructive power of the tongue is likened to a fire that can set the entire course of one's life ablaze. Eternal Consequences The ultimate consequence of wickedness is eternal separation from God, often depicted as a lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 states, "And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." This imagery serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal judgment awaiting those who persist in wickedness without repentance. Throughout Scripture, fire is a multifaceted symbol of wickedness, illustrating both the immediate and eternal consequences of sin. It serves as a warning of God's righteous judgment and the inherent destructiveness of living in opposition to His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 9:18For wickedness burns as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library All Things have Been Created for the Service of Man the Deceits ... That the Perfect Lover of God had Liever Run into Great Pain than ... Listen, My Brethren, to Death, Mocking the Evil One: that Caused ... That Perfect Love Mingles Nothing with God: and Why. And that it ... Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ... Of God's Privy Doom: and that they that Fall Again be not Deemed ... The Race of Life Of Hell Of Man's Turning to God; and what Helps and what Lets his Turning. Arguments in Opposition to Tatian, Showing that it was Consonant ... Resources Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | 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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