Topical Bible: Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, fire played a crucial role in daily life, serving as a source of light, warmth, and a means for cooking and various domestic tasks. The use of charcoal as a fuel source for fires in homes is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but the practice can be inferred from historical and cultural contexts of the ancient Near East.

Charcoal in Ancient Times

Charcoal, a product of burning wood in a low-oxygen environment, was known for its ability to produce a steady and intense heat. This made it an ideal fuel for domestic fires, particularly in enclosed spaces where smoke from open fires would be problematic. The process of making charcoal involved carefully controlled burning, which allowed for the preservation of the wood's carbon content while eliminating moisture and volatile compounds.

Biblical Context

While the Bible does not specifically mention charcoal fires in homes, it does reference the use of fire for various purposes. For instance, in Isaiah 44:15-16 , the prophet describes the use of wood for both warming oneself and baking bread: "It is used as fuel for burning, and some of it he takes and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread." This passage highlights the dual role of fire in providing warmth and enabling food preparation, functions that charcoal fires would have efficiently served.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The ancient Israelites, like their neighbors, would have been familiar with the benefits of using charcoal. Archaeological findings from the region indicate that charcoal was a common fuel source, particularly in urban settings where wood was scarce or where smoke needed to be minimized. The controlled burn of charcoal allowed for a cleaner and more manageable fire, which would have been advantageous in the confined spaces of ancient homes.

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Fire holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing God's presence, judgment, and purification. In the context of domestic life, fire's role in sustaining daily activities can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and care. The controlled and enduring nature of a charcoal fire might also be viewed as a metaphor for the enduring and sustaining presence of God in the lives of His people.

Practical Considerations

The practical use of charcoal in biblical times would have required knowledge of its production and maintenance. Charcoal fires needed careful tending to maintain the desired heat level, and the skillful management of such fires would have been a valuable domestic skill. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom and stewardship in managing the resources God provides.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention charcoal fires in homes, the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East suggests that charcoal was a likely and practical fuel source for domestic fires. Its use would have facilitated essential daily activities, reflecting the broader biblical themes of provision, stewardship, and the sustaining presence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 18:18
And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Removing Tithes.
... copper or other ore, clay, turf used for fire, flags, marle ... trees are employed to
build houses; and houses, when built ... Tithe is due of wood made into charcoal. ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

Peter Thrice Denies the Lord.
... It is still customary to have female porters at the houses of the great ... 18 Now the
servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxvii peter thrice denies the.htm

The Trial Before the High Priest.
... As we learn from Mark 14:66, the fire was made in the court, the ... The court within,
which was a common feature of great houses, was paved ... The fire was of charcoal ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the trial before the high.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... body is so; and how far the unquenchable fire may also ... you [that is, the friends
whom ye have made by bestowing ... they may receive me into their houses." They do ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

"He Has Trusted Me," Said the Cardinal, -- "I have Found Him...
... WILL bring Fabien Doucet to Monseigneur;"they have made up their ... might just as well
light up a charcoal fire, shut all ... to build one of the new houses on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/v he has trusted me.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... At the famous sacred Fire wells of Baku, in the Eastern ... Behind the houses, among
the stumps of huge trees, maize ... not lived in vain; for we have made this out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... the basilica and its portico, after the fire of 1823 ... fair to say that the discoveries
made in this ... which they belonged, but to ornament houses, museums, villas ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Herodotus had already made us familiar with the dreams of ... once aroused, became an
all-consuming fire; the Egyptians ... in the palace, as in the houses of private ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Cocal
... comfortable house, only just rebuilt after a fire, stood among ... it the barns, sheds,
and engine-houses of the ... into that brown fibre of which matting is made. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... four "houses," each of which, like the "houses" of Egypt ... kept secret and hidden,
he had even made known to ... identity of Gilgames with the Accadian fire-god, or ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm