In biblical literature, the imagery of the wicked being compared to the fuel of fire is a powerful metaphor that underscores the ultimate fate of those who live in opposition to God's will. This imagery is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, serving as a stark warning of divine judgment and the consequences of unrighteousness.

Old Testament References

The concept of the wicked as fuel for fire is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament. In Isaiah 9:18-19 , the prophet declares, "For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes the briers and thorns; it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that they go up in columns of smoke. By the wrath of the LORD of Hosts the land is scorched, and the people are fuel for the fire; no one spares his brother." Here, wickedness is likened to a consuming fire, and the people, due to their iniquity, become the very fuel that feeds this divine conflagration.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 15:6-7 , the Lord speaks through the prophet, saying, "Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have consigned to the fire for fuel, so I have consigned the people of Jerusalem. I will set My face against them. Although they have escaped the fire, yet the fire will consume them. And you will know that I am the LORD, when I set My face against them." The imagery of the vine wood, which is useless except for burning, serves as a metaphor for the people who have turned away from God, emphasizing their inevitable destruction.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic writings. In Matthew 13:40-42 , Jesus explains the parable of the weeds, stating, "As the weeds are collected and burned in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This passage highlights the eschatological judgment where the wicked, symbolized by weeds, are gathered and cast into the fire.

The Apostle Paul also alludes to this concept in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 , where he writes, "And to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire. He will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." The blazing fire here is indicative of the divine retribution awaiting those who reject the gospel.

Theological Implications

The comparison of the wicked to fuel for fire serves as a theological reminder of God's holiness and justice. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the inevitable judgment that follows unrepentant wickedness. This imagery is not merely punitive but also purifying, as fire in the biblical context often symbolizes both destruction and purification. The righteous are called to live in accordance with God's statutes, avoiding the fate of becoming fuel for the divine fire.

Throughout Scripture, the metaphor of fire is multifaceted, representing God's presence, judgment, and purification. The wicked, as fuel for this fire, are a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in rebellion against God. This imagery calls believers to a life of holiness, urging them to turn away from sin and seek the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.Isaiah 9:19
Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... ambiguity: "He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and ... endowed with many peculiar
privileges, are compared to a ... is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

"The Axe is Laid to the Root. "
... THE DEVIL'S ORCHARD. This is not the only time in the Bible when wicked men are
compared to trees. ... The fire will go out when there is no fuel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxi the axe is laid.htm

On the Resurrection, and the Judgment, the Fire of Hell, and ...
... fishes." For heavenly things are worthily compared to the ... poison [2243] supplies
material and fuel for disease ... after the resurrection, so the wicked also, who ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter x on the resurrection and.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Most are cut out for fuel, and are made vessels of wrath. ... Therefore the wicked
are compared to chaff (Psalm 1:4), to dross (Psalm 119:119). ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... He has been compared with Bossuet, tho he never attained ... saying unto him, "Thou profane
and wicked prince, remove ... to the worm that dieth not and fuel to the ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under ... It is compared to a
"serpent" (Proverbs 23:32 ... use of ordinances and gospel promises, as fuel to keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... Fire will not burn except the fuel be combustible; but ... saints, so Satan is the comforter
of the wicked. ... the grave be accounted a paradise, compared with that ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

Of Hell
... as soon as it has consumed its fuel, it is ... are the most abandoned wretches upon earth,
compared to the ... None of these are, as yet, perfectly wicked, emptied of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 73 of hell.htm

Book Three the Story of his Student Days in Carthage, his ...
... sights full of the images of my own miseries: fuel for my ... devils, to whom I made
offerings of my wicked deeds ... to me to be quite unworthy to be compared with the ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book three the story of.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... As riches are compared to wind (Hosea 12:1) to show their vanity, so to thorns
(Matthew 13:17) to show their vexation ... Riches to the wicked are fuel for pride ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

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What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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