"Fire" used in the Bible

[Beck]

I have to say studing this has been most enlighting. Clearly, the writers of the Bible employed the use of fire in many different ways. However, when it came to the spiritual use of fire, they usually attributed fire to God. God manifested Himself in various forms of fire on many different occasions. We find some of these manifestations in the making of the Covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:17), the burning bush (Exo. 3:2-4), pillar of fire (Exo. 13:21), on Sinai (Exo.19:18), in the flame on the altar (Judg. 13:20), and God answering by fire (1 Kings 18:24, 38).

Sacrifices and offerings (including incense which represented the prayers of the people) were to be made by fire. (Exo. 12:8,9,10; Lev. 1) Fire often meant the acceptance of a sacrifice by God(Judges 6:21; 1 Kin. 18:38; 1 Chr. 21:26). Leviticus 9:24 tells us that the sacrificial fire "came forth from God." The fire on the altar was to be continually burning. (Lev. 6:12,13)

While God answer by fire was usually a positive act, there were times when His manifestation in fire, or the use of fire, was used as a correction or destruction of evil (Gen. 19:24, Sodom and Gomorra; Ex. 9:23; Num. 11:1; Num. 16:35; Psalm 104:4; Lev 20:14; Lev. 21:9; Josh .7:25).

Fire is also figuratively used of God's glory (Dan 7:9), of His holiness (Isa. 33:14), of His protection of His people (2 Kings 6:17; Zec. 2:5), of His jealousy for His sole worship (Deut. 4:24; Heb. 12:29; Ps. 79:5), of His wrath (Deut. 9:3; Ps. 18:8; Ps. 89:46; Isa. 5:24), of His Word in power (Jer. 5:14; Jer. 23:29), of Divine truth (Ps. 39:3; Jer. 20:9; Lk. 12:49), of that which guides men (Isa. 50:10-11), of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3), of Christ in His glory (Rev 1:14), of the power of love to overcome evil (Rom. 12:20), of trial and suffering (Ps. 66:12; Isa 43:2; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 4:12), of evil (Prov. 6:27; Isa 9:18; Isa. 65:5), of lust or desire (Hos. 7:6; 1 Cor. 7:9), of greed (Prov. 30:16), of the evil tongue (James 3:5-6), of heaven and its purity and glory (Rev. 15:2; Rev 21:22-23), and of Divine testing for divinity (Rev. 20). I am sure I have not exhausted the list of the various ways fire is used in the Bible. If we studied light and heat (attributes of fire), I’m sure we could greatly expand the list.

It is not surprising that fire plays such a significant role in the Bible. The Creator Himself is described as a "consuming fire." (Dan. 4:24; Heb. 12:29) Doesn’t it seem rather strange to our understanding to call the Creator a consuming fire? Rarely, if ever, do we associate fire with the creation process. We usually associate it with destruction.

Fire, is first and foremost, a symbol of divinity in the Semitic Middle East. It is a symbol of God Himself. God manifesting in physical fire could be a favorable judgment as when He came to consecrate Solomon’s Temple or a negative judgment as when He swallowed up Aaron’s son for offering up "strange fire." We have a tendency to dwell on the negative side of things and so usually associate divine fire with wrath. (Lev. 10:1)

One may think of fire and relate it to Hell, the lake of fire, and everlasting punishment. On the other hand, the more loving, merciful, and compassionate one has become, the more likely they are to see fire as a symbol of love, zeal, and sacredness. They are "on fire for God" is an expression used in a positive sense.

[Richard Amiel McGough]

One may think of fire and relate it to Hell, the lake of fire, and everlasting punishment. On the other hand, the more loving, merciful, and compassionate one has become, the more likely they are to see fire as a symbol of love, zeal, and sacredness. They are "on fire for God" is an expression used in a positive sense.
Hey there Beck,

Excellent post! You are really onto a central theme of the Bible. And it expands a lot when you think of the association between fire and light and how both of those concepts relate to revelation.

Ephesians 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

And of course, this all connects with the Sun as the natural "Light of the World" and it's use as a symbol of Christ. This all connects with the 21st letter Shin and the books on Spoke 21. Here are a couple representative articles I have written:

Shin: The Eternal Fire of God's Glory
(http://biblewheel.com/Wheel/Spokes/Shin_Fire.asp)
Jesus Christ: The Light of the World
(http://biblewheel.com/Wheel/Spokes/Shin_John.asp)
Richard

[Beck]

Fire produces flame (light) and heat, two very useful properties in the natural world. The fire that Jesus would kindled is the fire of good works poured out as coal upon our enemies heads. (Matt. 5:38-48, Rom 12:20) This is the fire which will bring righteous judgment into this world. In the same context, Jesus spoke of praying for your enemies. The incense and coals offered up each day in the Tabernacles and Temples of the Old Testament symbolized this act. We Christians have the privilege of offering up these prayers to our Father each day of our lives.

Jesus said He came to send fire on the earth and He yearned for it to be kindled. (Luke 12:49).

The book of Acts records for us the first fruits of that fire for which Jesus yearned. Discover for yourselves the effects His kind of fire has on the world. Tongues of fire came upon the 120 which drove them into the streets of Jerusalem. The tongues of fire caused them to open their mouths which were previously shut by the fear of man. And what did they declare? The WONDERFUL works of God! And what was the result? Three thousand were added unto them. Do you find it a coincidence that when Moses’ Law was given under a fiery mountain, three thousand Israelites were killed? But when the Law of the Life in Christ Jesus was made manifest under a different kind of fire in the "upper" room, three thousand were added unto them!? (Ex. 32:28; Acts 2:41) Both laws were connected with fire. One brought fear, wrath, and death; the other brought liberty, forgiveness, and Life.

John and James boldly spewed forth when the Samaritans refused to accept the Jesus as the Messiah. "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" And what was Jesus reply? "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them." (Luke 9:54-56).

It has only been in recent years that mankind has discovered that fire never really permanently destroys or annihilates anything. Fire just stirs up the molecules until they reach a point of agitation great enough for atoms within a molecule to be released from one another. Fire divides. The same thing happened when Jesus sent forth the fire of which He spoke. He sent forth a seed (spark) of faith which broke the power of tradition which held people together to a lower form of government. Some, through His fiery word, were released to serve in a higher kingdom, the kingdom of God in which dwelt righteousness, peace, and joy. Others stayed behind and became the ashes or remains of the Levitical System. While the Old Mosaic System was destroyed in one sense, its destruction brought forth something better, higher. This fire loosened a force which would literally change the course of mankind—agape love. Yet even the ashes if this fire found purpose in God’s marvelous plan. (Rom. chapter 11)

Prior to the destruction of Jerusalem which brought an end to the entire Levitical Priesthood and governing body of Judaism along with its regulations, Peter spoke of a time in which the "elements shall melt with fervent heat." (2 Peter 3:10) This word "elements" (stoicheion) usually referred to principles, foundations, governments, orderly structures (see a Concordance). Again, those with a higher vision, with clearer "light," see the destruction of the types and shadows of the Mosaic governmental and priestly system giving way to the New Covenant, New Priesthood, New Government, as a release to a higher reality. The scaffolding of the Old Covenant gave way to the building itself. Those with eyes to see could see a New Heaven (leadership) and a New Earth (new body) coming forth. They could see a city whose Maker is God built upon a New Foundation, the very Life of the Son of God!

Trees (wood) speak of mankind, both individually and corporately. (Isa. 61:3, trees of righteousness) There are many Scriptures which refer to trees and branches which speak of mankind and Christ. The wood from trees can be used for all sorts of things, one of which is for burning. Did you know there are some trees which can burn and not be destroyed? (Exo. 3:2-4)

The two main trees represented in the garden of Eden are the Tree of Life, (Christ, Law of life in Christ Jesus) and the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil (Law of Moses and all other forms of human laws which governmental and religious leaders use to control mankind.) One is eternal, the other will vanish once it has served its purpose in mankind. The Tree of Life shines with Light, Life, and Love.

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the new priesthood as "tongues of fire." Here is the true separation unto priesthood under the New Covenant.

[gregoryfl]

Very inspiring posts on this oft misunderstood subject. I might just add that even the lake of fire is associated with God, when we compare the vision of John with Daniels vision of the same events, as recorded in Daniel 7. Ever wonder what the source of the lake of fire is? Daniel tells us. :)

Thanks again for sharing this.

Ron

[Beck]

Thanks, Richard & Ron

I would have to say, It's only been about a mouth ago that I started making these connection, Sad I know, But really I think most only make a small connection like, letting our light (fire) shine to the world.(Matt.5:14-16). I now see that it is used throughout the bible. And while I make these connection the link that Richard provided gives me even more to think on.

Ron, please continue...I'm very interested.

[Beck]

Bin relates to analysis; sakal to synthesis and comprehension. It is the light of understanding that dawns as all the puzzle-pieces fall into place and the image of the whole is seen, which should be happening now in the reader as we approach the Final Spoke.

:) Now I see with eyes of understanding.

[Richard Amiel McGough]

:) Now I see with eyes of understanding.
Very cool ... eyes enlightened with the Light of the Word (http://biblewheel.com/Wheel/Spokes/Shin_John.asp).

[Rose]

Hi Beck,

Another interesting verse that mentions the consuming fire of God is in Revelation 11....here it speaks of the two witnesses of God whose enemies are devoured by fire.
Rev.11:4-5 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

What I interpret those verses to say is that the pureness of God's Word, described as fire destroys the lies of the enemy.

Rose

[gregoryfl]

Ron, please continue...I'm very interested.


I will just let you examine what Daniel and John saw, putting the two sets of visions together, and let you draw your own conclusions, rather than me just telling you what I see, ok? :)

I beheld until the thrones were set, and the Ancient of Days sat; and His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head as pure wool; His throne was a flame of fire, and His wheels burning fire. A stream of fire rushed forth before Him. Thousands upon thousands ministered to Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand attended to Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which that horn spoke, until the wild beast was slain and destroyed, and his body given to be burned with fire. (Dan 7:9-11)


Then I saw a great white throne and He who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled. And no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened the books. And another Book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged by the things having been written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to their works. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.
(Rev 20:11-15)

I highlighted 'books were opened" because this is one of the clues linking these two visions together. As I understand it, this is one and the same event. Incidentally, the whiteness of the throne written of in Revelation I see relating to fire as well, because what is the purest, hottest fire?

Ron

[Richard Amiel McGough]

I will just let you examine what Daniel and John saw, putting the two sets of visions together, and let you draw your own conclusions, rather than me just telling you what I see, ok? :)

I beheld until the thrones were set, and the Ancient of Days sat; and His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head as pure wool; His throne was a flame of fire, and His wheels [galgalohi] burning fire. A stream of fire rushed forth before Him. Thousands upon thousands ministered to Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand attended to Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which that horn spoke, until the wild beast was slain and destroyed, and his body given to be burned with fire. (Dan 7:9-11)


Then I saw a great white throne and He who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled. And no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened the books. And another Book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged by the things having been written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to their works. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.
(Rev 20:11-15)

I highlighted 'books were opened" because this is one of the clues linking these two visions together. As I understand it, this is one and the same event. Incidentally, the whiteness of the throne written of in Revelation I see relating to fire as well, because what is the purest, hottest fire?

Ron
That is precisely what I thought you were getting at.

And here is something more to meditate upon. The Hebrew Scriptures were written on scrolls called "megillot" - the singular is megillah from the root galah meaning "to roll." It also means "to reveal" in the sense of "rolling away" whatever was covering. This is the root of the word galgal (wheel) which appears in the vision of Daniel 7 highlighted red above.

Now where have we seen a "wheel" associated with a "book" that "reveals" something ....

:sCo_hmmthink:

Oh yeah! I remember! I talked about it here (Chapter 1, Part III of the Bible Wheel book):

The Wheel of Revelation (http://biblewheel.com/book/Chapters/part3_Chapt01.asp)

Fiery wheels of revelation - that makes some sense to me!

Richard

[Beck]

Hi Beck,

Another interesting verse that mentions the consuming fire of God is in Revelation 11....here it speaks of the two witnesses of God whose enemies are devoured by fire.
Rev.11:4-5 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

What I interpret those verses to say is that the pureness of God's Word, described as fire destroys the lies of the enemy.

Rose

Thanks, Rose

I did make that connection, although the long posts that I submitted I omitted it because it was so long. but you bring out a very good point and description of the use of fire by the two witnessess. Much like the two edge sword in Revelation 19:15 & Hebrews 4:12 both relate in describing the word's which come out of the mouth. Good stuff.

[Beck]

I will just let you examine what Daniel and John saw, putting the two sets of visions together, and let you draw your own conclusions, rather than me just telling you what I see, ok? :)

I beheld until the thrones were set, and the Ancient of Days sat; and His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head as pure wool; His throne was a flame of fire, and His wheels burning fire. A stream of fire rushed forth before Him. Thousands upon thousands ministered to Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand attended to Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which that horn spoke, until the wild beast was slain and destroyed, and his body given to be burned with fire. (Dan 7:9-11)


Then I saw a great white throne and He who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled. And no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened the books. And another Book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged by the things having been written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to their works. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Book of Life, he was cast into the Lake of Fire.
(Rev 20:11-15)

I highlighted 'books were opened" because this is one of the clues linking these two visions together. As I understand it, this is one and the same event. Incidentally, the whiteness of the throne written of in Revelation I see relating to fire as well, because what is the purest, hottest fire?

Ron

Ron,

Thanks, I really haven't notice that before "books were open" in both old and new, I guess I was concentarting on other aspects.

Another aspect of fire is purification which is described in Daniel 11:33-35 & 12:10. As you pointed out that "whiteness" can also be related to fire for it is what makes one pure. Noted that those that are overcomers are made white by the blood of the lamb. Rev. 3:5

So in looking at the "fire" in Revelation 20:9 and how it has been described as coming down from heaven and devours them that come or surround the camp of the saints and relating that to the lake of fire. How is that to be understood would that be interpreted literal fire coming down from heaven?