Coal and Charcoal
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Prov. 26:21)—biblical references ordinarily concern glowing coals or charcoal made from wood, not modern mined coal. Charcoal supplied heat for cooking, baking, metalworking, and warmth (Isa. 44:12–19; 54:16; John 18:18; 21:9). Live coals also belonged to altar service (Lev. 16:12). In Isaiah’s vision a seraph touches the prophet’s lips with a coal from the altar, signifying purification for prophetic ministry (Isa. 6:6–7).