Fire

(Gen. 19:24, 22:6, Ex. 3:2). The ordinary properties and uses of fire are well known. In Holy Scripture fire is often joined with manifestations of the Godhead, as, for instance, at Sinai. We read the same thing in Psalm 18 (v. 8) and in the song of Habakkuk. The Lord Jesus Christ, at His second coming, according to the word of the Apostle, will appear “in flaming fire” (2 Thess. 1:8). The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost was in the form of tongues of fire.

In Old Testament times fire came down from God and consumed the sacrifice that had been prepared. It descended from heaven at the consecration of the Tabernacle of the congregation, and by God’s command it was never to be extinguished. In many ancient religions fire was regarded as a sacred emblem—a representative of the sun. The worshipers of Molech made their children pass through the fire (2 Kings 17:17). A sacred fire was sometimes carried before an army before entering into battle.

The Hebrews were not permitted to kindle a fire in their dwellings on the sabbath day (Ex. 35:3). On this sacred day no honor whatsoever was to be shown to fire in any form. In an agricultural country such as Palestine, where at certain seasons of the year the grass and pastures become easily combustible, the slightest carelessness with fire could produce enormous fires and devastation. Therefore the Law of Moses prescribed the following: “If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed therewith; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution” (Ex. 22:6).

The word “fire” is often used as a metaphor to signify a grievous trial or a great loss. The last work of fire will be the end of the world. “The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10-11), and “the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Cor. 3:12-15). Finally, burning in unquenchable fire depicts the terrible state of sinners in hell (Rev. 14:10, 20:10).

Flaming love in the heart is compared to fire (Song of Songs 8:6), as is man’s unbridled tongue (Prov. 16:27, James 3:5 and following), the word of God (Jer. 23:29), and even the Lord Himself is called a consuming fire (Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29).