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The Blue Letter Bible

Dictionaries :: Fire

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Below are articles from the following dictionary:
Easton's Bible Dictionary

Fire:

(1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Gen 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Lev 6:9,13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon's temple (2Ch 7:1,3). The expressions "fire from heaven" and "fire of the Lord" generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Exd 29:18; Lev 1:9; 2:3; 3:5,9).

Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called "strange fire" (Lev 10:1,2; Num 3:4).

The victims slain for sin offerings were afterwards consumed by fire outside the camp (Lev 4:12,21; 6:30; 16:27; Hbr 13:11).

(2.) For domestic purposes, such as baking, cooking, warmth, etc. (Jer 36:22; Mar 14:54; Jhn 18:18). But on Sabbath no fire for any domestic purpose was to be kindled (Exd 35:3; Num 15:32-36).

(3.) Punishment of death by fire was inflicted on such as were guilty of certain forms of unchastity and incest (Lev 20:14; 21:9). The burning of captives in war was not unknown among the Jews (2Sa 12:31; Jer 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were also sometimes burned (Jos 7:25; 2Ki 23:16).

(4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Jos 6:24), Ai (8:19), Hazor (11:11), Laish (Jdg 18:27), etc. The war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Jos 11:6,9,13). The Israelites burned the images (2Ki 10:26; R.V., "pillars") of the house of Baal. These objects of worship seem to have been of the nature of obelisks, and were sometimes evidently made of wood.

Torches were sometimes carried by the soldiers in battle (Jdg 7:16).

(5.) Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power (Exd 14:19; Num 11:1,3; Jdg 13:20; 1Ki 18:38; 2Ki 1:10,12; 2:11; Isa 6:4; Eze 1:4; Rev 1:14, etc.).

God's word is also likened unto fire (Jer 23:29). It is referred to as an emblem of severe trials or misfortunes (Zec 12:6; Luk 12:49; 1Cr 3:13,15; 1Pe 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Mat 5:22; Mar 9:44; Rev 14:10; 21:8).

The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Mat 3:11). His descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Act 2:3).

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