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[Easton] (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 (2 Chr. 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 (Ex. 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; Heb. 13:11). (2.) For domestic purposes, such as baking, cooking, warmth, etc. (Jer. 36:22; Mark 14:54; John 18:18). But on Sabbath no fire for any domestic purpose was to be kindled (Ex. 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 (2 Sam. 12:31; Jer. 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were also sometimes burned (Josh. 7:25; 2 Kings 23:16). (4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Josh. 6:24), Ai (8:19), Hazor (11:11), Laish (Judg. 18:27), etc. The war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Josh. 11:6, 9, 13). The Israelites burned the images (2 Kings 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 (Judg. 7:16). (5.) Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument of his power (Ex. 14:19; Num. 11:1, 3; Judg. 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; 2:11; Isa. 6:4; Ezek. 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 (Zech. 12:6; Luke 12:49; 1 Cor. 3:13, 15; 1 Pet. 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matt. 5:22; Mark 9:44; Rev. 14:10; 21:8). The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Matt. 3:11). His descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3). [Smith] is represented as the symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument of his power, in the way either of approval or of destruction. (Exodus 3:2; 14:19) etc. There could not be a better symbol for Jehovah than this of fire, it being immaterial, mysterious, but visible, warming, cheering, comforting, but also terrible and consuming. Parallel with this application of fire and with its symbolical meaning are to be noted the similar use for sacrificial purposes and the respect paid to it, or to the heavenly bodies as symbols of deity, which prevailed among so many nations of antiquity, and of which the traces are not even now extinct; e.g. the Sabean and Magian systems of worship. (Isaiah 27:9) Fire for sacred purposes obtained elsewhere than from the altar was called “strange fire,” and for the use of such Nadab and Abihu were punished with death by fire from God. (Leviticus 10:1,2; Numbers 3:4; 26:61) [Nave] –Used as a signal in war Jer 6:1 –Furnaces of Da 3:6 –Children caused to pass through 2Ki 16:3 ; 17:17 –Miracles connected with .Miraculously descends upon, and consumes, Abraham’s sacrifice Ge 15:17 .David’s sacrifice 1Ch 21:26 .Elijah’s sacrifice 1Ki 18:38 .Solomon’s sacrifice, at dedication of the temple 2Ch 7:1 –Display of, in the plagues of Egypt Ex 9:24 –At Elijah’s translation 2Ki 2:11 –Consumes the conspirators with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Nu 16:35 –The captains of fifties 2Ki 1:9-12 –Torture by Le 21:9 ; Jer 29:22 ; Eze 23:25 , 47 ; Da 3 –Pillar of fire Ex 13:21 , 22 ; 14:19 , 24 ; 40:38 ; Nu 9:15-23 –See CLOUD, PILLAR OF –FIGURATIVE .Of inspiration Isa 6:6 , 7 .Spiritual power Ps 104:4 ; Jer 20:9 ; Mt 3:11 ; Lu 3:16 .Judgments De 4:24 ; 32:22 ; Isa 33:14 ; Jer 23:29 ; Am 1:4 , 7 , 10 , 12 , 14 ; 2:2 ; Mal 3:2 ; Lu 12:49 ; Re 20:9 .Of the destruction of the wicked Mt 13:42 , 50 ; 25:41 ; Mr 9:44 ; Re 9:2 ; 21:8 .EVERLASTING FIRE Isa 33:14 ; Mt 18:8 ; 25:41 ; Mr 9:44 –A SYMBOL .Of God’s presence Ge 15:17 .In the burning bush Ex 3:2 .On Sinai Ex 19:18 .Tongues of, on the apostles Ac 2:3 .See ARSON