Fire (1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire (Genesis 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from heaven (Leviticus 6:9, Leviticus 1:6; Leviticus 1:9), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon's temple (2 Chronicles 7:1, 2 Chronicles 1:7). The expressions "fire from heaven" and "fire of the Lord" generally denote lightning, but sometimes also the fire of the altar was so called (Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 1:9; Leviticus 1:2; Leviticus 1:3, Leviticus 1:3).
Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called "strange fire" (Leviticus 10:1, Leviticus 1:10; Numbers 3:4).
The victims slain for sin offerings were afterwards consumed by fire outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12, Leviticus 1:4; Leviticus 1:6; Leviticus 1:16; Hebrews 13:11).
(2.) For domestic purposes, such as baking, cooking, warmth, etc. (Jeremiah 36:22; Mark 14:54; John 18:18). but on Sabbath no fire for any domestic purpose was to be kindled (Exodus 35:3; Numbers 15:32-36).
(3.) Punishment of death by fire was inflicted on such as were guilty of certain forms of unchastity and incest (Leviticus 20:14; Leviticus 1:21). The burning of captives in war was not unknown among the Jews (2 Samuel 12:31; Jeremiah 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were also sometimes burned (Joshua 7:25; 2 Kings 23:16).
(4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Joshua 6:24), Ai (8:19), Hazor (11:11), Laish (Judges 18:27), etc. The war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Joshua 11:6, Joshua 1:11, Joshua 1:11). The Israelites burned the images (2 Kings 10:26; R.V., "pillars") of the house of Baal. These objects of worship See m to have been of the nature of obelisks, and were sometimes evidently made of wood.
Torches were sometimes carried by the soldiers in battle (Judges 7:16).
(5.) Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power (Exodus 14:19; Numbers 11:1, Numbers 1:11; Judges 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 2 Kings 1:1; 2 Kings 1:2; Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 1:4; Revelation 1:14, etc.).
God's word is also likened unto fire (Jeremiah 23:29). It is referred to as an emblem of severe trials or misfortunes (Zechariah 12:6; Luke 12:49; 1 Corinthians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matthew 5:22; Mark 9:44; Revelation 14:10; Revelation 1:21).
The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Matthew 3:11). His descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3).