Strengthen your faith in God's word

(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, Lev 6:13; Lev 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chr 7:1, 2 Chr 7:3). 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; Lev 2:3; Lev 3:5, Lev 3:9).

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

The victims slain for sin offerings were afterwards consumed by fire outside the camp (Lev 4:12, Lev 4:21; Lev 6:30; Lev 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; Lev 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 Kgs 23:16).

(4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Josh 6:24), Ai (Josh 8:19), Hazor (Josh 11:11), Laish (Judg 18:27), etc. The war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Josh 11:6, Josh 11:9, Josh 11:13). The Israelites burned the images (2 Kgs 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, Num 11:3; Judg 13:20; 1 Kgs 18:38; 2 Kgs 1:10, 2 Kgs 1:12; 2 Kgs 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, 1 Cor 3:15; 1 Pet 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matt 5:22; Mark 9:44; Rev 14:10; Rev 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).