Fire

Lore & Background

Fire serves as a tool of divine judgment in the source passages. The LORD rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24), and in Egypt, fire mingled with hail strikes the land (Exodus 9:23-24). Fire also consumes the golden calf, which Moses burns and grinds to powder (Exodus 32:20). In sacrificial contexts, fire is commanded for roasting the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:8-10), burning sin offerings and burnt offerings (Exodus 29:14, 18, 25, 34, 41), and for offerings made by fire to the LORD (Exodus 30:20). The law also addresses liability when fire spreads and consumes property (Exodus 22:6). Fire manifests the LORD's presence: in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), as a pillar of fire guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:24), and on Mount Sinai where the LORD descends in fire (Exodus 19:18; Exodus 24:17). The tabernacle is covered by fire at night (Exodus 40:38). Yet on the Sabbath, no fire may be kindled in dwellings (Exodus 35:3).

Reader's Guide

The source passages portray fire as a multifaceted element under divine control. It is primarily an instrument of judgment: the LORD sends fire from heaven to destroy cities (Genesis 19:24) and uses fire mingled with hail as a plague (Exodus 9:23-24). Fire also purges idolatry, as when Moses burns the golden calf (Exodus 32:20). In worship, fire is essential for sacrifices—roasting the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:8-10) and burning offerings on the altar (Exodus 29:14, 18, 25, 34, 41; Exodus 30:20). The law regulates fire's use, requiring restitution for uncontrolled fire that damages property (Exodus 22:6) and forbidding kindling fire on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:3). Theophanically, fire reveals the LORD's presence: in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), as a pillar guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:24), and on Sinai (Exodus 19:18; Exodus 24:17). The tabernacle is marked by fire at night (Exodus 40:38). Thus fire is both a destructive and sanctifying force, always subject to the LORD's command.

Did You Know?

• The LORD rained fire from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).
• The pillar of fire gave light to Israel by night and never departed (Exodus 13:21-22).
• Moses burned the golden calf in fire, then ground it to powder (Exodus 32:20).
• No fire could be kindled in Israelite homes on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:3).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1531), translated by John French." — Fire "Time is the substance from which I am made. Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire." — Fire "Jorge Luis Borges, in "A New Refutation of Time" (1946)." — Fire "Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, (1953), p. 141." — Fire