Meaning
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 (2Sam 12:31; Jer 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were also sometimes burned (Josh 7:25; 2Kings 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 (2Kings 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 (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; 1Kings 18:38; 2Kings 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; 1Cor 3:13, 15; 1Pet 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).
