FIRE
In Scripture, is often connected with the presence of Jehovah; as in the burning bush, and on Mount Sinai, Exodus 3:2; Exodus 1:19; Psalms 1:18-50; Habakkuk 1:1-3. The second coming of Christ will be "in flaming fire," 2 Thessalonians 1:8. In the New Testament it illustrates the enlightening, cheering, and purifying agency of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:11 Acts 2:3. by sending fire from heaven to consume sacrifices, God often signified his acceptance of them: as in the case of Abel, Genesis 4:4; Abraham, Genesis 15:17; Manoah, Judges 1:13-20; Elijah, 1 Kings 18:38; and at the dedication of the tabernacle and the temple, Leviticus 9:24 2 Chronicles 7:1. This sacred fire was preserved by the priests with the utmost care, Isaiah 31:9, in many ancient religions fire was worshipped; and children were made to pass through the fire to Moloch, 2 Kings 17:17; Jeremiah 7:31; Ezekiel 16:21; Ezekiel 1:23. The Jews had occasion for fires, except for cooking, only during a small part of the year. Besides their ordinary hearths and ovens, they warmed their apartments with "a fire of coals" in a brazier, Jeremiah 1:36-23; Luke 22:30. The were forbidden to kindle a fire on the Sabbath, Exodus 35:3—a prohibition perhaps only of cooking on that day, but understood by many Jews even now in the fullest extent; it is avoided by employing gentile servants. Another provision of the Mosaic Law was designed to protect the standing corn, etc., in the dry summer season, Exodus 22:6. The earth is to be destroyed by fire, 2 Peter 3:7; of which the destruction of Sodom, and the volcanoes and earthquakes which so often indicate the internal commotions of the globe, may serve as warnings.