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Bible Dictionaries
Fire
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or God was early revealed in fire. The searching character of His righteous judgement was thus set forth, whether in the acceptance of good or the condemnation of evil. When Moses at Horeb approached the burningbush he was cautioned not to draw near, but to remove his shoes, for theground was holy. God spake to him out of the burning bush. Exodus 3:1-6 . On Mount Sinai "the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire." Exodus 24:17 . Moses declared to Israel, "The Lord thy Godis a consuming fire." Deuteronomy 4:24 . When Aaron began his ministrations in the tabernacle fire came out "from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat." Leviticus 9:24 : cf. 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Chronicles 21:26; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 . Nadab and Abihu offered 'strange fire,' and fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Leviticus 10:1,2 . Thus God manifested Himself in fire to Moses. He showed His acceptance of the sacrifices by fire from heaven; He vindicatedHis servant Elijah, when he stood alone against the prophets of Baal, by consuming the sacrifice, the wood and the stone, by fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38 ); and He vindicated His own honour by fire, by destroying those who were disobedient in approaching to Him. The general idea in 'fire' is that of judgement.
In the N.T. it is repeated, "Our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29 ), to consume the dross in the Christian, as gold is tried and purified in the fire; and to judge and punish the wicked with unquenchable fire; who are also described as being BAPTISED WITH FIRE. Matthew 3:11,12 . One of the most awful things connected with this word is the description of the place of eternal punishment as THE LAKE OF FIRE. Revelation 19:20; Rev.20:10,14,15. What mercy to be delivered therefrom!
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Fire'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/f/fire.html. 1897.
