Fire as a Symbol Imagery
Fire as a Symbol Imagery Exodus 3:2 Excerpt Fire is a common symbol of holiness and in some cases of protection ( cf . Zech. 2:5 ). It represents divine action, with God himself presented as ‘a consuming fire’ ( Heb. 12:29 ; cf . Deut. 4:24 ). Fire is God’s servant ( Ps. 104:4 ; Heb. 1:7 ), and his word is like fire ( Jer. 23:29 ). In reference to God’s action , fire is most frequently a symbol of destruction associated with the wrath of God and his jealousy . As a metaphor of God’s holiness , however, it may also purge or purify. The Babylonian exile is described as purification by fire ( Ps. 66:12 ; Isa. 43:2 ), and certainly the Day of the Lord will purify Israel ( Zech. 13:9 ; cf . 1 Cor. 3:13-15 ). Fire is a central element of the description of theophany throughout biblical literature. God’s appearance for covenant with Abraham ( Gen. 15:17 ), the appearance in the burning bush ( Exod. 3:2 ), the leading of Israel with the pillar of fire by night ...