Fire from the LORD Consumes the Offerings
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The phenomenon of divine fire consuming offerings is a significant motif in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's acceptance, presence, and power. This event underscores the holiness of God and His direct interaction with His people, often marking pivotal moments in Israel's religious history.

Instances in Scripture

1. Leviticus 9:24: "Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown." This event occurred during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The divine fire signified God's approval of the priestly ministry and the sacrificial system established under the Mosaic Law.

2. 1 Kings 18:38: "Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench." This dramatic event took place on Mount Carmel during the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. The consuming fire demonstrated the LORD's supremacy over false gods and reaffirmed His covenant with Israel.

3. 2 Chronicles 7:1: "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple." At the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the divine fire was a visible sign of God's presence and His acceptance of the temple as the central place of worship for Israel.

Theological Significance

The consuming fire from the LORD serves multiple theological purposes:

· Divine Approval: In each instance, the fire signifies God's acceptance of the offering and the worship of His people. It is a divine endorsement of the sacrificial system and the leaders He has chosen.

· Manifestation of God's Presence: The fire is a tangible manifestation of God's presence among His people. It reassures the Israelites of His nearness and His active role in their communal and spiritual life.

· Judgment and Purity: Fire is often associated with judgment and purification in the Bible. The consuming fire not only accepts the offering but also purifies the altar and the people, setting them apart for holy service.

· Covenant Relationship: These events reinforce the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The fire acts as a reminder of God's promises and the people's obligations to remain faithful to His commandments.

Symbolism and Typology

In the broader biblical narrative, the fire from the LORD prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose atoning work is fully accepted by God. The New Testament describes believers as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), and the Holy Spirit's presence is likened to tongues of fire (Acts 2:3), symbolizing purification and empowerment for service.

Conclusion

The instances of fire from the LORD consuming offerings are profound demonstrations of God's holiness, His acceptance of sincere worship, and His desire to dwell among His people. These events continue to inspire reverence and awe, reminding believers of the sacredness of worship and the transformative power of God's presence.
Subtopics

Arson by Absalom

Arson by Samson

Arson by Zimri

Arson: General Scriptures Concerning

Arson: Law Concerning

Fire

Fire Baptism

Fire in Houses: Lighted in Spring Mornings

Fire in Houses: Lighted in the Winter

Fire in Houses: Made of Charcoal

Fire in Houses: Made of Wood

Fire in Houses: Not to be Lighted on the Sabbath

Fire of Inspiration

Fire of the Destruction of the Wicked

Fire used As a Signal in War

Fire: A Symbol in the Burning Bush

Fire: A Symbol of God's Presence

Fire: A Symbol: On Sinai

Fire: A Symbol: Tongues of, on the Apostles

Fire: Affliction

Fire: At Elijah's Translation

Fire: Bright

Fire: Can be Increased in Intensity

Fire: Children Caused to Pass Through

Fire: Christ As Judge

Fire: Christ Shall Appear In

Fire: Consumes the Conspirators With Korah, Dathan, and Abiram

Fire: Consuming

Fire: Display of, in the Plagues of Egypt

Fire: Drying

Fire: Enlightening

Fire: Everlasting Fire

Fire: Frequently Employed As an Instrument of Divine Vengeance

Fire: Furnaces of

Fire: God Appeared In

Fire: God's Enemies

Fire: God's Protection

Fire: God's Vengeance

Fire: Heating

Fire: Injury From, to be Made Good by the Person Who Kindled It

Fire: Insatiable

Fire: Judgments

Fire: Kept Alive by Fuel

Fire: Lust

Fire: Melting

Fire: Miracles Connected With: David's Sacrifice

Fire: Miracles Connected With: Elijah's Sacrifice

Fire: Miracles Connected With: Miraculously Descends Upon, and Consumes, Abraham's Sacrifice

Fire: Miracles Connected With: Solomon's Sacrifice, at Dedication of the Temple

Fire: Miraculous in the Burning Bush

Fire: Miraculous: Angel Ascended In

Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Company of Korah

Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Elijah

Fire: Miraculous: Consumed the Sacrifice of Gideon

Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed Nadab and Abihu

Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the Enemies of Elijah

Fire: Miraculous: Destroyed the People at Taberah

Fire: Miraculous: Elijah Taken up in a Chariot of

Fire: Miraculous: Led the People of Israel in the Desert

Fire: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai at Giving of Law

Fire: Miraculous: Plagued the Egyptians

Fire: Persecution

Fire: Pillar of Fire

Fire: Punishment of the Wicked Shall be In

Fire: Purifying

Fire: Sacred: All Burn offerings Consumed By

Fire: Sacred: Always Burning on the Altar

Fire: Sacred: Came from Before the Lord

Fire: Sacred: Guilt of Burning Incense Without

Fire: Sacred: Incense Burned With

Fire: Sacred: Restored to the Temple

Fire: Spiritual Power

Fire: Spreading

Fire: The Captains of Fifties

Fire: The Church Destroying Her Enemies

Fire: The Holy Spirit

Fire: The Hope of Hypocrites

Fire: The Self-Righteous

Fire: The Tongue

Fire: The Word of God

Fire: Things Connected With: Ashes

Fire: Things Connected With: Burning Coals

Fire: Things Connected With: Flame

Fire: Things Connected With: Smoke

Fire: Things Connected With: Sparks

Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter

Fire: Torture By

Fire: Wickedness

Fire: Zeal of Angels

Fire: Zeal of Saints

Volcanoes: General Scriptures Concerning

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Brute (4 Occurrences)

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Holy (1097 Occurrences)

Sever (6 Occurrences)

Void (64 Occurrences)

Cruelty (8 Occurrences)

Cruel (196 Occurrences)

Conversion (1 Occurrence)

Creation (35 Occurrences)

Fire from the LORD
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