Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5321 furnace

A closed fireplace made of brick or stone for domestic or industrial usage. Used figuratively, it represents God's presence, testing and judgment.

Everyday use of furnaces

As a stove or oven

Nehemiah 3:11; Nehemiah 12:38; Lamentations 5:10; Daniel 3:6

As a kiln

Exodus 9:8

For smelting metals

Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 27:21

Figurative use of furnaces

As a symbol of God's majestic presence

Genesis 15:17; Isaiah 31:9

As a symbol of affliction and testing

Isaiah 48:10 See also Deuteronomy 4:20; 1 Kings 8:51; Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 11:4

As a symbol of God's wrath

Matthew 13:42 See also Genesis 19:28; Psalm 21:9; Ezekiel 22:17-22; Malachi 4:1; Matthew 13:50; Revelation 9:2

See also

4336  iron
4345  metalworkers
4351  refining
4372  tin
4826  fire
4829  heat
5435  ovens
5560  suffering
8832  testing
9510  hell