In biblical literature, "coals" often symbolize purification, judgment, and divine presence. The imagery of coals is used throughout the Scriptures to convey various theological themes and spiritual truths.

1. Coals as a Symbol of Divine Presence and Purification

One of the most significant uses of coals in the Bible is found in the vision of the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 6:6-7 , a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal taken from the altar, saying, "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is atoned for." Here, the coal represents God's purifying power, cleansing Isaiah and preparing him for prophetic ministry. The altar's coals signify the holiness and presence of God, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace.

2. Coals in the Context of Judgment

Coals are also associated with God's judgment. In Psalm 18:12-13 , the psalmist describes a theophany where "hailstones and coals of fire" accompany the Lord's presence, symbolizing His righteous judgment against the wicked. Similarly, in Ezekiel 10:2 , the prophet is instructed to scatter coals over the city of Jerusalem as a sign of impending judgment, illustrating the severity and certainty of divine retribution.

3. Coals in Sacrificial and Worship Contexts

In the Old Testament, coals play a crucial role in the sacrificial system. The altar of burnt offering, central to Israelite worship, required a constant fire fueled by coals. Leviticus 16:12 describes the high priest taking a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the Lord on the Day of Atonement, highlighting the importance of coals in the ritualistic practices of atonement and intercession.

4. Coals as a Metaphor for Kindness and Repentance

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:20 , quotes Proverbs 25:21-22, saying, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head." This metaphorical use of coals suggests that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and transformation in the heart of an adversary, reflecting the redemptive potential of love and mercy.

5. Coals in Apocalyptic Imagery

In the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, coals are part of the vivid imagery depicting God's ultimate judgment and the establishment of His kingdom. Revelation 8:5 describes an angel taking a censer filled with fire from the altar and hurling it to the earth, resulting in "peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake." This scene underscores the power and finality of God's judgment, with coals symbolizing the execution of divine justice.

Throughout the Bible, coals serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing God's holiness, judgment, and the potential for purification and transformation. Whether in the context of worship, judgment, or personal transformation, the imagery of coals underscores the profound and often mysterious ways in which God interacts with His creation.