The term "The Great Fire" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of fire as a divine instrument of judgment and purification is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Fire is often used symbolically to represent God's presence, His holiness, and His righteous judgment against sin.

Divine Judgment and Purification

In the Old Testament, fire is frequently associated with God's judgment. One of the most notable instances is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This event serves as a powerful reminder of God's intolerance for sin and His ability to execute judgment.

Fire is also used as a means of purification. In Malachi 3:2-3 , the prophet speaks of the coming of the Lord: "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver." Here, fire symbolizes the process of purification, removing impurities and refining the faithful.

Theophany and God's Presence

Fire is a common element in theophanies, where God reveals Himself to humanity. In Exodus 3:2 , God appears to Moses in a burning bush: "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed." This miraculous event signifies God's holy presence and His call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Similarly, during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, God manifested His presence as a pillar of fire by night. Exodus 13:21 records, "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night." This pillar of fire provided guidance and protection, symbolizing God's continual presence with His people.

Eschatological Fire

In the New Testament, fire is often associated with the end times and the final judgment. In 2 Peter 3:7 , the apostle Peter writes, "And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men." This eschatological fire represents the ultimate purification and renewal of creation, as God establishes His eternal kingdom.

The Book of Revelation also depicts fire as a tool of divine judgment. Revelation 20:9-10 describes the final defeat of Satan: "And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them. And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

Symbol of the Holy Spirit

Fire is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles as tongues of fire. Acts 2:3-4 states, "They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." This event marks the birth of the Church and the empowering of believers to spread the Gospel.

In summary, while "The Great Fire" is not a specific biblical event, fire serves as a multifaceted symbol throughout Scripture, representing God's judgment, purification, presence, and the power of the Holy Spirit.