Flame
Flame
(prop. , la hab, ), the incandescent vapor of fire, with which latter term it is usually found connected in the Bible. The only thing respecting fire which calls for explanation here is its symbolical use. In this we may distinguish a lower and a higher sense: a lower when the reference is simply to the burning heat of the element, in which respect any vehement affection, such as anger, indignation, shame, love, is wont to be spoken of as a fire in the bosom of the individual affected (Psa 39:3; Jer 20:9); and a higher, which is also by’ much the more common one in Scripture, when it is regarded as imaging the more distinctive properties of the divine nature. In this symbolical use of fire the reference is to its powerful, penetrating agency, and the terrible melting, seemingly resistless, effects’ it is capable of producing. So viewed, fire, especially a ” flame [] of fire” (Exo 3:2), is the chosen symbol of the holiness of God, which manifests itself in a consuming hatred of sin, and can endure nothing in its presence but what is in accordance with the pure and good. There is considerable variety in the application of the symbol, but the passages are all explicable by a reference to this fundamental idea. God, for example, is called “a’ consuming fire” (Heb 12:29; was an intense flame); to dwell with him is to dwell “with devouring fire” (Isa 33:14); as manifested even in the glorified Redeemer, ” his eyes are like a flame of fire” (Rev 2:18); his aspect when coming for judgment is as if a fire went before him, or a scorching flame compassed him about (Psa 97:3; 2Th 1:8) in these, and many similar representations occurring. in Scripture, it is the relation of God to sin that is more especially in view, and the searching, intense, all- consuming operation of his holiness in regard to it. They who are themselves conformed to this holiness have nothing to fear from it; they can dwell amid its light and glory as in their proper element; like Moses, can enter the flame-enwrapping cloud of the divine presence, and abide in it unscathed, though it appear. in the eyes of others ” like devouring fire on the top of the mount” (Exo 24:17-18). Hence we can easily explain why in Old Testament times the appearance of fire, and in particular the pillar of fire (enveloped in a cloud, as if to shade and restrain its excessive brightness and power), was taken as the appropriate form of the divine presence and glory; for in those times, which were more peculiarly the times of the law, it was the holiness of God that came most prominently into view; it was this which had in every form to be pressed most urgently upon the consciences of men, as a counteractive to the polluting influences of idolatry, and of essential moment to a proper apprehension of the covenant. But in the new, as well as in the old, when the same form of representation is employed it is the same aspect of the divine character that is meant to be exhibited. Thus, at the commencement of the Gospel era, when John the Baptist came forth announcing the advent of the Lord, he spoke of him as coming to baptize with fire as well as with the Spirit, not less to burn up the chaff with fire unquenchable than to gather in the wheat into his garner (Mat 3:11-12). The language is substantially that of an Old Testament. prophet (Mal 3:2; Mal 4:1); and it points, not, as is often represented, to the enlightening, purifying, love-enkindling agency of Christ, but to the severe and retributive effects- of his appearance. He was to be set for judgment as well as for mercy; for mercy indeed first, but to those who rejected the mercy, and hardened themselves in sin, also for judgment.’ To be baptized with the Spirit of light, holiness, and love, is what should ever follow on a due submissions to his authority; but a baptism with fire the fire of divine wrath here (Joh 3:36), growing into fire unquenchable hereafter should be the inevitable portion of such as set themselves in rebellion against him.
It is true that fire in its symbolical use. is also spoken of as purifying-the emblem of a healing process effected upon the spiritual natures of persons in covenant with God. We read, not merely of fire, but of refiner’s fire, and of a spirit of burning purging away the dross and impurity of Jerusalem (Mal 3:2; Isa 4:4). Still it is a work of severity and judgment that is indicated; yet its sphere is, not thee unbelieving and corrupt world, but the mixed community” of the Lord’s people, with many false members to be purged out, and the individual believer himself with an old man of corruption in his members to be mortified and cast off. The Spirit of holiness has a work of judgment to execute also there; and with respect to that it might doubtless be said that Christ baptizes each one of his people with fire. But in the discourse of the Baptist the reference is rather to different classes of persons than to different kinds of operation in the same person; he points to the partakers of grace on the one side, and to the children of apostasy and perdition on the other. Nor is the reference materially different in the emblem of tongues, like as of fire, which sat on the apostles at Pentecost, and in the fire that is said to go out of the mouth of the symbolical witnesses of the Apocalypse (Act 2:3; Rev 11:5). In both cases the fire indicated the power of holiness to be connected with the ministrations of Christ’s chosen witnesses-a, power that should, as it- were, burn up the corruptions of the world, consume the enmity of men’s hearts, and prove a resistless weapon against the power and malice of the adversary. COMPARE FIRE.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Flame
See Fire
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Flame
flam (, lahabh, and other forms from same root; , phlox): In Jdg 13:20 bis; Job 41:21; Isa 29:6; Joe 2:5, the word is lahabh. Various other words are translated flame; mas’eth, a lifting or rising up (Jdg 20:38, Jdg 20:40 the King James Version), the Revised Version (British and American) cloud (of smoke); kall, completeness (Jdg 20:40 King James Version margin, a holocaust, or offering wholly consumed by fire; compare Lev 6:15); shalhebheth (Job 15:30; Son 8:6; the American Standard Revised Version a very flame of Yahweh, margin or, a most vehement flame; Eze 20:47, the Revised Version (British and American) the flaming flame); shabhbh (Job 18:5; the Revised Version, margin); shebhbh, Aramaic (Dan 3:22; Dan 7:9). In Psa 104:4 the American Standard Revised Version has maketh … flames of fire his ministers; the Revised Version (British and American) flame for snare (Pro 29:8).
Figuratively: Flame is used to denote excitement (Pro 29:8 the Revised Version (British and American)), shame, astonishment, faces of flame (Isa 13:8); in Rev 1:14, the glorified Christ is described as having eyes as a flame of fire, signifying their searching purity (compare Rev 2:18; Rev 19:12). Flame is also a symbol of God’s wrath (Psa 83:14; Isa 5:24; Isa 10:17). See also FIRE.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Flame
Exo 3:2 (c) Probably this teaches us the lesson that GOD would dwell among His people Israel, would deal with them severely when they sinned, but would never destroy them.
Job 15:30 (a) By this figure is represented the calamity which did overtake him and the terrible curse which did destroy his work and his efforts.
Isa 10:17 (a) This terrible figure is used to describe the wrath of GOD against Jerusalem when He directed the enemies of GOD to burn and destroy the city. (See Isa 29:6; Isa 47:14; Eze 20:47).
Isa 30:30 (a) This represents the outpouring of GOD’s wrath against Assyria.
Isa 43:2 (a) The Lord is telling us that great troubles and sorrows shall not destroy Israel, for GOD will bring them through it all safely.
Jer 48:45 (a) By this type is represented the fierce, burning anger and power of the enemies of Moab.
Dan 7:9 (a) This figure indicates GOD’s justice and righteousness against all evil, sin and hypocrisy.
Oba 1:18 (a) GOD will make His people a powerful scourge to defeat the people of Esau.
Heb 1:7 (a) This is typical of the destroying power of angels as GOD’s messengers of judgment. (See also 2Ki 19:35).
Rev 1:14 (a) This type is used to reveal the power of the Lord to discern the thoughts, motives and intents of the people when brought to the judgment. (See also Rev 2:18; Rev 19:12).