(2.) For domestic purposes, such as baking, cooking, warmth, etc.
(Jeremiah 36:22; Mark 14:54; John 18:18). But on Sabbath no fire for any
domestic purpose was to be kindled (Exodus 35:3; Numbers 15:32-36).
(3.) Punishment of death by fire was inflicted on such as were guilty of
certain forms of unchastity and incest (Leviticus 20:14; 21:9). The burning
of captives in war was not unknown among the Jews (2 Samuel 12:31;
Jeremiah 29:22). The bodies of infamous persons who were executed were
also sometimes burned (Joshua 7:25; 2 Kings 23:16).
(4.) In war, fire was used in the destruction of cities, as Jericho (Joshua
6:24), Ai (8:19), Hazor (11:11), Laish (Judges 18:27), etc. The
war-chariots of the Canaanites were burnt (Joshua 11:6, 9, 13). The
Israelites burned the images (2 Kings 10:26; R.V., “pillars”) of the house of
Baal. These objects of worship seem to have been of the nature of
obelisks, and were sometimes evidently made of wood.
Torches were sometimes carried by the soldiers in battle (Judges 7:16).
(5.) Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah’s presence and the instrument
of his power (Exodus 14:19; Numbers 11:1, 3; Judges 13:20; 1 Kings
18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; 2:11; Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 1:4; Revelation 1:14,
etc.).
God’s word is also likened unto fire (Jeremiah 23:29). It is referred to as an
emblem of severe trials or misfortunes (Zechariah 12:6; Luke 12:49; 1
Corinthians 3:13, 15; 1 Peter 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matthew
5:22; Mark 9:44; Revelation 14:10; 21:8).
The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Matthew 3:11). His
descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3).