- FILLETS Hebrews hashukum, plur., joinings (Exodus 27:17; 38:17, 28),
the rods by which the tops of the columns around the tabernacle court
were joined together, and from which the curtains were suspended (Exodus
27:10, 11; 36:38).
In Jeremiah 52:21 the rendering of a different word, hut, meaning a
“thread,” and designating a measuring-line of 12 cubits in length for the
circumference of the copper pillars of Solomon’s temple.
- FINER a worker in silver and gold (Proverbs 25:4). In Judges 17:4 the
word (tsoreph) is rendered “founder,” and in Isaiah 41:7 “goldsmith.” - FINING POT a crucible, melting-pot (Proverbs 17:3; 27:21).
- FIR the uniform rendering in the Authorized Version (marg. R.V.,
“cypress”) of berosh (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Kings 5:8, 10; 6:15, 34; 9:11, etc.), a
lofty tree (Isaiah 55:13) growing on Lebanon (37:24). Its wood was used in
making musical instruments and doors of houses, and for ceilings (2
Chronicles 3:5), the decks of ships (Ezekiel 27:5), floorings and
spear-shafts (Nah. 2:3, R.V.). The true fir (abies) is not found in Palestine,
but the pine tree, of which there are four species, is common.
The precise kind of tree meant by the “green fir tree” (Hos. 14:8) is
uncertain. Some regard it as the sherbin tree, a cypress resembling the
cedar; others, the Aleppo or maritime pine (Pinus halepensis), which
resembles the Scotch fir; while others think that the “stone-pine” (Pinus
pinea) is probably meant. (See PINE.)
- FIRE (1.) For sacred purposes. The sacrifices were consumed by fire
(Genesis 8:20). The ever-burning fire on the altar was first kindled from
heaven (Leviticus 6:9, 13; 9:24), and afterwards rekindled at the dedication
of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 7:1, 3). The expressions “fire from
heaven” and “fire of the Lord” generally denote lightning, but sometimes
also the fire of the altar was so called (Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 1:9; 2:3;
3:5, 9).
Fire for a sacred purpose obtained otherwise than from the altar was called
“strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1, 2; Numbers 3:4).
The victims slain for sin offerings were afterwards consumed by fire
outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12, 21; 6:30; 16:27; Hebrews 13:11).