Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "brand" is often associated with fire and burning, symbolizing judgment, purification, or deliverance. The imagery of a brand, particularly as a burning stick, is used in various contexts throughout Scripture to convey spiritual truths and divine interventions.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable references to a "brand" is found in the book of Zechariah. In
Zechariah 3:2 , the prophet records a vision where the angel of the Lord says, "The LORD said to Satan: 'The LORD rebukes you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?'" Here, the "burning stick" or "brand" represents Joshua the high priest, symbolizing his deliverance from judgment and purification for service. This imagery underscores God's mercy and the redemption of His chosen people, despite their previous transgressions.
Symbolism and ThemesThe concept of a brand as a burning stick is rich with symbolism. It often represents a remnant saved from destruction, highlighting themes of divine grace and salvation. The imagery suggests that, like a stick pulled from the flames, individuals or groups are rescued from peril by God's intervention. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God’s redemptive work throughout history.
In
Amos 4:11 , the prophet Amos uses similar imagery to describe Israel's deliverance: "I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet you have not returned to Me," declares the LORD. Here, the brand signifies a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing God's desire for His people to return to Him after experiencing His saving power.
New Testament ParallelsWhile the specific term "brand" is not directly used in the New Testament, the concept of being saved from fire is echoed in passages such as
Jude 1:23 : "Save others by snatching them from the fire; and to others show mercy, tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh." This verse reflects the urgency and compassion involved in rescuing others from spiritual peril, akin to pulling a brand from the flames.
Theological ImplicationsThe imagery of a brand in biblical literature serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and mercy. It illustrates the tension between judgment and grace, where God’s justice demands accountability, yet His love provides a means of escape and purification. This duality is central to the Christian understanding of salvation, where believers are called to recognize their own deliverance and extend that hope to others.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of a brand can serve as a metaphor for personal spiritual experiences. It encourages reflection on moments of divine intervention and deliverance in one's life. Additionally, it challenges Christians to be instruments of God's saving grace, actively participating in the rescue and restoration of others who are in spiritual danger.
In summary, the biblical use of "brand" as a burning stick is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of judgment, mercy, and redemption. It serves as a vivid reminder of God's active role in the salvation of His people and the call for believers to engage in the redemptive mission of the Gospel.
Strong's Hebrew
2131. ziqah -- a missile, spark... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a missile, spark NASB Word Usage
brands (1), firebrands (2). chain, fetter, firebrand, spark. (Isa.
...Library
Final Considerations to Induce to Exomologesis.
... [8535] See de Bapt. xii. sub init. [8536] Lit. "of allbrands." Comp. c.
vi.: "Does the soldier...make satisfaction for hisbrands."....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xxiv. 36, "He Himself Stood in...
... [3569] Let Stephen be killed, the Church of Jerusalem dispersed in confusion: out
of it go forth burningbrands, and spread themselves and spread their flame....
Baptism not to be Presumptously Received it Requires Preceding...
... his (past) thefts and desertions? What soldier, after his discharge, makes
satisfaction for his (former)brands? A sinner is bound...
They came to be in his Presence
... as Christ's mystical body."[13]. The truth is that he was different from
certainbrands of so-called liberals. Like many of them...
De Sermone Domini in Monte, Lib. I. 22, 73.
... when, after the acknowledging of God through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
one fights against the brotherhood, and is set on by the fire-brands of hatred...
Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... loud as thunder in his pain and terror; the very earth trembled, his mouth smoked
like a fiery furnace, and his eyes rolled in his head likebrands of flaming...
Grief of the Faithful at the Admission of Idol-Makers into the...
... ecclesiastical order. Oh wickedness! Once did the Jews laybrands on Christ;
these mangle His body daily. Oh hands to be cut off! Now...
Fire! Fire! Fire!
... Let such not only bless God for preservation in the past, but let them celebrate
his goodness in plucking them asbrands out of the burning....
Introductory Letter.
... so narrow is the way which leads unto life, that the Lord, speaking by the prophets
Amos and Zachariah, calls those who are to be savedbrands snatched from...
The Treasure of Grace
... is the like of these, who cannot forget for one hour of their lives afterwards,
the grace that snatched them from the pit, and plucked them asbrands from the...
Thesaurus
Brands (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Brands (7 Occurrences). Galatians 6:17 For the rest let
no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the
brands of the Lord Jesus. (DBY).
...Fire-brands (3 Occurrences)
Fire-brands. Firebrands, Fire-brands. Fired . Multi-Version
Concordance Fire-brands (3 Occurrences). Judges 15:4 And...
Firebrands (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with
firebrands; walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among thebrands that ye...
Torches (18 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:5 And when he had set thebrands on fire, he let them go into the standing
grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing...
Brasen (6 Occurrences)
Vineyards (55 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:5 And when he had set thebrands on fire, he let them go into the standing
corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the...
Kindle (25 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with torches;
walk you in the flame of your fire, and among thebrands that you have...
Oliveyards (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:5 And when he had set thebrands on fire, he let them go into the standing
grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing...
Groves (32 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:5 When he had set thebrands on fire, he let them go into the standing
grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain...
Flames (54 Occurrences)
... Jude 1:23 others you must try to save, asbrands plucked from the flames; and on
others look with pity mingled with fear, while you hate every trace of their...
Resources
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