Topical Encyclopedia
A fire-brand in biblical terms refers to a piece of burning wood or a torch. It is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey ideas of destruction, judgment, or a person who incites conflict. The imagery of a fire-brand is vivid, evoking the consuming and destructive nature of fire, as well as its ability to spread rapidly.
Judges 15:4-5: One of the most notable uses of fire-brands in the Bible is found in the account of Samson. In
Judges 15:4-5 , Samson captures three hundred foxes, ties them tail to tail in pairs, and fastens a torch to each pair of tails. He then lights the torches and releases the foxes into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction. This act of vengeance against the Philistines illustrates the use of fire-brands as instruments of divine retribution and chaos.
Isaiah 7:4: The term is also used metaphorically in
Isaiah 7:4 , where the prophet Isaiah is instructed to tell King Ahaz, "Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah." Here, the "smoldering stubs of firewood" refer to the waning power of the enemies of Judah, suggesting that their threat is diminishing and will soon be extinguished. The imagery conveys the idea that what once seemed dangerous is now reduced to mere embers.
Amos 4:11: In
Amos 4:11 , God uses the metaphor of a fire-brand to describe the remnant of Israel that has been spared from destruction: "I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a firebrand snatched from the blaze, yet you have not returned to Me," declares the LORD. This passage highlights the mercy of God in rescuing a remnant from judgment, yet it also underscores the people's failure to repent despite being spared.
Zechariah 3:2: Another significant reference is found in
Zechariah 3:2 , where the LORD rebukes Satan, saying, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the LORD, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a firebrand snatched from the fire?" This verse refers to Joshua the high priest, symbolizing the nation of Israel, as a firebrand plucked from the flames of Babylonian exile. It emphasizes God's sovereign choice and deliverance of His people, despite their previous sins and the accusations of the adversary.
In summary, the concept of a fire-brand in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of destruction, divine judgment, and deliverance. It illustrates the dual nature of fire as both a destructive force and a means of purification and salvation. The metaphorical use of fire-brands in Scripture underscores the themes of God's justice, mercy, and the call to repentance.
Strong's Hebrew
181. ud -- a brand,firebrand...firebrand. From an unused root meaning to rake together; a poker (for turning or
gathering embers) -- (
fire-)
brand. 180, 181. ud. 182 . Strong's Numbers.
3940. lappid -- a torch
...firebrand, burning lamp, lightning, torch. Or lappid {lap-peed'}; from an unused
root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame -- (fire-)brand, (...
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
To the Reverend the Clergy
... so repaired, that the worship of God might be performed in them with that decency
which is fitting, without making this matter afire-brand of contention among...
The Philosophers
... But perhaps this is only a sudden movement of the soul from one to the other extreme,
and in fact it is ever at one point only, as in the case of afirebrand....
'de Profundis'
... the nethermost hell, he says, where God's wrath burns like fire, till his tongue
cleaves to his gums, and his bones are burnt up like afirebrand, till he is...
Commencement of Worship.
... Here,"exert his power to save: Burst the bars of Satan's prison: Snatch the
firebrand from the flame,. Fill the doubting with assurance:...
Epistle xxii. To the Clergy Abiding at Rome, Concerning Many of...
... spirits, who in time past were with difficulty governed by me, and were delayed
till my coming, were inflamed by this letter as if by afirebrand, and began to...
Smitten in Vain
... I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were
as afirebrand plucked out of the burning; yet have ye not returned unto Me...
Epistle of the Emperor Constantine against Eusebius and Theognis...
... I had sent orders for the apprehension of certain individuals in Alexandria who
had deserted our faith, and by whose means thefirebrand of dissension was...
April 3 Evening
... APRIL 3 EVENING. Ye were as afirebrand plucked out of the burning."Amos 4:11. The
sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites....
A Parable in a Miracle
... condition, and all our efforts are too often"as I, for my part, sometimes half
despairingly feel when I stand in the pulpit"like afirebrand dropped into a...
Samson's Wedding Feast
... And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned
tail to tail, and put afirebrand in the midst between every two tails....
Thesaurus
Firebrand (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FIREBRAND. fir
... hearth"). See BRAND. WL Walker.
Multi-Version Concordance
Firebrand (3 Occurrences).
...Fire-brand (3 Occurrences)
Fire-brand.Firebrand,Fire-brand. Firebrands . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Firebrand,Fire-brand. Firebrands . Reference Bible.
Firebrands (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands,
and turned tail to tail, and put afirebrand in the midst between two tails....
Hearth (12 Occurrences)
... pan. Hebrews moqed (Psalm 102:3; RV, "fire-brand"), properly a fagot.... kindled.
Hence, the various renderings, "firebrand," "hearth," etc....
Glowing (14 Occurrences)
... Coals were kindled by it. (See RSV). Psalms 102:3 For my days consume away
like smoke. My bones are burned as afirebrand. (See NIV)....
Fire-brands (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took fire-brands,
and turned tail to tail, and put afire-brand in the midst between two tails....
Fire-baskets (1 Occurrence)
Fire-baskets. Fire, Fire-baskets.Firebrand . Multi-Version Concordance
Fire-baskets (1 Occurrence).... (BBE). Fire, Fire-baskets.Firebrand . Reference
Embers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Embers (2 Occurrences). Psalms 102:3 For my days consume
away like smoke. My bones are burned as afirebrand. (See NIV)....
Brand (4 Occurrences)
...Brand (4 Occurrences).... Amos 4:11 I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew
Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as afirebrand plucked out of the burning: yet...
Fox (2 Occurrences)
... 4, where Samson "caught three hundred foxes. and put afirebrand in the
midst between every two tails. and let them go into the...
Resources
What are some modern forms of idolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.orgHow many times has God sent fire from heaven? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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