Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "firebrand" is used metaphorically to describe a piece of burning wood or a person who incites conflict or unrest. The imagery of a firebrand is potent, symbolizing both destruction and the potential for purification. The term appears in several contexts within the Bible, each offering insight into its symbolic significance.
Judges 15:4-5One of the most vivid uses of "firebrand" 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 firebrand to each pair of tails. He then releases them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction. This act of vengeance against the Philistines illustrates the destructive power of a firebrand, as well as the broader theme of divine retribution and justice. Samson's use of firebrands serves as a tool of judgment against the enemies of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His purposes through human actions.
Isaiah 7:4In
Isaiah 7:4 , the prophet Isaiah is instructed to reassure King Ahaz of Judah, saying, "Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or fainthearted because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah." Here, the term "smoldering stubs of firewood" (often translated as "firebrands") refers to the waning power of Judah's enemies. The imagery suggests that, although these adversaries appear threatening, their power is diminishing and ultimately ineffective against God's chosen people. This passage emphasizes God's protection over His people and His control over the nations.
Amos 4:11In
Amos 4:11 , the prophet Amos delivers a message of warning and repentance to Israel: "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. The metaphor of a firebrand "snatched from the blaze" conveys the idea of a remnant being saved from destruction. Despite experiencing divine judgment, Israel is given an opportunity for repentance and redemption. This passage underscores God's mercy and His desire for His people to return to Him, even after severe judgment.
Zechariah 3:2In
Zechariah 3:2 , 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, representing the nation of Israel. The imagery of a firebrand snatched from the fire highlights God's deliverance and restoration of His people. Despite their sin and the accusations of Satan, God chooses to save and purify them, reaffirming His covenantal love and faithfulness.
In summary, the biblical use of "firebrand" serves as a powerful symbol of both destruction and deliverance. It illustrates themes of divine judgment, protection, and mercy, reflecting God's sovereign will and His redemptive purposes for His people. Through the imagery of firebrands, Scripture communicates the dual nature of God's justice and grace, calling His people to repentance and trust in His unfailing promises.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Isaiah 7:4,
Amos 4:11,
Zechariah 3:2, denotes the burnt end of a stick (Hebrews `ud); in
Judges 15:4, a lamp or torch, a flambeau (Hebrews lappid); in
Proverbs 26:18 (Comp.
Ephesians 6:16), burning darts or arrows (Hebrews zikkim).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A piece of burning wood.
2. (n.) One who inflames factions, or causes contention and mischief; an incendiary.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FIREBRANDfir'-brand ('udh, used for a burning stick taken out of the fire):
InJudges 15:4, 5 describing the "brands" (margin "torches") which Samson tied to the foxes' tails, the word is lappidh ("lamp"; seeJudges 7:16, 20 the Revised Version (British and American), "torches"). Other words are ziqqim, "sparks," "flames" (fiery darts;Proverbs 26:18), and ziqoth (Isaiah 50:11); 'udh is used figuratively of angry men (Isaiah 7:4), and of those mercifully rescued from destruction (Amos 4:11Zechariah 3:2; the Revised Version (British and American) "brand"). the Revised Version (British and American) gives "firebrand" as translation of moqedh (the King James Version "hearth") inPsalm 102:3, "My bones are burned as a firebrand" (margin "as a hearth").
SeeBRAND.
W. L. Walker
Strong's Hebrew
181. ud -- a brand,firebrand... 180, 181. ud. 182 . a brand,
firebrand. Transliteration: ud Phonetic
Spelling: (ood) Short Definition: brand. Word
... 1).
firebrand.
...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....
3940. lappid -- a torch
... 1), lightning flashes (1), torch (4), torches (7).firebrand, burning lamp,
lightning, torch. Or lappid {lap-peed'}; from an unused...
Library
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....
As He Thus Spoke, Slowly and with an Exquisite Softness...
... "I grant it!" said the Cardinal, "But you yourself"why have you made a name which
is like afirebrand to start a conflagration of discord in Europe?"why do...
Thesaurus
Firebrand (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FIREBRAND. fir
... hearth"). See BRAND. WL Walker.
Multi-Version Concordance
Firebrand (3 Occurrences).
...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)....
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....
Fire-baskets (1 Occurrence)
Fire-baskets. Fire, Fire-baskets.Firebrand . Multi-Version Concordance
Fire-baskets (1 Occurrence).... (BBE). Fire, Fire-baskets.Firebrand . Reference
Fire-brand (3 Occurrences)
Fire-brand.Firebrand, Fire-brand. Firebrands . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Firebrand, Fire-brand. Firebrands . Reference Bible.
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)
... 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 have ye not returned...
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...
Scorched (21 Occurrences)
... of the kite, (YLT). Psalms 102:3 For my days consume away like smoke. My
bones are burned as afirebrand. (See NAS). Proverbs 6:28...
Furnace (35 Occurrences)
... The fire shall devour them. (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NIV). Psalms 102:3 For my days
consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as afirebrand. (See RSV)....
Resources
Who was John Knox? | GotQuestions.orgFirebrand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
