Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:Kindling refers to small pieces of wood or other easily combustible materials used to start a fire. In biblical times, kindling was essential for daily life, providing the means to cook food, offer sacrifices, and provide warmth. The process of gathering and using kindling is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing preparation and the initiation of significant events.
Biblical References:1.
Sabbath Observance: The act of kindling a fire is specifically mentioned in the context of Sabbath observance. In
Exodus 35:3, the Israelites are commanded, "You shall not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day." This prohibition underscores the importance of rest and refraining from work on the Sabbath, highlighting the need for preparation before the day of rest.
2.
Sacrificial Practices: Kindling was crucial in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The priests were responsible for maintaining the altar fire, which was to be kept burning continually.
Leviticus 6:12-13 states, "The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out." This perpetual fire symbolized God's eternal presence and the ongoing need for atonement.
3.
Symbolism of Judgment and Purification: Fire, often initiated by kindling, is a recurring symbol of God's judgment and purification. In
Isaiah 30:33, the imagery of a prepared fire is used to describe God's judgment: "For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its fire pit has been made deep and wide, with an abundance of fire and wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze." Here, kindling represents the readiness and inevitability of divine judgment.
4.
Metaphorical Use: The concept of kindling is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the stirring up of emotions or actions. In
Psalm 39:3, David speaks of his inner turmoil: "My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue." The kindling of fire within his heart symbolizes the intensification of his thoughts and emotions, leading to speech.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kindling was a daily necessity. The process of gathering wood and starting a fire was labor-intensive, requiring skill and patience. The prohibition against kindling a fire on the Sabbath reflects the broader cultural and religious emphasis on rest and worship, setting the Israelites apart from surrounding nations.
Theological Implications:The use of kindling in biblical texts often carries deeper theological meanings. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the need for human preparation and obedience. The perpetual fire on the altar signifies God's unending presence and the necessity of continual worship and sacrifice. Additionally, the metaphorical use of kindling in Scripture highlights the transformative power of God's word and the human response to divine revelation.
Conclusion:While the physical act of kindling a fire is a simple, everyday task, its presence in the Bible is rich with symbolic and theological significance. From the practical aspects of daily life to the profound spiritual truths it represents, kindling serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence, judgment, and the call to holiness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Kindle.
Library
Whether the Fire of Hell is of the Same Species as Ours?
... is neither kindled by human endeavor, nor kept alive with fuel, but once created
endures unquenchably; at one and the same time it needs nokindling, and lacks...
The Two Baptisms
... Fire is the symbol of passion, enthusiasm, flame. It is illuminating,kindling,
the work of the Holy Ghost. One of these baptisms prepares for the other....
The Partnership of Service.
... It is like having thekindling wood set in order for a fire, but the fire not started....
Thekindling must have the flame, and the flame must have the coals....
For Divine Strength.
... 1 Father, in Thy mysterious presence kneeling, Fain would our souls feel all Thy
kindling love; For we are weak, and need some deep revealing Of Trust and...
With those Also Who, as it were from Sleep...
... and draw upon themselves the temptations as it were of a sea-fight, and the inundations
of many waves, or rather are for the brethrenkindling the coals of the...
An Earnest Invitation
... At first it is the match, the spark. and there is a littlekindling; akindling
but a little. What is that compared with the fire that is to succeed?...
What it is Not.
... Whatever it may be, omnipotent grace can kindle it. And, tho we do not undervalue
dispositions, yet we do not concede to them the potentiality ofkindling....
The Springs of Social Life.
... Lifting its palatial walls, andkindling with brilliant lights, it stands there
as the completest symbol of material refinement and civilization....
The Creaturely Man.
... In the visible world this action consists in thekindling and fanning of the spark
of life; hence it is quite natural and in full harmony with the general...
Follies of the Greek Mythology.
... laughing Lyda! And at last, not being able to put off the tunic of Nessus,
himselfkindling his own funeral pile, so he died. Let...
Thesaurus
Kindling (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Kindling (4 Occurrences). Proverbs 26:21 As coals are
to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to
kindling strife.
...Kindleth (9 Occurrences)
Girding (8 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 Lo, all yekindling a fire, girding on sparks, Walk ye in the light
of your fire, And in the sparks ye have caused to burn, From my hand hath this...
Grief (252 Occurrences)
... and 1 Samuel 15:11 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American)
"Samuel was wroth"); the same word is often used of thekindling of anger...
Grieve (29 Occurrences)
... and 1 Samuel 15:11 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American)
"Samuel was wroth"); the same word is often used of thekindling of anger...
Glowing (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 20:47 and thou hast said to the forest of the south: Hear a word of Jehovah:
Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Lo, I amkindling in thee a fire, And it hath...
Tinder (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Something very inflammable, used forkindling
fire from a spark, as scorched linen. Multi-Version Concordance...
Embers (2 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is
a contentious man tokindling strife. (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)....
Enthusiasm (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Enkindled andkindling fervor of soul; strong excitement of feeling on behalf
of a cause or a subject; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; as, he...
Dew (35 Occurrences)
... By thekindling light the mist is transformed into vast snow-white clouds, which
presently break into separate masses and rise up the mountain-sides, to...
Resources
What does shabbat mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to stir up the gift (2 Timothy 1:6)? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Song of Solomon - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgKindling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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