Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the torch was a significant source of light and symbol of guidance, often used in both practical and metaphorical contexts. The torch, typically a stick with a combustible material at one end, was used to illuminate paths and spaces in the absence of modern lighting. Its presence in Scripture underscores themes of revelation, guidance, and divine presence.
Old Testament ReferencesThe use of torches is evident in several Old Testament narratives. In
Genesis 15:17, during the covenant ceremony between God and Abram, a "smoking firepot and a flaming torch" passed between the pieces of the sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence and His covenantal promise. This imagery of the torch as a divine presence is significant, highlighting God's role as a guiding light for His people.
In
Judges 7:16-20, Gideon employs torches in a strategic military maneuver against the Midianites. He divides his 300 men into three companies, giving each man a trumpet and a torch concealed in a jar. At Gideon's signal, they break the jars, revealing the torches and creating the illusion of a vast army, leading to the Midianites' confusion and defeat. This account illustrates the torch as a tool of divine strategy and victory.
Symbolism and MetaphorThe torch is often used metaphorically in Scripture to represent enlightenment and the revelation of truth. In
Isaiah 62:1, the prophet declares, "For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch." Here, the torch symbolizes the manifest righteousness and salvation of God's people, a beacon to the nations.
The torch also appears in the context of divine judgment and purification. In
Nahum 2:3-4, the prophet describes the chariots of Nineveh as "flashing with metal" and "rushing like lightning," with the imagery of torches conveying the swift and consuming nature of God's judgment.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not frequently mention torches, their symbolic significance continues. In
John 18:3, the arresting party that comes for Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane carries "lanterns and torches and weapons." This scene contrasts the light of the torches with the spiritual darkness of the act they are about to commit, highlighting the irony of seeking to capture the "Light of the World" (
John 8:12) with physical light.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, torches were essential for nighttime activities and travel. They were made by binding together sticks or reeds and wrapping them with oil-soaked rags. The practical use of torches in biblical times underscores their role as a symbol of guidance and protection, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of light and truth.
Theological ImplicationsThe torch, as a symbol of light, aligns with the biblical theme of God as the illuminator of truth and the guide for His people. In
Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," emphasizing the role of divine revelation in guiding believers. The torch, therefore, serves as a powerful metaphor for the illuminating power of God's Word and presence in the lives of His followers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A light or luminary formed of some combustible substance, as of resinous wood; a large candle or flambeau, or a lamp giving a large, flaring flame.
2. (n.) A flashlight.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TORCHtorch (lappidh; lampas; in the King James Version this word occurs only 4 times (Nahum 2:3, 4 (Hebrew 4, 5);Zechariah 12:6John 18:3). In the Revised Version (British and American) it is found 10 times (Genesis 15:17Judges 7:16, 20Job 41:19 (Hebrew 11);Ezekiel 1:13Daniel 10:6Nahum 2:4 (Hebrew 5);Zechariah 12:6John 18:3Revelation 8:10)): A flambeau; a large portable light.
SeeLAMP;LANTERN.
Greek
2985. lampas -- atorch... a
torch. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: lampas Phonetic Spelling:
(lam-pas') Short Definition: a
torch, lamp, lantern Definition: a
torch, lamp
...5322. phanos -- atorch or lantern
... atorch or lantern. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: phanos Phonetic
Spelling: (fan-os') Short Definition: atorch, lantern Definition: atorch...
Strong's Hebrew
3940. lappid -- atorch... a
torch. Transliteration: lappid or lappid Phonetic Spelling: (lap-peed') Short
Definition: torches.
... firebrand, burning lamp, lightning,
torch.
...6393. peladah -- probably iron, steel
...torch. From an unused root meaning to divide; a cleaver, ie Iron armature (of a
chariot) --torch. 6392, 6393. peladah. 6394 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
John who was aTorch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they...
... John who was atorch, laid bare and rebuked the wanton ones: they made haste and
quenched thetorch, that they might let loose the desire of their lust....
Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing...
... standing together in a circle after the manner of a chorus, responded to her: "I
keep myself pure for Thee, O Bridegroom, and holding a lightedtorch I go to...
The Doctrine of the Christians as to the Creation of the World.
... For just as from onetorch many fires are lighted, but the light of the firsttorch
is not lessened by the kindling of many torches, so the Logos, coming forth...
The Heir to the Throne
... A singletorch of aromatics flared and hissed beside the throne dais.... On
a level with his eyes, at his side, was the singletorch....
How a Schoolmaster Became a God.
... Daniel had to attend and help to decorate the car with such cloths as his father
had been called upon to supply. This being done, he had to carry atorch....
Whether the Character is Imprinted on a Priest when the Chalice is...
... Objection 6: Further, the Order of acolytes approaches nearer to the priestly act
by exercising an act over the cruet than by exercising an act over thetorch....
The Ten virgins.
... The out-door part of the pageant is of course conducted bytorch-light.... Each holds
a tinytorch in her hand, or has laid it on the ground by her side....
Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian
... John who was atorch, laid bare and rebuked the wanton ones: they made haste and
quenched thetorch, that they might let loose the desire of their lust....
As the Foam Upon Water
... The light of thetorch wavered up and down the tall figure of the Maccabee as he
stood transfixed in the attitude of command that had achieved nothing....
Argument: Christians Abstain from Things Connected with Idol...
... And in this respect I the more wonder at you, in the way in which you apply to a
lifeless person, or to one who does not feel, atorch; or a garland [1837] to...
Thesaurus
Torch (6 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A flashlight. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
TORCH.
... See LAMP;
LANTERN. Multi-Version Concordance
Torch (6 Occurrences).
...Lamp (45 Occurrences)
... Olive oil was generally burned in them (Exodus 27:20). (2.) Atorch carried
by the soliders of Gideon (Judges 7:16, 20). (RV, "torches.")....
Blazing (27 Occurrences)
... Revelation 8:10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning
like atorch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs...
Torches (18 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took torches, and turned
tail to tail, and put atorch in the midst between every two tails....
Lampstand (38 Occurrences)
... Lappidh is properly "atorch" and is thus rendered generally in the Revised Version
(British and American), but "lamp" in Isaiah 62:1, where it is used as a...
Flaming (40 Occurrences)
... Genesis 15:17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold,
a smoking furnace, and a flamingtorch passed between these pieces....
Link (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Atorch made of tow and pitch, or the
like. 2. (n.) A single ring or division of a chain. 3. (n...
Lapidoth (1 Occurrence)
... 4:4). Some have rendered the expression "a woman of a fiery spirit," under the
supposition that Lapidoth is not a proper name, a woman of atorch-like spirit....
Woodpile (1 Occurrence)
... Zechariah 12:6 In that day will I make the chiefs of Judah like a pan of fire among
the wood, and like atorch of fire among sheaves; and they shall devour all...
Intact (3 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 12:6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire
among wood, and like a flamingtorch among sheaves; and they will devour all...
Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of wormwood in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgTorch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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