In biblical literature, the concept of "smoldering" often carries symbolic significance, representing a state of suppressed or lingering emotion, judgment, or divine displeasure. The imagery of smoldering is used to convey a sense of something that is not fully extinguished, suggesting potential for rekindling or impending action.

Old Testament References

The term "smoldering" appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, often associated with fire and judgment. In Isaiah 42:3, the prophet speaks of the Servant of the Lord, saying, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice." This passage highlights the gentle and compassionate nature of the Messiah, who will not quench even the faintest spark of hope or faith.

In the context of divine judgment, smoldering can symbolize the lingering wrath of God. In Deuteronomy 29:20, it is written, "The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; His wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven." Here, the smoldering wrath of God is depicted as a consuming fire that remains until justice is fully executed.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to use the imagery of smoldering to convey spiritual truths. In Matthew 12:20, Jesus is described in a manner similar to Isaiah's prophecy: "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, till He leads justice to victory." This reaffirms the compassionate mission of Christ, emphasizing His role in nurturing and restoring rather than destroying.

Theological Implications

Theologically, smoldering can be understood as a metaphor for the enduring presence of God's Spirit and the potential for renewal. It suggests that even when faith appears weak or nearly extinguished, God is able to revive and restore. This concept is central to the Christian understanding of grace and redemption, where God’s mercy is extended to the repentant, and His Spirit rekindles the flame of faith.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the imagery of smoldering encourages believers to remain vigilant in their spiritual lives, nurturing their faith and not allowing it to dwindle. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a vibrant relationship with God, being aware of the dangers of spiritual complacency, and trusting in God's ability to revive and sustain.

Overall, the biblical use of "smoldering" serves as a powerful symbol of both warning and hope, reflecting the dual themes of judgment and mercy that run throughout Scripture.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Smoulder.

2. (a.) Alt. of Smouldering.

1111. gogguzo -- to mutter, murmur
... Phonetic Spelling: (gong-good'-zo) Short Definition: I whisper, murmur, grumble
Definition: I whisper, murmur, grumble (generally of smoldering discontent). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1111.htm - 7k

5188. tupho -- to raise smoke
... raise smoke, smolder. Word Origin a prim. word Definition to raise smoke
NASB Word Usage smoldering (1). smoke. Apparently a primary ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5188.htm - 6k

6226. ashen -- smoking
... Word Origin from the same as ashan Definition smoking NASB Word Usage smoking (1),
smoldering (1). smoking. From ashan; smoky -- smoking. see HEBREW ashan. ...
/hebrew/6226.htm - 6k

Dawn in the Hills
... slept. From time to time Julian, who had wakened early, gazed with smoldering
eyes at the insolent composure of his enemy sleeping. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter vi dawn in the.htm

Imperial Caesar
... Meanwhile the midday activity on the Roman roadway swept by the smoldering fire
and the motionless figure lying in the grass some distance back from the highway ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

The Heir to the Throne
... There were the same narrow temples with the sloping brow, the same hawked nose,
the same full lips, the same heavy eye with the smoldering ember in its dusky ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter v the heir to.htm

State Street. SM
... 2 Revive thy work, O Lord! Disturb this sleep of death; Quicken the smoldering
embers now, By thine almighty breath. 3 Revive thy work, O Lord! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/436 state street s m.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... He saw her holy and beautiful house, her palaces and towers, given to the flames,
and where once they stood, only a heap of smoldering ruins. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Visitors and Pastimes
... When he saw them disappearing in the distance and finally lost them to view, like
a flash the desire that had so long been smoldering within his heart was ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter vi visitors and pastimes.htm

Useful Phrases
... smacking breeze. small aptitude. smiling repose. smirking commonplace. smoldering
resentment. smothered sob. smug hypocrisy. snappish impertinence. sneering jibes ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Smoldering (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Smoulder. 2. (a.) Alt. of
Smouldering. Multi-Version Concordance Smoldering (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/smoldering.htm - 7k

Coal (7 Occurrences)
... While it is burning or smoldering it is carefully watched, and earth is immediately
placed upon any holes that may be formed in the covering by the burning of ...
/c/coal.htm - 14k

Smolders (1 Occurrence)

/s/smolders.htm - 6k

Smolder (2 Occurrences)

/s/smolder.htm - 7k

Ephraim (168 Occurrences)
... Solomon's lack of wisdom and the crass folly of Rehoboam in the management of the
northern tribes fanned the smoldering discontent into a fierce flame. ...
/e/ephraim.htm - 56k

Judah (802 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 15), the tribe to which Saul belonged being especially disloyal (2 Samuel
16:5). Nor was this the only occasion on which the smoldering enmity between ...
/j/judah.htm - 101k

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 15), the tribe to which Saul belonged being especially disloyal (2 Samuel
16:5). Nor was this the only occasion on which the smoldering enmity between ...
/k/kingdom.htm - 101k

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Smoldering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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