Sulfur, often referred to as "brimstone" in the Bible, is a chemical element known for its distinct yellow color and pungent odor. In biblical times, sulfur was associated with divine judgment and destruction, symbolizing the wrath of God against sin and wickedness. The term "brimstone" is frequently used in conjunction with fire, illustrating the severe and consuming nature of God's judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 19:24 · The first significant mention of sulfur in the Bible occurs in the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This event is a powerful demonstration of God's judgment against the extreme wickedness and immorality of these cities. The use of sulfur and fire signifies a complete and utter destruction, leaving nothing behind.

2. Deuteronomy 29:23 · In this passage, sulfur is used to describe the desolation that will come upon the land if the Israelites forsake the covenant with God. "All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unplanted and unproductive, and no grass will grow on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger." Here, sulfur symbolizes the barrenness and devastation that result from divine retribution.

3. Job 18:15 · The book of Job uses sulfur metaphorically to describe the fate of the wicked. "Fire resides in his tent; brimstone is scattered over his home." This imagery conveys the idea that the wicked will face inevitable destruction and ruin, with sulfur representing the consuming fire of judgment.

4. Psalm 11:6 · The psalmist speaks of God's judgment upon the wicked, using sulfur as a metaphor for divine punishment. "On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion." This verse emphasizes the certainty and severity of God's justice.

5. Isaiah 30:33 · In a prophetic context, sulfur is associated with the punishment of the Assyrians. "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." This passage highlights the inescapable and consuming nature of divine judgment.

6. Revelation 19:20 and Revelation 21:8 · In the New Testament, sulfur is prominently featured in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. "But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs, he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Revelation 19:20) Similarly, Revelation 21:8 warns of the fate awaiting the unrepentant: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." These passages underscore the ultimate and eternal nature of God's judgment against evil.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

Sulfur, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment and purification. Its association with fire underscores the consuming and purifying aspects of God's wrath. The imagery of sulfur and fire is used to convey the seriousness of sin and the inevitable consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Throughout Scripture, sulfur is a reminder of the holiness of God and the reality of His justice, calling believers to live in obedience and reverence.2303. theion -- brimstone
... brimstone. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: theion Phonetic Spelling:
(thi'-on) Short Definition: brimstone, sulfur Definition: brimstone, sulfur. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2303.htm - 6k

Concerning Macherus, and How Lucilius Bassus Took that Citadel ...
... but especially good for strengthening the nerves. This place has in it also
mines of sulfur and alum. 4. Now when Bassus had taken ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning macherus and.htm

Sulfur (14 Occurrences)
...Sulfur (14 Occurrences). Luke 17:29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom,
it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. (WEB NIV). ...
/s/sulfur.htm - 10k

Fiery (47 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/f/fiery.htm - 21k

Tormented (17 Occurrences)
... He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and
in the presence of the Lamb. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tormented.htm - 11k

Mouths (86 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/m/mouths.htm - 32k

Smoke (98 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/s/smoke.htm - 39k

Yellow (6 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/y/yellow.htm - 9k

Lions (50 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/l/lions.htm - 26k

Wore (19 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/w/wore.htm - 11k

Resembled (18 Occurrences)
... Revelation 9:17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them,
having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the ...
/r/resembled.htm - 12k

Rained (11 Occurrences)
... Rained (11 Occurrences). Luke 17:29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom,
it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. ...
/r/rained.htm - 9k

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