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 References The 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 Metaphor The 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 Context While 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 Context In 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 Implications The 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.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 12:6 John 18:3). In the Revised Version (British and American) it is found 10 times (Genesis 15:17 Judges 7:16, 20 Job 41:19 (Hebrew 11); Ezekiel 1:13 Daniel 10:6 Nahum 2:4 (Hebrew 5); Zechariah 12:6 John 18:3 Revelation 8:10)): A flambeau; a large portable light. Greek 2985. lampas -- a torch ... a torch. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: lampas Phonetic Spelling: (lam-pas') Short Definition: a torch, lamp, lantern Definition: a torch, lamp ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2985.htm - 6k 5322. phanos -- a torch or lantern Strong's Hebrew 3940. lappid -- a torch... a torch. Transliteration: lappid or lappid Phonetic Spelling: (lap-peed') Short Definition: torches. ... firebrand, burning lamp, lightning, torch. ... /hebrew/3940.htm - 6k 6393. peladah -- probably iron, steel Library John who was a Torch, Laid Bare and Rebuked the Wanton Ones: they ... Thekla Singing Decorously a Hymn, the Rest of the virgins Sing ... The Doctrine of the Christians as to the Creation of the World. The Heir to the Throne How a Schoolmaster Became a God. Whether the Character is Imprinted on a Priest when the Chalice is ... The Ten virgins. Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian As the Foam Upon Water Argument: Christians Abstain from Things Connected with Idol ... Thesaurus Torch (6 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) A flashlight. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TORCH. ... See LAMP; LANTERN. Multi-Version Concordance Torch (6 Occurrences). ... /t/torch.htm - 9k Lamp (45 Occurrences) Blazing (27 Occurrences) Torches (18 Occurrences) Lampstand (38 Occurrences) Flaming (40 Occurrences) Link (2 Occurrences) Lapidoth (1 Occurrence) Woodpile (1 Occurrence) Intact (3 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of wormwood in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Torch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Torch (6 Occurrences)Revelation 8:10 Genesis 15:17 Judges 15:4 Job 12:5 Isaiah 62:1 Zechariah 12:6 Subtopics Related Terms |