Topical Bible: Fire: Drying

◄ Fire: Drying ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, fire serves as a multifaceted symbol and tool, often representing God's presence, judgment, purification, and transformation. One of the practical uses of fire in ancient times, as reflected in the Bible, is its role in drying. This function is essential in various agricultural and domestic activities, which are frequently alluded to in Scripture.

Agricultural Practices

In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, fire was indispensable for drying crops. The process of drying was crucial for preserving grains and other produce, ensuring food security throughout the year. Although the Bible does not explicitly describe the drying process, it is implicit in the agricultural cycles and practices mentioned throughout the Scriptures. For instance, the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30) implies the necessity of processing and preserving the harvest, which would have included drying.

Symbolism of Drying in Judgment

Fire's drying capability also symbolizes divine judgment and purification. In Isaiah 5:24 , the prophet declares, "Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the stubble and as dry grass sinks in the flames, so their roots will decay, and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel." Here, the drying and consuming power of fire illustrates the thoroughness of God's judgment against those who reject His commandments.

Purification and Refinement

The drying aspect of fire is closely related to its purifying qualities. In the refining process, fire removes impurities, leaving behind pure metal. This metaphor is used in Scripture to describe God's refining work in the lives of His people. Malachi 3:2-3 states, "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver." The drying and refining fire signifies the removal of impurities, preparing individuals for holy service.

Spiritual Implications

The spiritual implications of fire's drying power are profound. Just as fire dries and purifies physical materials, it also represents the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. The Holy Spirit, often symbolized by fire, works to dry out the sinful nature and refine the believer's character. This process is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as believers are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes.

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of fire as a drying agent in the Bible encompasses both practical and symbolic dimensions. It reflects the essential role of fire in ancient agricultural practices, while also serving as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, purification, and spiritual transformation. Through the imagery of fire, Scripture communicates profound truths about God's nature and His work in the world and in the lives of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 15:30
He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 1:20
The beasts of the field cry also to you: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man
... The fires of wrath are kindling about him, drying up every well of comfort, and ... and
hell is moved to meet him; above, and the heavens are on fire; beneath, and ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/evans the fall and.htm

Pursues the Same Matter.
... 146. In the first step, which is Fire, the Soul is illustrated, by the means of
a divine and ardent ray, in kindling the affections divine, and drying up those ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap xiv pursues the same 2.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... In the same way that fire, in spite of its being divided into minute particles which ...
At the same time, lest we should attribute the drying of the earth to the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... Yet while he burned with fever and while the fire of sickness was drying up the
fountains of his veins, gasping and weary he still tried to comfort his ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

On the Firmament.
... If you kindle fire by rubbing two pieces of wood together, or if you light ... come the
bitterness, the salt taste and the power of withering and drying up which ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iii on the firmament.htm

Instances from Scripture of Divine Judgments Upon the Self ...
... the issue of the idolatry introduced by King Jeroboam"after the drying up and ... They
have one single fire in public"on the altars; no water even in their ...
/.../chapter xvi instances from scripture of.htm

Whether Plain Water is Necessary for Baptism?
... seem to be pure water, for it has the properties of heating and drying, which are ...
perchance when art applies a proper agent to its proper matter, as fire to a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether plain water is necessary.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... more durable, better adapted to their use, and safer against fire than the ... office,
the other story being occupied for a printing office, drying and pressing ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... and, in the latter, two different companies, each containing fifty men, were consumed
by fire. ... from apprehending the prophet of the Lord, by "the drying up of ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... a vessel over a lamp, to prevent the ceiling from catching fire; similarly, to ... lamp
may not be touched, or raisins during the process of drying them (because ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm