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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Firebrands</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/firebrands.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/judges/15-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/firebrands.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Firebrands</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/f/firebrand--figurative.htm" title="Firebrand: Figurative">◄</a> Firebrands <a href="/topical/f/fire-brands.htm" title="Fire-brands">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical literature, the term "firebrand" is used metaphorically to describe objects or individuals that incite conflict, destruction, or fervent passion. The imagery of a firebrand is potent, evoking the idea of something that can ignite or spread fire, symbolizing both physical and spiritual elements.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Judges 15:4-5</a></b>: One of the most vivid uses of firebrands in the Old Testament is found in the account of Samson. "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. He took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails. Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, along with the vineyards and olive groves" . Here, the firebrands are literal torches used by Samson to wreak havoc on the Philistines' crops, symbolizing divine retribution and the destructive power of God's chosen deliverer.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Isaiah 7:4</a></b>: The prophet Isaiah uses the term metaphorically when he instructs King Ahaz: "Say to him: ‘Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah’" . In this context, the "smoldering stubs of firewood" refer to the waning power of Israel's enemies, suggesting that their threat is diminishing and not to be feared.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Amos 4:11</a></b>: The prophet Amos uses the imagery of a firebrand to describe Israel's deliverance from destruction: "I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. You were like a firebrand snatched from the blaze, yet you did not return to Me," declares the LORD" . Here, the firebrand represents a remnant saved from judgment, highlighting God's mercy and the call to repentance.<br><br><b>New Testament Implications</b><br><br>While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "firebrand," the concept can be seen in the fervent zeal of early Christian figures who spread the Gospel with fiery passion. The Apostle Paul, for instance, is often seen as a spiritual firebrand, igniting the early church with his missionary journeys and epistles.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Interpretation</b><br><br>In a broader theological context, firebrands symbolize the dual nature of fire in Scripture: both as a purifying force and a destructive element. Firebrands can represent God's judgment, as seen in the destruction of the Philistines' crops, or His mercy, as in the remnant saved from the blaze. They also serve as a metaphor for individuals who are catalysts for change, whether for good or ill.<br><br>The imagery of firebrands challenges believers to consider their own role in the spiritual landscape: Are they igniting the flames of faith and righteousness, or are they contributing to discord and destruction? The biblical use of firebrands calls for reflection on the power of influence and the responsibility that comes with it.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2131.htm"><span class="l">2131. ziqah -- a missile, spark</span></a><br>ziqah or zeq. 2130, 2131. ziqah or zeq. 2132 . a missile, spark. Transliteration:<br> ziqah or zeq Phonetic Spelling: (zee-kaw') Short Definition: <b>firebrands</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2131.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/181.htm"><span class="l">181. ud -- a brand, firebrand</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from an unused word Definition a brand, firebrand NASB Word<br> Usage brand (1), firebrand (1), <b>firebrands</b> (1). firebrand. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/181.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/yonge/the_chosen_people/lesson_ix_nineveh.htm"><span class="l">Nineveh.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> where Pekah was shortly after murdered by his servant Hoshea; so that Isaiah's prophecy<br> of the ruin of "these two tails of smoking <b>firebrands</b>," Pekah and Rezin <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm</font><p><a href="/library/farrar/gathering_clouds_a_tale_of_the_days_of_st_chrysostom/chapter_xiii_two_archbishops.htm"><span class="l">Two Archbishops</span></a> <br><b>...</b> their claim to pity, monks who looked like goats or satyrs, and women more frightful<br> than Jezebels,' armed with sticks, stones, and <b>firebrands</b>, wrecked his <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter xiii two archbishops.htm</font><p><a href="/library/lathbury/childs_story_of_the_bible/chapter_xv_samson_the_strong.htm"><span class="l">Samson the Strong.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Afterwards when he found that his wife had been given to another he tied <b>firebrands</b><br> to the tails of three hundred foxes, and sent them among the wheat fields <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xv samson the strong.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/strength_profaned_and_lost.htm"><span class="l">Strength Profaned and Lost</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We seem to hear his loud laughter as he ties the <b>firebrands</b> to the struggling<br> jackals, or swings the jaw-bone. A strange champion for Jehovah! <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_h/dying_fires.htm"><span class="l">Dying Fires</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 'Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with <b>firebrands</b>:<br> walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have kindled. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/dying fires.htm</font><p><a href="/library/anonymous/scottish_psalter_and_paraphrases/psalm_57.htm"><span class="l">Psalm 57</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and mercy forth shall send. ^4My soul among fierce lions is,. I <b>firebrands</b><br> live among,. Men's sons, whose teeth are spears and darts,. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 57.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/select_masterpieces_of_biblical_literature/iv_samsons_wedding_feast.htm"><span class="l">Samson's Wedding Feast</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took <b>firebrands</b>, and turned<br> tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between every two tails. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv samsons wedding feast.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gregory/gregory_of_nyssa_dogmatic_treatises_etc/section_3_then.htm"><span class="l">Then</span></a> <br><b>...</b> or a corruption of seed, or the rotting of wood, or out of the condensed mass of<br> fire transforms the cold vapour that issues from the <b>firebrands</b>, shut off in <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 3 then.htm</font><p><a href="/library/athanasius/select_works_and_letters_or_athanasius/part_ii_2.htm"><span class="l">part ii.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> guide in addition to our natural advantages, thus tolerate the disturbances and<br> disorders raised by our enemies, who seem inflamed, as it were, with <b>firebrands</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part ii 2.htm</font><p><a href="/library/moody/weighed_and_wanting/ninth_commandment.htm"><span class="l">Ninth Commandment</span></a> <br><b>...</b> " Bishop Hall said that the tongues of busybodies are like the tails of Samson's<br> foxes"they carry <b>firebrands</b> and are enough to set the whole field of the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/f/firebrands.htm"><span class="l"><b>Firebrands</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Firebrands</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Proverbs 26:18 As a mad man<br> who casteth <b>firebrands</b>, arrows, and death, (KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/firebrands.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tail.htm"><span class="l">Tail (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4:4), of foxes, which Samson tied together in his cruel sport, in order to destroy<br> the grainfields of the Philistines by means of attached <b>firebrands</b> (Judges 15 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tail.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/firewood.htm"><span class="l">Firewood (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 7:4 and say unto him: Keep calm, and be quiet; fear not, neither let thy<br> heart be faint, because of these two tails of smoking <b>firebrands</b>, for the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/firewood.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fire-brands.htm"><span class="l">Fire-brands (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Fire-brands. <b>Firebrands</b>, Fire-brands. Fired . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Fire-brands (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b> (WBS). <b>Firebrands</b>, Fire-brands. Fired . Reference <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fire-brands.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/firebrand.htm"><span class="l">Firebrand (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took <b>firebrands</b>,<br> and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/firebrand.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fires.htm"><span class="l">Fires (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves with <b>firebrands</b>,<br> begone in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fires.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fainthearted.htm"><span class="l">Fainthearted (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 7:4 And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted<br> for the two tails of these smoking <b>firebrands</b>, for the fierce anger of <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fainthearted.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fire-brand.htm"><span class="l">Fire-brand (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Fire-brand. Firebrand, Fire-brand. <b>Firebrands</b> . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br> (WBS). Firebrand, Fire-brand. <b>Firebrands</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fire-brand.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rezin.htm"><span class="l">Rezin (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> spirits of the men of Judah, that Isaiah was commissioned by the Lord to assure<br> them that the schemes of "these two tails of smoking <b>firebrands</b>" (Isaiah 7:4 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rezin.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/remali'ah.htm"><span class="l">Remali'ah (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Isaiah 7:4 and say unto him: Keep calm, and be quiet; fear not, neither let thy<br> heart be faint, because of these two tails of smoking <b>firebrands</b>, for the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/remali'ah.htm - 10k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Firebrands (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Judges 15:4</a></span><br />And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took <span class="boldtext">firebrands</span>, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Proverbs 26:18</a></span><br />As a mad man who casteth <span class="boldtext">firebrands</span>, arrows, and death,<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Isaiah 7:4</a></span><br />And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking <span class="boldtext">firebrands</span>, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.<br /><span class="source">(KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Isaiah 50:11</a></span><br />Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with <span class="boldtext">firebrands</span>; walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of my hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. <br /><span class="source">(ASV JPS NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/firebrands.htm">Firebrands</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fire-brands.htm">Fire-brands (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fire-brand.htm">Fire-brand (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tail.htm">Tail (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/firewood.htm">Firewood (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fired.htm">Fired (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/firebrand.htm">Firebrand (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/faint-hearted.htm">Faint-hearted (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fires.htm">Fires (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fainthearted.htm">Fainthearted (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rezin.htm">Rezin (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/remali'ah.htm">Remali'ah (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/brands.htm">Brands (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/begone.htm">Begone (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/ahaz.htm">Ahaz (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smoldering.htm">Smoldering (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flaming.htm">Flaming (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/deadly.htm">Deadly (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/samson.htm">Samson (37 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/casteth.htm">Casteth (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/captivity.htm">Captivity (141 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/f/firebrand--figurative.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Firebrand: Figurative"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Firebrand: Figurative" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/f/fire-brands.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Fire-brands"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Fire-brands" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>