819. Charcoal
• 1 min. read • grade level: 10
Charcoal is of ancient origin, and is still used for fuel in Palestine, though not so commonly employed for that purpose as sticks and other articles. See notes on 1 Kings 17:1010So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. (1 Kings 17:10) (#307); Psalm 58:99Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. (Psalm 58:9) (#646) and Matthew 6:3030Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (Matthew 6:30). It was doubtless the material used for the fire spoken of in the text, and was probably burning in a pan or brazier made of metal or earthenware.
Charcoal is also referred to in Proverbs 26:2121As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (Proverbs 26:21), (where the distinction is finely made between dead and burning coals); Isaiah 44:12; 54:1612The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. (Isaiah 44:12)
16Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. (Isaiah 54:16) and John 21:99As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. (John 21:9).