In the Bible, “kindled” often refers to the act of igniting or setting something on fire, both literally and metaphorically. It frequently describes God’s anger or wrath being awakened against sin or injustice (e.g., Psalm 78:21).
Scripture
1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister.
2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Meaning of “Kindled” in the Bible
In the biblical context, the term “kindled” extends beyond its literal meaning of igniting a fire to symbolize a deeper, spiritual awakening or response. One of the key usages appears in passages concerning God’s anger, as in Psalm 78:21, which states, “Therefore the Lord heard and was full of wrath, and a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel.” Here, “kindled” conveys the intensity of divine displeasure, illustrating how unfaithfulness can provoke God’s righteous judgment. This imagery reflects not only the seriousness of sin, but also God’s desire for a covenant relationship with His people, prompting them to repentance and a return to faithfulness.
Moreover, the concept of “kindled” can represent igniting passion or zeal for God and His purposes. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet speaks of a burning within him: “But if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” This passage shifts the focus from anger to a passionate drive to proclaim God’s message, demonstrating how the same term can signify the igniting of fervor and commitment in the believer. Thus, “kindled” encapsulates both the gravity of divine response to human actions and the transformative power of divine truth, highlighting the dual nature of God’s engagement with humanity—both in judgment and in zealous love.
The concept of “kindled” resonates throughout the Scriptures, often accompanying themes of divine presence and intervention. For instance, the burning bush episode (Exodus 3) primarily showcases God’s engagement with Moses, where the bush burns but is not consumed. This miraculous kindling serves as a signal of God’s holy presence and purpose, calling Moses to a mission of liberation. Here, “kindled” signifies not just physical flames but the profound awakening of Moses to his role in God’s plan, a moment where divine initiative kindles the heart of a leader for the journey ahead. The fire represents God’s unyielding commitment to His people, in contrast to their often wavering faithfulness.
Additionally, in the New Testament, the use of “kindled” can denote the spiritual fervor that believers should cultivate. In the context of the early church, the apostle Paul encourages Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God” within him (2 Timothy 1:6). This exhortation implies an active engagement in sustaining one’s spiritual vitality, reflecting a need for both individual and communal zeal. The kindling here highlights the believer’s responsibility to maintain passion for God’s mission, encouraging a proactive relationship where the Holy Spirit fuels one’s faith and actions. Thus, “kindled” encompasses a spectrum of divine encounters—initial revelation, the setting a heart ablaze for righteousness, and the ongoing commitment to nurture that fire within the community of faith.
Spiritual Awakening and Passion
In the Bible, the term “kindled” often signifies the initiation of a spiritual awakening or the igniting of passion within an individual. This can refer to the stirring of one’s heart towards God, leading to a deeper commitment to faith and a desire to pursue righteousness. The imagery of fire is frequently used to represent the fervor and zeal that can arise when one encounters the divine or is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Divine Anger and Judgment
Another significant meaning of “kindled” relates to the concept of divine anger or judgment. In various biblical contexts, the term is used to describe God’s wrath being stirred or ignited in response to sin, disobedience, or injustice. This usage serves as a warning to individuals and nations about the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments and the seriousness of inciting His displeasure.
The Power of Influence and Leadership
“Kindled” can also reflect the influence of leaders or prophets who inspire others to action. When a leader’s passion for God or a particular cause is “kindled,” it can lead to a collective movement among the people. This aspect highlights the role of charismatic figures in the biblical narrative who motivate others to pursue a shared vision or mission, often resulting in significant spiritual or social change.
How to Embrace Divine Love Over Anger in Faith
Embracing divine love over anger is a transformative journey that requires intentionality and grace. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s easy to let anger take root, especially when we feel wronged or misunderstood. However, reflecting on scriptures like 1 John 4:19, which reminds us that “We love because he first loved us,” can help us shift our perspective. When we consciously choose to focus on God’s unconditional love, we begin to see others through His eyes, fostering compassion instead of resentment. Practicing forgiveness, even when it’s difficult, allows us to release the burdens of anger and embrace the peace that comes from divine love. Remember, it’s not about suppressing our feelings but rather transforming them through prayer, reflection, and the support of our faith community. By doing so, we not only grow closer to God but also become vessels of His love in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to “Kindled” Meaning:
Exodus 4:14-16: 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you both what to do.
16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him.
Numbers 11:1-3: 1 And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.
2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down.
3 Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down.
Deuteronomy 6:14-15: 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—
15 for the Lord your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth.
Judges 2:13-15: 13 They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth.
14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies.
15 Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress.
1 Samuel 11:6-7: 6 And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.
7 And he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.” Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man.
2 Samuel 22:8-10: 8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.”
9 Smoke went up from his nostrils,
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
10 He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.
1 Kings 14:9-10: 9 but you have done evil above all who were before you and have gone and made for yourself other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back,
10 therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone.
2 Kings 13:3-4: 3 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them continually into the hand of Hazael king of Syria and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael.
4 Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the Lord, and the Lord listened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.
Nehemiah 4:1-3: 1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews.
2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?”
3 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.
Job 19:11-13: 11 He has kindled his wrath against me and counts me as his adversary.
12 His troops come on together;
they have cast up their siege ramp against me
and encamp around my tent.
13 “He has put my brothers far from me, and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me.”
Psalm 2:12: 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Isaiah 5:24-25: 24 Therefore, as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom go up like dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people,
and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them,
and the mountains quaked;
and their corpses were as refuse
in the midst of the streets.
For all this his anger has not turned away,
and his hand is stretched out still.
Jeremiah 7:20: 20 “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, my anger and my wrath will be poured out on this place, upon man and beast, upon the trees of the field and the fruit of the ground; it will burn and not be quenched.”
Lamentations 4:11-12: 11 The Lord gave full vent to his wrath; he poured out his hot anger, and he kindled a fire in Zion that consumed its foundations.
12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor any of the inhabitants of the world, that foe or enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 20:47-48: 47 Say to the forest of the Negeb, Hear the word of the Lord: Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree in you and every dry tree. The blazing flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from south to north shall be scorched by it.
48 Then the word of the Lord came to me:
Daniel 3:19-20: 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated.
20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Hosea 8:5-6: 5 He has rejected your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence?
6 For it is from Israel; a craftsman made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces.
Amos 5:6-7: 6 Seek the Lord and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel,
7 O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!
Nahum 1:6-7: 6 Who can stand before his indignation?
7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
Zephaniah 3:8-9: 8 “Therefore wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.”
9 “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.
Mark 14:54-55: 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.
55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none.
Luke 12:49-50: 49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled!”
50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!
John 18:18-19: 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.
19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
Acts 28:2-3: 2 The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.