The name Consuming Fire should not necessarily terrify us. Although the word ’okhlah is related to the word used for devouring a meal, God’s fiery wrath only consumes sin. When our hearts are devoted to Him, we can be at peace. However, if we give our affections to other “gods” then He disciplines us. God knows that our greatest fulfillment comes in relationship with Him; He is jealous for the best for us and angry when we miss out.
Consuming Fire (Esh okhlah) in the Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 4:24.
Consuming Fire in Hebrew:
’Esh ’okhlah
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 784, 398
Bible reference: Deut. 4:24
Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee. For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:23-24 KJV)
Consuming Fire in the Greek text of Hebrews 12:29.
Consuming Fire in Greek:
Pyr katanaliskon
Strong’s Concordance numbers: 4442, 2564
Bible reference: Heb. 12:29
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:29 NIV)
