Fuel
“Fuel, literally 'food' for fire”
Summary
Any combustible material used for burning, including wood, charcoal, dried dung, thorns, and dried vegetation, often scarce in ancient Palestine.
☩Types of Fuel
Due to the scarcity of wood in many parts of the ancient Near East, various materials served as fuel. Wood and charcoal were preferred, especially charred roots of the broom plant (Job 30:4, Psalm 120:4). Thorns were used for quick fires (Psalm 58:9, Ecclesiastes 7:6). Dried grass, withered stalks of herbs and flowers were common fuel (Matthew 6:30). Animal dung, particularly cow dung, was extensively used for baking, being collected, formed into cakes, dried in the sun, and stored (Ezekiel 4:12-15).
☩Heating Methods
Since chimneys were rare in the East, rooms were warmed by pans, braziers, or chafing-dishes set in the middle of the room after the smoke had cleared (Jeremiah 36:22). In cottages, fire was often burnt on the floor or against a wall with an opening for smoke. Charcoal was commonly used in braziers. Fuel from the neighboring regions, such as around Hebron, was brought to Jerusalem. The Arabs collected sheep and camel dung as well as cow dung for fuel.
☩Temple Provision
After the exile, the provision of wood for the temple was organized through a casting of lots among priests, Levites, and people, to bring wood offerings at appointed times (Nehemiah 10:34, 13:31). This ensured the perpetual fire on the altar would never lack fuel. The sacredness of this provision is indicated by its inclusion among the reforms of Nehemiah.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fuel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Fuel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Richard Watson, "Fuel," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).