### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gechel**, represented by `{{H1513}}`, is a term for an **ember** or **(burning) coal**. Derived from an unused root meaning to glow or kindle, it appears **18 times** across **18 unique verses**. The word signifies a source of intense heat and fire, used in contexts of divine judgment, purification, and daily life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1513}}` is used in several powerful contexts. It serves as an instrument of divine judgment, as when the psalmist asks that burning **coals** `{{H1513}}` `fall` `{{H4131}}` upon the wicked [[Psalms 140:10]]. It is also a key feature in visions of God's presence, such as in Ezekiel's vision of `living creatures` `{{H2416}}` whose `appearance` `{{H4758}}` was like "burning **coals** of fire" [[Ezekiel 1:13]]. Metaphorically, it can represent the last surviving heir of a family, described as "my **coal** which is left," which enemies seek to `quench` `{{H3518}}` [[2 Samuel 14:7]]. On a practical level, it is used for everyday tasks, like when an idol maker `baked` `{{H644}}` `bread` `{{H3899}}` upon the **coals** [[Isaiah 44:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of fire and its effects:
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This is the most common word for **fire** and is frequently paired with `{{H1513}}` to describe the source of the coals. It is used in contexts of divine power, such as the `fire` out of God's `mouth` `{{H6310}}` that devoured and kindled coals [[Psalms 18:8]].
* `{{H6352}}` **pechâm** (a coal, whether charred or live): This word is used as a synonym for coal and appears alongside `{{H1513}}` to illustrate a point. For example, a contentious `man` `{{H376}}` is compared to how `coals` `{{H6352}}` are to burning `coals` `{{H1513}}` to `kindle` `{{H2787}}` `strife` `{{H7379}}` [[Proverbs 26:21]].
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume): This verb describes the action of burning or kindling, directly linking to the function of coals. In visions of God's power, `fire` from His mouth devours, and `coals` `{{H1513}}` were `kindled` `{{H1197}}` by it [[2 Samuel 22:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1513}}` is significant and multifaceted:
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** Coals are depicted as weapons of God's wrath, sent from the `heavens` `{{H8064}}` to punish the wicked alongside `hail` `{{H1259}}` [[Psalms 18:13]]. This imagery extends to human interaction, where heaping `coals of fire` `{{H1513}}` upon an enemy's `head` `{{H7218}}` is an act that `the LORD` `{{H3068}}` will `reward` `{{H7999}}` [[Proverbs 25:22]].
* **Symbol of Purification:** In Ezekiel's prophecy, an empty pot is set on **coals** `{{H1513}}` so that its `filthiness` `{{H2932}}` may be `molten` `{{H5413}}` and its `scum` `{{H2457}}` consumed, illustrating a process of intense, fiery cleansing [[Ezekiel 24:11]].
* **Manifestation of Holy Presence:** `{{H1513}}` is central to visions of God's glory. The `appearance` `{{H4758}}` of the `living creatures` `{{H2416}}` in Ezekiel's vision was like "burning **coals** of fire" [[Ezekiel 1:13]], and holy coals are taken from between the `cherubims` `{{H3742}}` to be scattered as judgment [[Ezekiel 10:2]].
* **Metaphor for a Last Remnant:** In a poignant plea, a woman refers to her only surviving son as "my **coal** which is left," a final spark of her family line that her enemies threaten to `quench` `{{H3518}}` [[2 Samuel 14:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1513}}` **gechel** carries meaning far beyond a simple ember. It functions as a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing both the tangible and the theological. From the mundane act of cooking to the awesome presence of God, and from a metaphor for a single life to an instrument of divine wrath and purification, this word embodies the dual nature of fire as both a source of life and an agent of absolute destruction and holiness.
TRV