Furnace

Furnace [N] [S]

  • Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in ( Daniel 3:22 Daniel 3:23 ; Compare Jeremiah 29:22 ). This furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babylonians disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadians who invaded Mesopotamia.

  • Heb. kibshan, a smelting furnace ( Genesis 19:28 ), also a lime-kiln ( Isaiah 33:12 ; Amos 2:1 ).

  • Heb. kur, a refining furnace ( Proverbs 17:3 ; 27:21 ; Ezek. 22:18 ).

  • Heb. alil, a crucible; only used in Psalms 12:6 .

  • Heb. tannur, oven for baking bread ( Genesis 15:17 ; Isaiah 31:9 ; Nehemiah 3:11 ). It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface, and thus was baked. "A smoking furnace and a burning lamp" ( Genesis 15:17 ), the symbol of the presence of the Almighty, passed between the divided pieces of Abraham's sacrifice in ratification of the covenant God made with him. (See OVEN .)

  • Gr. kamnos, a furnace, kiln, or oven ( Matthew 13:42 Matthew 13:50 ; Revelation 1:15 ; 9:2 ).

    These dictionary topics are from
    M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
    published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

    [N] indicates this entry was also found in Nave's Topical Bible
    [S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary

    Bibliography Information

    Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Furnace". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .