Last night in our Bible Study, we had a discussion about what Paul meant by the term "heap burning coals upon [an enemy's] head" in Romans 12:20. Obviously this is a metaphor, but what exactly does it refer to, and what does it mean? Two possibilities were offered up, one of which I'd never heard before. So I decided to look up the phrase and see what other commentaries and interpreters thought Paul was saying here.
The first thing I discovered was that Paul is borrowing the phrase (actually much of the surrounding passage) from Solomon - in Proverbs 25:21-22. So doubtless, this was referring to an ancient practice - almost 1000 years old even when Paul used the term.
The next thing I discovered is that no one agrees on what the phrase means - not entirely. Most people saw it as a good thing - or at most a bad thing which brings about good. Let me detail a few of the thoughts:
1. John Wesley (and others) believed that this referred to the practice of refining metal - that burning coals were heaped upon ore to refine them. In the same way, the "burning coals" of caring for our enemy would refine him. As Wesley put it (copying from Adam Clarke) "Heaping coals of fire upon its head: In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross the silver runs below."
2. Another common understanding is that by loving our enemies, we would cause them to feel the burning pain of shame and remorse - which would lead to a change in heart. One person last night put it this way: Kill them with kindness.
3. Another interpretation that was shared last night (and that I found again this morning) relies on the belief that in ancient times, women would often seek out coals from their neighbors to light their own fires that had gone out. They would carry these coals in a clay stove upon their head. So if someone were to give them a "heaping pile" this would be a very generous act - since a person really only needs one good coal to light a fire.
There are many other interpretations of this phrase, although most are simply other takes on the first two I've shared.
Personally, I'm not sure what real-life act inspired the metaphor, whether it was the pain of being burned, refining metal, or carrying live coals on a head to start a fire. Neither Solomon nor Paul explains this. But based on the context - I would say that "heaping burning coals" is not meant to be a punishment - it's not meant to be vengeance - but a way of showing love and hopefully effecting a change in the other person.
Whatever it is - I pray that no one ever has to do it to me!
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9 comments:
Thanks for the insight on the varying interpretations. Our Sunday School class was discussing that, and the 3rd interpretation was mentioned. I had always heard of this particular proverb as a negative - make the person feel guilty with your acts of kindness. But, since the Lord is the one who refines us, I now see the error of thinking that we the created are to do the job of the Creator. It's the Lord's job to take vengence, and if we are only being kind to make the other feel guilty, then we are taking vengence, right? I'm going to do some more searching on the subject of those carrying the coals, as this does make the most sense if we try and view through 'Biblical glasses'. Thanks again for sharing what you've learned. Very helpful!
Thanks for your comments. I'm glad that you found this helpful. I agree that I don't ever think we should ever intentionally make anyone feel guilty. I won't deny that our actions may occasionally create guilt in someone else - but I don't think we should ever strive for that to happen.
My conclusion is pretty much the same as your's! I think the context of Rom 12 makes it clear that it's not about inflicting guilt, pain, remorse on a person. But simply that behaving like Jesus where we don't retaliate, but rather turn the other cheek, then the gospel is more likely to advance and overcome! Whey hey!
Another helpful reference to "burning coal" is found in Isaiah 6. After experiencing God's glory and grace before his very eyes, Isaiah is convicted of his own unworthiness. Once he is brought to the a place of utter humility, God responds by sending a seraph with a live coal from the alter to touch his lips and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."
Clearly the burning coal in that passage is symbolic of God's redemptive atonement, and purifying grace. Immediately following this act, the Lord says "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And Isaiah is now free to respond, "Here am I. Send me!"
If our humble obedience to God, in dealing with an enemy, could result in such a transformation, what a powerful tool in the "tongs" of God it becomes!
Thanks Stephen! That is a good reference. One thing that always strikes me about the Isaiah passage - is the place the coals were taken from. These weren't just any coals - they were coals from the sacred altar. These were the coals that the priests use to burn the sacrifices. That's why they had such power on Isaiah. As Christians, we can have a similar experience through the fire of the Holy Spirit - purifying us - sanctifying us.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit to help us in our weaknesses and the kindness of God leads us to repentance. The Spirit has been likened to fire in God's word. Our acts of kindness, as has been mentioned, serve not to cause pain, but rather to lead to a change of mind. Thus, heaping fiery coals by acts of kindness, goodness, love etc., all fruits of the spirit and these along with the work the Holy Spirit himself is doing will help them overcome their weaknesses and hopefully will lead them to repentance. "In the same way, the spirit helps us in our weakness." Romans 8:22
Who's to say making someone feel shame or remorse is a bad thing if it leads to repentance and eternal life?
It's not the aim, of course, to make them feel that way but the inevitable by-product of loving someone who seeks our harm.
I would be happy accepting all of the explanations and, perhaps, all 3 were in mind when Solomon/Paul spoke the proverb.
WITH REGARD TO CARRYING COALS ON THEIR HEADS TO TRANSFER FIRE. HAS ANYONE GOT A CREDIBLE REFERENCE OUTSIDE OF CHRISTIAN LITERATURE WHICH IN MANY CASES TAKES THE SOFT OPTION.
Rob, bearing in mind the preceding verse in the Proverb:
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink."
I don't think any of these interpretations are soft options. The aim is clearly to show love. I expect that even with this "new" interpretation the burning coals are both helpful in terms of re-lighting a fire but also uncomfortable in terms of the heat. I can imagine the carrier needing to put the coals down occasionally because they get too hot on the head.
In any case, I am doubtful there will be writings outside of Christian or Jewish literature if the proverb originated in the Jewish scriptures - only Jews and Christians would likely write about its meaning. It may be worth asking a Rabbi online or in person how they interpret the OT proverb.
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