Often portable, Ge 15:17. They were used for melting the precious metals, Pr 17:3. The furnace into which Daniel's three friends were cast was large, and remained open after they were cast in, Da 3. The fearful punishment spoken of in Jer 29:22 is still used in the East. The word furnace is used to illustrate a state of oppression, De 4:20, and of affliction, Isa 48:10.
It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces.
"But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today.
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.
"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
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