Smelling smoke out of nowhere can be unsettling. Whether it’s a sign of danger or a mysterious scent in the air, it often triggers alarm. Pay attention to your surroundings when you smell smoke, as it could be a signal that something isn’t quite right.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About A Lazy Woman
What Does The Bible Say About Smelling Smoke
Genesis 19:28
“And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.”
This verse depicts the aftermath of God’s judgment on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The rising smoke symbolizes the destruction and devastation caused by their wickedness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living a righteous life.
The imagery of smoke like a furnace emphasizes the intensity and magnitude of God’s wrath. It serves as a warning that unrepentant sin will ultimately lead to destruction, urging us to turn away from evil and seek God’s forgiveness.
Exodus 19:18
“Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.”
During the encounter between God and Moses on Mount Sinai, the presence of the Lord is depicted with smoke and fire. The smoking mountain signifies the holiness and power of God, as well as His divine presence among His people.
The trembling of the mountain highlights the awe-inspiring nature of encountering a holy God. This verse reminds us that God’s presence is not to be taken lightly and encourages us to approach Him with reverence and humility.
Psalm 18:8
“Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.”
This poetic imagery portrays the anger and righteous wrath of God. The rising smoke and devouring fire symbolize His judgment and punishment upon the wicked. It serves as a reminder that God is just and will eventually deal with evil in His perfect timing.
The glowing coals represent the intensity of God’s anger. This verse emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with God’s commands and seeking His forgiveness to avoid facing the consequences of His righteous judgment.
Psalms 119:119
“All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.”
In this verse, the “dross” is compared to the wicked of the earth. Dross refers to impurities in metal that are separated and discarded during the refining process. Similarly, God separates and removes the wicked from those who follow His ways.
The psalmist expresses their love for God’s testimonies because they recognize His righteous judgment and purification. This verse encourages us to cherish and follow God’s teachings, knowing that He will separate the impure from the righteous in His perfect justice.
Isaiah 34:10
“It shall not be quenched night or day; its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it forever and ever.”
This verse describes the perpetual smoke of destruction that hangs over the land of Edom as a result of God’s judgment. The unquenchable smoke symbolizes the everlasting consequences of unrepentant sin and rebellion against God.
The desolation and isolation depicted in this verse serve as a warning of the eternal separation and suffering that awaits those who reject God’s mercy and refuse to turn away from their sins.
Isaiah 51:6
“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.”
This verse contrasts the temporary nature of the heavens and the earth with the everlasting nature of God’s salvation and righteousness. The vanishing smoke symbolizes the transient nature of the physical world, serving as a reminder of the importance of focusing on eternal values.
In contrast, God’s salvation and righteousness are depicted as everlasting and unwavering. This verse encourages us to place our hope and trust in God’s eternal promises, knowing that His salvation and righteousness will never fail us.
Daniel 3:27
“And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.”
This verse recounts the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. Despite being thrown into intense heat, they emerged unscathed, without even the smell of smoke on their clothes.
This miracle highlights God’s power to protect His faithful servants even in the face of great danger. It serves as a reminder that God can deliver us from any fiery trial we may face, and His presence can shield us from harm and keep us untouched by the destructive forces of the world.
Joel 2:30
“And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.”
In this verse, the prophet Joel describes the signs and wonders that will accompany the day of the Lord’s judgment. The columns of smoke represent the visible signs of God’s intervention and display of power.
These cosmic and earthly phenomena serve as warnings and signals of God’s imminent judgment. This verse reminds us of the need to be prepared and to turn to God in repentance, knowing that the day of the Lord’s judgment will come with great signs and wonders.
Nahum 1:5
“The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.”
This verse vividly describes the awe-inspiring power of God, likening His wrath to a blazing fire that breaks rocks into pieces. The sight of smoke and the destruction of rocks emphasize the uncontainable force of God’s anger.
It serves as a reminder that no one can stand before God’s righteous indignation and anger. This verse compels us to recognize our need for His mercy and to seek refuge in God, knowing that His judgment is certain and His power is beyond human comprehension.
Mark 9:43-44
“And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.”
In this verse, Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the seriousness of avoiding sin and the eternal consequences of unrepentant wrongdoing. The reference to unquenchable fire symbolizes the everlasting punishment of hell.
This verse makes it clear that our spiritual well-being is of utmost importance, and any physical sacrifice is nothing compared to the value of eternal life with God. It encourages us to take decisive action to remove anything that causes us to stumble into sin and to live in obedience to God’s commandments.
Acts 2:19-20
“And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.”
These verses quote the prophet Joel’s prophecy from Joel 2:30. The mention of blood, fire, and vapor of smoke represents the supernatural signs and wonders that will precede the day of the Lord’s coming.
These extraordinary phenomena signify a time of divine intervention and judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the need to be watchful and ready for the second coming of Christ, recognizing that it will be accompanied by extraordinary signs and wonders.
2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.”
These verses describe the sudden and cataclysmic nature of the day of the Lord’s return. The mention of the heavens passing away with a roar and the burning up of the heavenly bodies highlights the transformative power of God’s judgment.
The exposure of the earth and all its works signifies the unveiling of all deeds and the ultimate accountability before God. This verse urges us to live in readiness for the day of the Lord, recognizing that everything we do on earth will ultimately be brought to light.
Revelation 8:4
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.”
In this verse, the smoke of the incense represents the prayers of the saints ascending before God’s presence. It depicts the intimate connection between the prayers of God’s people and His divine presence.
This verse highlights the importance and power of prayer, emphasizing that our prayers are not in vain but are received by God. It encourages us to approach God in prayer, knowing that our heartfelt petitions rise before Him as a pleasing aroma.
Revelation 9:2
“He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened with the smoke from the shaft.”
This verse describes the opening of the bottomless pit and the rising smoke that obscures the sun and the air. The smoke symbolizes the dark and destructive forces that are released from the pit.
This imagery serves as a warning of the consequences of evil and rebellion against God. It points to the ultimate defeat and judgment of those who oppose God and highlights the need to align our lives with His truth and righteousness.
Revelation 14:11
“And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.”
In this verse, the smoke of torment rising forever and ever represents the eternal punishment of those who worship the beast and its image, and those who receive the mark of the beast. It depicts the unending consequences of rejecting God and submitting to evil.
This verse underscores the seriousness of our choices and warns against aligning ourselves with forces opposed to God. It encourages us to remain faithful to God and to seek His salvation, knowing that the alternative leads to everlasting suffering.
Revelation 18:9
“And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning.”
Here, the smoke of Babylon’s burning represents the destruction and downfall of an immoral, extravagant city. The sight of smoke represents the devastating consequences of sin and rebellion.
This verse serves as a warning against the allure of worldly desires and the pursuit of immoral pleasures. It reminds us that earthly treasures and sinful pleasures are temporary and will ultimately lead to destruction.
Revelation 19:3
“Once more they cried out, ‘Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.'”
In this verse, the smoke that goes up forever and ever represents the eternal punishment and judgment of Babylon, a symbol of evil and rebellion against God. It signifies the final defeat and everlasting consequences for those who stand against the reign of God.
This verse highlights the triumphant response of the heavenly beings to the destruction of evil. It reminds us of the ultimate victory of God’s righteousness and the assurance that evil will be eradicated and righteousness will prevail for eternity.
Revelation 20:10
“…and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
These verses describe the final defeat and eternal punishment of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet. The torment day and night forever and ever symbolize the everlasting consequences and suffering for those who perpetuate evil and lead others astray.
This verse serves as a reminder that evil will ultimately be vanquished and that God’s justice will prevail. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and to resist the temptations and deceptions of the enemy.