Torch
is the occasional rendering in the A.V. of לִפַּיד, lappid (Zec 12:6), which usually signifies (and is translated) a lamp; and so λαμπάς (Joh 18:3). In Na 2:3 [Hebrews 4] it represents פּלָדָה,peladdh, which rather signifies iron. SEE STEEL. The distinction in the East between a torch and a lantern (q.v.) is not very marked as both are often but forms of flambeaus. SEE LAMP. A flaming torch is sometimes quoted by the prophets as the symbol of great anger and destruction (Zec 12:6). So also Isaiah (Isa 7:4) compares Rezin, king of Syria, and the king of Israel, two bitter enemies to Ahaz, king of Judah, to "two tails of smoking firebrands." SEE FIREBRAND.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More