Smelling smoke when there is no physical source is a mysterious phenomenon that has been reported by many people throughout history. Some believe it may be a sign from God or a message from the spiritual realm. But what does the Bible actually say about smelling smoke? In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the scriptural references to smoke and fire, examine possible biblical meanings behind supernatural smoke scents, and provide key takeaways for Christians seeking understanding about this unusual occurrence.
Introduction
Smoke and fire are common images used throughout the Bible. From the smoke on Mount Sinai when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19:18) to the smoke rising from burnt offerings in the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38), smoke often signifies God’s glory, presence, and power. Supernatural smoke scents that people smell with no known source, sometimes called “phantom smells” or “olfactory hallucinations”, are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, we can gain insight into potential biblical meanings behind these mysterious smells from scriptural passages about smoke and references to the spiritual sense of smell.
Key Takeaways:
- Smoke is frequently associated with the presence and glory of God in the Bible. Smelling supernatural smoke may indicate perceiving God’s presence.
- Smoke from burnt offerings pleased God; smelling holy smoke may be a sign of righteousness and pleasing God.
- Foul, unholy smoke is linked with judgment and punishment from God. Smelling foul smoke could signify sensing God’s impending judgment.
- References to fragrant incense and perfumes suggest spiritual scents bring joy and point to Christ. Mysterious sweet smells could reflect perceiving Christ’s redemptive work.
- Demonic spirits are associated with sulfur smoke; smelling sulfur may indicate sensing the presence of evil spirits.
The Presence and Glory of God
Throughout the Bible, smoke often accompanies manifestations of God’s presence and glory. When God descended on Mount Sinai to establish his covenant with Israel, “Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire” (Exodus 19:18). The ongoing smoke on Mount Sinai demonstrated the presence of God dwelling there (Exodus 24:15-18). Later, when Moses encounters God’s presence in the burning bush, “the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush” (Exodus 3:2). These visible signs of smoke and fire accompany powerful encounters between God and his servants.
The connection between smoke and God’s glory and presence continues in Exodus 40, when Moses finishes constructing the tabernacle. Upon its completion, “the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” so that Moses could not enter because of the cloud and smoke (Exodus 40:34-35). The book of Leviticus also describes smoke covering the tabernacle once the burnt offerings commenced, signifying the presence and glory of God filling the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:23-24).
Later in Israel’s history, when Solomon dedicates the temple in Jerusalem, the priests are unable to continue ministering because of the heavy cloud and smoke filling the temple, which signifies “the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14). The visible smoke serves as a powerful indicator that God has come to meet with his people. The smoke signals God’s presence and the manifestation of his glory.
Could smelling smoke when no natural source exists be a sign of perceiving the presence and glory of God? While the Bible does not make this connection directly, the recurring motif of smoke accompanying God’s presence provides a potential insight. Throughout Scripture, perceiving smoke is associated with encountering God’s glory and closeness in a tangible way. Smoke signals to the senses that God has come near. Perhaps smelling unexplained smoke is a way of sensing the nearness of God’s presence and glory.
Burnt Offerings & Righteousness
Another key theme in the Bible is smoke arising from burnt offerings given in righteousness. Upon consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests, Moses offers burnt offerings on the altar. “Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering…And when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces” (Leviticus 9:23-24). The smoke ascending from the acceptable sacrifice pleases God and elicits an awe-filled response from his people.
In Genesis 8, Noah similarly offers burnt offerings after the flood, and “the Lord smelled a soothing aroma” (Genesis 8:20-21). The smoke rising from righteous burnt offerings is called a “soothing aroma” on several other occasions in Scripture (Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 1:9; Numbers 15:3). The smoke pleases the Lord and signifies hearts inclined toward him.
Might smelling holy smoke be indicative of righteousness and bringing pleasure to God? Throughout the Bible, God delights in the smoke of offerings given by those loyal to him. Thus, mysterious smells of smoke could potentially reflect living faithfully and having a pleasing heart before God. The scent might signify uprightness and close fellowship with God.
Judgment and Punishment
In contrast to the holy smoke from God’s presence and righteous sacrifices, smoke in the Bible also connects with judgment and punishment from God. Isaiah 34:10 prophesies judgments against Edom, saying, “Its smoke shall go up forever; from generation to generation it shall be desolate.” The smoke indicates utter destruction. Other prophets describe similar smoke rising from destroyed cities under God’s judgment (Isaiah 13:19-20; Revelations 18:17-18).
Smoke also accompanies the torment of God’s enemies. The Psalmist declares that “fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup” from God (Psalm 11:6). In Revelation, the wicked endure torment with “smoke of their torment ascending forever and ever” (Revelation 14:11). Smoke correlates with the punishment of the ungodly.
Could smelling foul smoke or fumes be a sign of sensing God’s impending judgment or displeasure over sin? While not definitive, the negative connotations of smoke from judgment passages provide potential insight. If no natural explanation exists for the smoke, it may be an indication of God’s coming discipline or a call to repentance and holy living.
Fragrant Incense and Perfume
The Bible also contains positive references to fragrant perfumes and incense. The Song of Solomon describes the beloved’s perfume: “While the king is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance” (Song of Solomon 1:12). Spikenard was a sweet-smelling oil or perfume prized in biblical times. The lovers in Song of Solomon frequently complement each other’s sweet scent (Song of Solomon 1:3; 4:10-11).
Incense and perfume also point to the work of Christ. Paul writes that Christ “gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:2). Christ’s sacrificial death pleased God like the sweet incense of burnt offerings. The anointing perfume poured on Jesus’ feet before his death filled the house with its sweet smell, signifying his impending sacrificial death (John 12:3-8). Fragrant scents in the Bible reveal the beauty of romantic love and the redemptive work of Christ.
If you smell a mysterious lovely fragrance, it may remind you of the sweet perfume of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice for you, and the coming of God’s kingdom. Sweet smells without a source could be a way of sensing the work Christ accomplished for believers and the restoration he is bringing to the world.
Demonic Spirits and Sulfur
While pleasant smoke signifies God’s work and presence, sulfur smoke indicates demonic activity and evil spirits in the Bible. In Revelation, supernatural horses with heads like lions and fire, smoke, and sulfur coming from their mouths kill a third of mankind (Revelation 9:17-18). The foul smoke and sulfur symbolize the deadly demonic forces bringing destruction on the earth.
Likewise, the great harlot Babylon suffers violent judgment in Revelation 18, indicated by smoke rising from her burning city. “Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” (Revelation 19:3). The sulfur smoke reveals her partnerships with dark spiritual powers opposing God. The smoke from sulfur points to demons and condemnation.
Mysterious smells of sulfur or smoke mixed with sulfur likely do not have natural explanations. If such foul odors persist, they may potentially signify the operation of demonic spirits. However, one should exercise caution before concluding a supernatural source. Carefully consider if mental health factors could be affecting perceptions of smell. Additionally, consult mature believers in Christ and test impressions against Scripture.
Conclusion
The Bible contains various examples of smoke and fiery scents pointing toward God’s work and spiritual realities. While not exhaustive, these scriptural themes provide guidance for understanding unexplained smoke and smells. Supernatural smoke may reveal the presence and glory of the Lord. It might also signify righteous living or sin requiring repentance. Pleasant perfumes could remind of the sweetness of Christ’s redemption. Foul sulfur odors might reveal demonic activity.
In summary, here are the key takeaways:
- Smoke is frequently associated with the presence and glory of God in the Bible. Smelling supernatural smoke may indicate perceiving God’s presence.
- Smoke from burnt offerings pleased God; smelling holy smoke may be a sign of righteousness and pleasing God.
- Foul, unholy smoke is linked with judgment and punishment from God. Smelling foul smoke could signify sensing God’s impending judgment.
- References to fragrant incense and perfumes suggest spiritual scents bring joy and point to Christ. Mysterious sweet smells could reflect perceiving Christ’s redemptive work.
- Demonic spirits are associated with sulfur smoke; smelling sulfur may indicate sensing the presence of evil spirits.
While not conclusive, these scriptural themes provide a framework to understand unexplained smoke perceptions. As with any supernatural experience, wisdom, discernment, and testing against Scripture are essential. Smelling smoke remains a mysterious phenomenon, but these biblical perspectives offer insights as we process these unique experiences.
