12:29

For our God is a consuming fire: Paul concludes this part of his discussion by emphasizing the need to worship Jehovah “with godly fear and awe.” (Heb 12:28) By describing God as “a consuming fire,” Paul echoes the words that Moses used when reminding the Israelites of the time when Mount Sinai was “burning with fire up to the very heavens.” (De 4:11; Ex 19:18; Heb 12:18) Moses went on to remind the Israelites that Jehovah is a God “who requires exclusive devotion” and that they would incur God’s burning anger if they were ever to forget his covenant and turn to worshipping other gods. (De 4:23, 24) Jehovah could also be described as “a consuming fire” because he annihilates completely those who unrepentantly reject his will.​—De 9:3; compare Heb 6:8 and study note; 10:27 and study note, 29-31.