Jerem. xxxvi. 22. Exod. ix. 8.CAMINUS, Furnace, Hearth, Chimney1. We are not to imagine, that either the Hebrews or Egyptians had Chimneys like ours, nor that Caminus signifies properly a Chimney made after our manner. In Palestine, Arabia and Egypt, People use very little Fire to warm themselves, because these Countries are very hot; and whenever they do warm themselves, it is at a Hearth or foot Stove filled with Coals. King Jehoiakim was seated in his winter Apartment, with a Fire on the Hearth before him, when Jeremiah’s Roll was presented to him. He cut it with a Pen-knife, and threw it into the Fire which was upon the Hearth. When it is said in Exodus, that Moses took Ashes out of the Chimney, Plenas Ex. ix. 8.manus cineris de camino, the Hebrew reads Furnace2, or Forge, de fornace. The Scripture speaks frequently of Caminus, or the Forge or Crucible wherein Gold or Silver are refined, and Metals are melted; and the sad and deplorable condition of the Poor, of Slaves, and Prov. xvii. 3. Rev. i. 15. Eccl. ii. 5.People under Oppression, is by a Metaphor called, the Furnace of Humility, Poverty and Servitude. Moses says, that God delivered the Hebrews out of the Iron Furnace, out of Egypt; an expression which we find repeated Jer. xlviii. 10. Eccl. ii. 5. Rev. ii. 15. Deut. iv. 20. 1 Kings viii. 35. Jer. xi. 4.in several places of Scripture. See hereafter the Article Punishments for the fiery Furnace into which Daniel was cast.
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