Fire, when associated with temples and theophanies, expresses the glory of God. When Moses ascended Mount Sinai, the Lord “called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel” (Ex. 24:16–17; emphasis added; see also Num. 9:15). A passage about Solomon’s temple also associates fire with glory: “When Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house” (2 Chr. 7:1; emphasis added).
For theophanies that include a pillar of fire, see Lehi’s vision (1 Nephi 1:6–7), the account of Nephi and Lehi (Hel. 5:43), David’s offerings (1 Chr. 21:26), plus others. Also, at the Second Coming, Jesus Christ will come “in a pillar of fire” (D&C 29:12).
Fire is also associated with the Kirtland Temple. During the period of the dedicatory services, some observers outside of the temple saw “a bright light like a piller of Fire resting upon the Temple.”107 The glorious celestial kingdom is associated with “flames of fire” and a “blazing throne” (D&C 137:2–3).