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Mineral coal is now known to exist in the Lebanon range, but was unknown in Biblical times. Fires were seldom needed for warmth, and were as a rule used only for the cooking of food: the fire named in John 18: 18 was in the night; food was cooked by charcoal or by warming the ovens with any vegetable refuse. The coal generally
referred to in the O.T. was charcoal; but other words are used which imply the hot or glowing stones on which cakes were cooked. 1 Kings 19: 6; Cant. 8: 6; Isa. 6: 6; Habakkuk 3: 5.
Heaping coals of fire on an enemy's head by kindness (Prov. 25: 21, 22; Rom. 12: 20) becomes a test to him (as metal is tested by the fire), the kindness shown him will either bring about contrition and friendship, or harden him yet the more.