2Pe 3:10 But the day of [YHWH] will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
I believe this is literal.
The word “elements” is the Greek word stoicheion - (something
orderly in arrangement, that is, (by implication) a
serial (
basal,
fundamental,
initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively): - element, principle, rudiment.) This word was used five other times in the NT.
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Galalatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.
Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if you be dead with Messiah from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances,
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of [Elohim]; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
As you can see, this word never refers to “elements” such as gold, silver, etc., found in the Periodic Table of Elements. Instead, the word “stoicheion” refers to things that are not physical, in particular the basic principles that this world operates under and from which believers in Messiah Yeshua have been delivered. It can also refer to the basic principles found in YHWH’s Word which babes in Messiah feed off of until they become mature in him. Understanding this word correctly should cause us to consider the possibility that other aspects of this prophecy are not to be understood literally either.
Let’s examine the word “melt” (Greek root is “luo¯” - A primary verb; to “loosen” (literally or figuratively): - break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-) loose, melt, put off.) This word was used about 40 times in the NT. It was primarily translated loose, destroy and break. The only time it was translated “melt” or “dissolve” is in 2 Peter 3:10-12. Assuming “melt” or “dissolve” is a correct translation, let’s see how those words were used in the OT Scriptures.
The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. Nahum 1:5-6
For, behold, YHWH comes forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place. Micah 1:3-4
Literal “mountains” and “hills” do not melt even if they are on fire. The “mountains” figuratively refer to rulers of a high degree and the “hills” or “valleys” figuratively refer to rulers or people of a lower degree. Their hearts melt with fear at the presence of YHWH and His impending judgment upon them.
As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you. Ezekiel 22:20
YHWH says He will “melt” people as metal is melted in a furnace. The people do not literally melt. They are tried in the fire of various situations that YHWH puts them through.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. Psalm 46:6
Peter said the “elements shall
melt with fervent heat”. In this verse, the heat is YHWH's voice. In Nahum 1:5, the heat is YHWH’s presence. In both cases, the earth melting refers to the hearts of the people that will receive His judgments.
Are the “works” that will be burned up in 2 Peter 3:10 things like skyscrapers, bridges, roads, etc., that man has worked to make or do the “works” refer to something less tangible?
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yeshua Messiah. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
This is how YHWH will deal with the “works” of believers in Messiah Yeshua. This “fire” that He will use is obviously figurative fire. No literal flames will touch believers. The flames of YHWH’s refining and purging fire will burn up works with no abiding foundation, but those works that were built upon the foundation of Messiah Yeshua will stand.
The same figurative “fire” that will burn up the non-physical “elements” causing them to “melt” will also burn up the intangible works of the wicked. Just as the intangible works of believers will be burned in a figurative fire that will not literally burn believes, a figurative fire will burn up the intangible works of unbelievers. Just as a literal fire totally destroys what it is burning, the figurative fire of 2 Peter 3:10-12 will totally destroy unbelievers. Their destruction will come via disease, famine, earthquakes, sword, etc.
