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Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 22 - Verse 9

22:9
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

Meaning

In this verse, the imagery of smoke coming out of the nostrils and fire out of the mouth is used to describe the anger and wrath of God. The smoke and fire symbolize His righteous indignation towards those who go against His will and defy His commandments. The idea of coals being kindled by this fire represents the punishment and judgment that will come upon the wicked. The verse is a powerful depiction of God's power and authority, showing that He is not to be taken lightly or disobeyed without consequences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's laws and living a righteous life, lest we incur His wrath. This verse emphasizes the justice of God and the need for respect and reverence towards Him.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse 'There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.' is that it describes the power and wrath of God. In this verse, the imagery of smoke and fire symbolizes God's anger and judgment against sin. The smoke rising from his nostrils suggests a fierce intensity, while the fire coming out of his mouth conveys a consuming force. This portrayal of God's wrath serves as a warning to those who oppose His will and disobey His commands.

Additionally, a word study on the phrase 'coals were kindled by it' can shed further light on the meaning of this verse. The word 'coals' in Hebrew is 'resheph,' which can also refer to fiery bolts or arrows. This indicates that the fire coming from God's mouth is not just a metaphor for His anger, but also a tangible means of destruction. The image of coals being kindled by this fire reinforces the idea of God's judgment being swift and thorough, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

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