Psalms 18:8
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
Psalms 18:8
This verse uses intense imagery to depict God’s fiery response to danger. “Smoke out of His nostrils” and “fire out of His mouth devoured” present a sensation of hot, righteous judgment against enemies and sin. The imagery is archetypal in biblical poetry for divine zeal and unstoppable power against rebellion. Coals kindled by it symbolize purification and consuming judgment that destroys what is opposed to God’s holiness. The verse conveys both awe and fear in the face of divine power, while remaining rooted in a deliverance narrative—God’s fiery intervention becomes a means of salvation to those who trust Him.
This text highlights God’s holiness and wrath toward sin, paired with His saving purposes for the faithful. It emphasizes that God’s intervention is not passive but actively confronts danger and evil. The imagery also points forward to the New Testament portrayal of Christ as the one who bears God’s wrath and delivers from sin, while maintaining continuity with the Old Testament emphasis on God’s purifying fire.
When facing moral compromise or oppressive forces, remember that God’s purity rejects evil and that His power can burn away fear and compromise. Practical steps: confess sins you battle, pursue righteousness with holy determination, and seek the Spirit’s empowerment to overcome temptations. Let this fiery language inspire a deeper commitment to live in line with God’s holiness, knowing that He can transform situations by removing what harms faith.
Cross-References: Exodus 3:2; Isaiah 6:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Hebrews 12:29; Malachi 3:2-3