2 Samuel 22:9
New International Version
Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.

New Living Translation
Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him.

English Standard Version
Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.

Berean Standard Bible
Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.

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

New King James Version
Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it.

New American Standard Bible
“Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth was devouring; Coals were kindled by it.

NASB 1995
“Smoke went up out of His nostrils, Fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.

NASB 1977
“Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.

Legacy Standard Bible
Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.

Amplified Bible
“Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it.

Christian Standard Bible
Smoke rose from his nostrils, and consuming fire came from his mouth; coals were set ablaze by it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; coals were set ablaze by it.

American Standard Version
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, And fire out of his mouth devoured: Coals were kindled by it.

Contemporary English Version
and breathed out smoke. Scorching heat and fiery flames spewed from your mouth.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Smoke went up from his nostrils, and a raging fire came out of his mouth. Glowing coals flared up from it.

Good News Translation
Smoke poured out of his nostrils, a consuming flame and burning coals from his mouth.

International Standard Version
Smoke poured out of his nostrils, and fire from his mouth kindling coals to flame by it.

NET Bible
Smoke ascended from his nose; fire devoured as it came from his mouth; he hurled down fiery coals.

New Heart English Bible
Smoke went up out of his nostrils. Fire out of his mouth devoured. Coals were kindled by it.

Webster's Bible Translation
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.

World English Bible
Smoke went up out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Smoke has gone up by His nostrils, "" And fire devours from His mouth; Brands have been kindled by it.

Young's Literal Translation
Gone up hath smoke by His nostrils. And fire from His mouth devoureth, Brands have been kindled by it.

Smith's Literal Translation
Smoke went up in his anger, And fire from his mouth shall consume: Coals were kindled from it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A smoke went up from his nostrils, and a devouring fire out of his mouth: coals were kindled by it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Smoke ascends from his nostrils, and fire from his mouth will devour; coals have been kindled by it.

New American Bible
Smoke rose in his nostrils, a devouring fire from his mouth; it kindled coals into flame.

New Revised Standard Version
Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There went up a smoke because of his anger, and fire kindled out of his face; and coals were kindled by it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Smoke arose in his passion and fire from his face was kindled, also coals were kindled from him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Smoke arose up in His nostrils, And fire out of His mouth did devour; Coals flamed forth from Him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
There went up a smoke in his wrath, and fire out of his mouth devours: coals were kindled at it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Song of Deliverance
8Then the earth shook and quaked; the foundations of the heavens trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. 9Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. 10He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.…

Cross References
Psalm 18:8
Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.

Exodus 19:18
Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.

Deuteronomy 4:11
You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

Isaiah 30:27-28
Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire. / His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.

Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Revelation 19:15
And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.

Psalm 97:3-5
Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. / His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. / The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

Isaiah 6:4
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke.

Nahum 1:5-6
The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers. / Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

Habakkuk 3:5
Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps.

Revelation 11:19
Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

Revelation 8:5
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Psalm 144:5-6
Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke. / Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them.

Isaiah 64:1-2
If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence, / as fire kindles the brushwood and causes the water to boil, to make Your name known to Your enemies, so that the nations will tremble at Your presence!

Revelation 14:10
he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.


Treasury of Scripture

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

went

2 Samuel 22:16
And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

Exodus 15:7
And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

Exodus 19:18
And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

out of his [heb] by his

Habakkuk 3:5
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.

Jump to Previous
Blazed Brands Burned Burning Coals Consuming Destruction Devour Devoured Devoureth Devouring Fire Flamed Forth Glowing Kindled Lighted Mouth Nose Nostrils Rose Smoke
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Blazed Brands Burned Burning Coals Consuming Destruction Devour Devoured Devoureth Devouring Fire Flamed Forth Glowing Kindled Lighted Mouth Nose Nostrils Rose Smoke
2 Samuel 22
1. David's psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance and blessings














Smoke rose from His nostrils
This imagery is often used in the Bible to depict God's anger and power. The metaphor of smoke rising from the nostrils is reminiscent of a snorting, powerful animal, suggesting divine wrath and strength. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such imagery would be understood as a demonstration of a deity's might. This phrase can be connected to other biblical passages where God's anger is described with similar imagery, such as in Psalm 18:8, which parallels this verse. It emphasizes the seriousness of God's judgment and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity.

and consuming fire came from His mouth
Fire is a common biblical symbol for God's holiness and judgment. The consuming fire from God's mouth signifies His ability to destroy and purify. This imagery is consistent with other scriptural references, such as Deuteronomy 4:24, which describes God as a "consuming fire." It also foreshadows the final judgment and purification of the world, as seen in Revelation 19:15, where a sharp sword comes from the mouth of Christ to strike down the nations. This phrase highlights God's power to enact justice and His role as the ultimate judge.

glowing coals blazed forth
The glowing coals represent the intense and purifying nature of God's presence. In the ancient world, coals were used for refining metals, symbolizing purification and judgment. This imagery is also found in Isaiah 6:6-7, where a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal to purify him. The blazing forth of coals signifies the active and dynamic nature of God's intervention in the world. It underscores the theme of divine purification and the transformative power of God's presence, which is both fearsome and purifying.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is reflecting on God's deliverance and power. This chapter is a song of thanksgiving for God's protection and deliverance from his enemies.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, depicted with vivid imagery to convey His power and might. The verse uses metaphorical language to describe God's wrath and judgment.

3. Enemies of David
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the chapter involves David's deliverance from his enemies, which is the backdrop for this expression of God's power.

4. Israel
The nation over which David ruled, often facing threats from surrounding nations. God's protection over Israel is a recurring theme in David's life and songs.

5. Theophany
This event is a manifestation of God, often described with natural phenomena like fire and smoke, symbolizing His presence and power.
Teaching Points
God's Power and Majesty
The imagery of smoke and fire illustrates God's overwhelming power and majesty. Believers should stand in awe of God's might and recognize His authority over all creation.

God's Righteous Judgment
The consuming fire represents God's righteous judgment against sin and evil. Christians are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

God's Deliverance
Just as God delivered David from his enemies, He is faithful to deliver His people today. Trust in God's protection and provision in times of trouble.

Symbolism of Fire in Scripture
Fire often symbolizes purification and the presence of God. Believers are called to live holy lives, allowing God's refining fire to purify their hearts.

The Fear of the Lord
Understanding God's power should lead to a healthy fear of the Lord, characterized by reverence, obedience, and worship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 22:9?

2. How does 2 Samuel 22:9 illustrate God's power and righteous anger?

3. What imagery in 2 Samuel 22:9 helps us understand God's response to sin?

4. How does 2 Samuel 22:9 connect with God's deliverance in Exodus 19:18?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's justice in 2 Samuel 22:9?

6. What does 2 Samuel 22:9 teach about God's protection for the faithful?

7. How does 2 Samuel 22:9 depict God's anger and its implications for believers today?

8. What historical context surrounds the imagery in 2 Samuel 22:9?

9. How does 2 Samuel 22:9 align with the overall message of God's justice in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 22?

11. (2 Samuel 22) How can we tell which elements of this praise song are meant literally versus those intended as metaphorical or hyperbolic language?

12. (2 Samuel 22 compared with Psalm 18) Why do these passages have slight variations if both are supposed to be inspired or accurate accounts?

13. Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?

14. In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel?
What Does 2 Samuel 22:9 Mean
Smoke rose from His nostrils

David pictures the Lord rushing to his aid with a storm‐cloud of righteous anger.

• Literally, God has every right to be angry at sin and at those who pursue His servant (Psalm 7:11).

• The smoke signals His presence, just as Exodus 19:18 says, “Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.”

Psalm 97:2–3 pairs clouds and darkness with fire to describe the same holy intensity.

• In the narrative that frames 2 Samuel 22, Saul’s relentless pursuit had reached a boiling point; David knows God’s wrath is just as real as His mercy.


Consuming fire came from His mouth

The picture now shifts from smoke to flame—judgment that does not merely threaten but destroys.

Hebrews 12:29 affirms, “Our God is a consuming fire,” linking this verse directly to divine holiness.

Deuteronomy 32:22 warns, “A fire is kindled in My anger,” underscoring that God’s judgment is not symbolic only; it devours whatever opposes Him.

Revelation 11:5 shows the same principle when fire proceeds from the mouths of God’s witnesses to consume their enemies.

• For David, the thought is practical: the One who can burn up adversaries will certainly dismantle every scheme of Saul and the Philistines.


Glowing coals blazed forth

The scene intensifies; the fire is so hot that coals themselves erupt, testifying to unstoppable power.

Isaiah 30:27 describes the LORD, “His lips are full of indignation, and His tongue is like a consuming fire; His breath is like an overflowing torrent…,” language that mirrors these blazing coals.

Habakkuk 3:3–5 sees “flashing rays” coming from the Lord’s hand as He marches for salvation; glowing coals belong to that same salvific warfare.

• The coals hint at purification as well—think of Isaiah 6:6–7 where a burning coal cleanses the prophet’s lips. God’s rescue of David purges the land of wickedness.


summary

2 Samuel 22:9 layers smoke, fire, and white-hot coals to show the Lord personally intervening for David with tangible, frightening, yet saving wrath. The smoke announces His arrival, the fire confirms His resolve, and the blazing coals display the thoroughness of His victory. Believers can trust that the same holy God still rises against evil, defends His own, and purifies what He claims, just as surely as He did for David.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Smoke
עָשָׁן֙ (‘ā·šān)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6227: Smoke

rose
עָלָ֤ה (‘ā·lāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

from His nostrils,
בְּאַפּ֔וֹ (bə·’ap·pōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

and consuming
תֹּאכֵ֑ל (tō·ḵêl)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

fire
וְאֵ֥שׁ (wə·’êš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

came from
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

His mouth;
מִפִּ֖יו (mip·pîw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

glowing coals
גֶּחָלִ֖ים (ge·ḥā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1513: An ember

flamed forth.
בָּעֲר֥וּ (bā·‘ă·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish


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OT History: 2 Samuel 22:9 Smoke went up out of his nostrils (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 22:8
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