Psalms 18:8

“There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, etc.] This, with what follows, describes a storm of thunder; the “smoke” designs thick black clouds, gathered together; “fire” intends lightning; and “coals of fire”, hot thunderbolts; and the whole is borrowed from, and is an allusion to what was at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, (<021916>Exodus 19:16,18); The majesty of God is here set forth in much such language as is the leviathan in (<184119>Job 41:19-21); the “smoke of his nostrils” seems to intend the indignation of God against the enemies of David, of Christ, and of his people, and the punishment be will inflict upon them, (<236505>Isaiah 65:5 Revelation 14:11). The Targum interprets…”

“smoke out . . . his nostrils--bitter in His wrath (compare Psa 74:1). by it--that is, the fire (Exo 19:18).”

“There went up a smoke out of his nostrils - Margin, “by his;” that is, as it is understood in the margin, the smoke seemed to be produced “by” his nostrils, or to be caused by his breathing. The comparison, according to Rosenmuller and DeWette, is derived from wild beasts when excited with anger, and when their rage is indicated by their violent breathing. Compare Psalms 74:1; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 65:5. And fire out of his mouth devoured - That is, the clouds seemed to be poured forth from his nostrils, and the lightning from his mouth. So in Habakkuk 3:5 : “Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.” Coals were kindled by it - Everything seemed to glow…”

“There went, &c. - All these seem to be figurative expressions, denoting the greatness of his anger. Psalms 18:9”

“18:8 his nostrils . . . his mouth: The psalmist likens God to an angry person or a fierce creature (see Job 41:12-22). • The terrifying images of smoke, flames, and glowing coals express God’s wrath against sin.”

“went: Psa 11:6, Psa 21:9, Psa 74:1, Psa 104:32, Psa 144:5, Psa 144:6; Gen 19:28; Lev 10:2; Num 11:1, Num 16:35; Deu 29:20, Deu 29:23, Deu 29:24, Th2 1:8 out of his: Heb. by his fire: Dan 7:10; Amo 4:11; Nah 1:5, Nah 1:6; Rev 11:5 Psalms 18:9”