Psalms 18:8 Meaning and Explanation
“There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God's power appears as consuming fire and smoke, language of judgment and purification.
The Context of Psalms 18:8
Continuing the description of God's awesome, overwhelming response to rescue his servant.
What Does Psalms 18:8 Mean?
The imagery is intensely theophanic—God appearing in fire and smoke. 'Smoke out of his nostrils' and 'fire out of his mouth' are anthropomorphic language showing God's breath as purifying and destructive power. Fire devours enemies; coals fall upon them.
This language draws on ancient descriptions of divine judgment: fire cleanses and destroys evil. For the psalmist, God's presence itself is an overwhelming force that consumes opposition like fuel before a furnace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 18:8
What does Psalms 18:8 mean?
God's power appears as consuming fire and smoke, language of judgment and purification.
What is the context of Psalms 18:8?
Continuing the description of God's awesome, overwhelming response to rescue his servant.