שמואל ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק י״ג

God's appearance in the world often carries a dual nature, bringing both brilliant salvation and fierce judgment at the exact same time. Even when the Divine presence seems hidden in deep darkness, the primary approach among commentators is that a massive, radiant light bursts forth from within that concealment. This brilliant glow serves two entirely different purposes depending on who encounters it. For the righteous and those who love God, the light acts as a shield, bringing illumination and rescue. Yet, from that very same brilliance, intense, burning coals of fire erupt to strike and consume the wicked and those who oppose Him [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה, מצודת דוד]. Some traditions connect this destructive fire directly to the burning arrows God unleashed against the Egyptians [רש״י].

While many view this illumination and fire as spiritual forces, another perspective grounds these events in the physical world. In this view, the blinding light and burning coals represent extreme natural phenomena, specifically fierce lightning and thunder generated by heat, clouds, and smoke. God harnesses these immense forces of nature—sometimes through open miracles—as weapons to shock, scatter, and defeat His enemies on the battlefield, much like He did during the wars led by Joshua [אברבנאל].

On a symbolic and historical level, this imagery points toward the process of the future redemption. The bright glow is compared to the morning star, which only becomes visible during the absolute darkest moment of the night. This serves as a powerful lesson that ultimate salvation will grow out of a period of intense darkness and deep distress for Israel. The blazing coals of fire represent the harsh and difficult judgments that will dominate the world just moments before the final light of redemption breaks through the darkness [אהבת יהונתן].