שמואל ב, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ט׳

A vivid picture of divine anger emerges through intense imagery of smoke, fire, and burning coals directed at the wicked. The primary approach among commentators is to view the rising smoke as a metaphor drawn from human nature to describe immense frustration and anger. Just as a person can become so heated in their rage that steam or smoke seems to pour from them, God's intense anger toward His enemies is pictured in a similar way. In contrast, a different perspective suggests that the smoke actually points to a fire being put out. According to this view, the fire of strict justice was briefly ignited but was immediately extinguished and replaced by God's mercy. It is the rapid putting out of this harsh justice that creates the lingering smoke [אהבת יהונתן].

The destructive force of God's anger is further illustrated by a consuming fire. This is not necessarily a physical flame, but rather a representation of the wicked being destroyed by the sheer power of God's spoken decree [רש״י]. The imagery serves as a broader metaphor for the downfall and ruin of corrupt nations, much like the fire that once destroyed Sodom [אברבנאל]. Another approach explains that this is a higher, spiritual fire. Similar to the flame Moses witnessed at the burning bush, it is a unique fire that consumes other fire but does not physically destroy [אהבת יהונתן].

Terrifying sparks and burning coals are also described as flashing outward to strike down these enemies [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It is deeply emphasized that this fire and these coals originate directly from God above the heavens, rather than from any natural earthly element. This direct heavenly source is necessary because the punishment is not solely aimed at physical enemies on the ground, but also targets their spiritual princes in the heavens. Since spiritual beings cannot be harmed by ordinary, physical fire, it requires coals of a supreme, spiritual fire sent directly from God to strike them [אלשיך].