This verse portrays vividly the angry God. The order in which Smoke, fire and coals occur suggests a progression. There is also the reflection of intensification in the order given. Translators may have to modify the imagery somewhat, but it is best to maintain the order, as progression is essential to the preparation and coming down of Yahweh to rescue the psalmist from his enemies.

The picture is that of a volcano in eruption: Smoke … fire … coals. Devouring fire may be rendered as “fire that burns things up” or “flame that destroys things.” It seems that both devouring fire and glowing coals issued out of Yahweh’s mouth (literally the coals “flamed forth from him”). Some understand from him in line c to be “from it” and translate “and coals were kindled at it” (New Jerusalem Bible); see also New American Bible “that kindled coals into flames.” Some languages make no distinction between nose and nostrils.

The nouns Smoke, fire, and coals do not perform the events themselves. Rather, Yahweh causes them to be acted upon. Accordingly in some languages it is necessary to say, for example, “God made smoke go out of his nostrils and sent devouring fire and burning coals out of his mouth” or “God breathed out smoke and spat out hot fire and burning coals.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .