2 Samuel 22:9

Authorized King James Version

There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָלָ֤ה
There went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
עָשָׁן֙
a smoke
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
#3
בְּאַפּ֔וֹ
out of his nostrils
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#4
וְאֵ֥שׁ
and fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#5
מִפִּ֖יו
out of his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#6
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#7
גֶּֽחָלִ֖ים
coals
an ember
#8
בָּֽעֲר֥וּ
were kindled
to be(-come) brutish
#9
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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