2 Samuel 22:13
2 Samuel 22:13 in Multiple Translations
From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth.
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
At the brightness before him Coals of fire were kindled.
Before his shining light his dark clouds went past, raining ice and coals of fire.
Burning coals blazed out of his brightness.
At the brightnesse of his presence the coles of fire were kindled.
From the brightness before Him Were brands of fire kindled!
At the brightness before him, coals of fire were kindled.
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
By the brightness before him, the coals of fire were kindled.
Out of the lightning in front of you fire from burning coals flamed.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 22:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/נֹּ֖גַהּ
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
בָּעֲר֖וּ
גַּחֲלֵי
אֵֽשׁ
מִ/נֹּ֖גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
brightness
Prep | N-fs
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Suff
בָּעֲר֖וּ
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
גַּחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
coal
N-cp
אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:13
מִ/נֹּ֖גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
"brightness"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to brightness or brilliancy, like the shining of the sun, and is used in Ezekiel 8:2 to describe a brilliant light that looks like a man.
Definition: brightness Aramaic equivalent: no.gah (נֹ֫גַהּ "daylight" H5053)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining. See also: 2 Samuel 22:13; Ezekiel 1:4; Psalms 18:13.
נֶגְדּ֑/וֹ
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Suff
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
בָּעֲר֖וּ
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
גַּחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
"coal"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
11He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
12He made darkness a canopy around Him, a gathering of water and thick clouds.
13From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth.
14The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. 15He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 22:9 | Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. |
2 Samuel 22:13 Summary
This verse means that when God shows up, His presence is so powerful that it's like a blazing fire that can purify and transform everything around Him. This fire represents God's holiness and judgment, and it's a reminder that He is a God who is worthy of reverence and respect, as seen in Psalms 96:9. Just like a fire can refine and purify metal, God's presence can refine and purify our hearts, making us more like Him, as described in Malachi 3:2-3. By trusting in God's presence, we can experience His power and protection in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that coals of fire blazed forth from the brightness of God's presence?
This phrase suggests that God's presence is so powerful and holy that it can ignite a fierce and intense fire, symbolizing His judgment and purification, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 where the prophet Isaiah encounters God's presence and is convicted of his sin.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse highlights God's awe-inspiring and fearsome nature, as described in Psalms 111:9, where it says that God is holy and reverend, and His presence commands reverence and respect.
What is the significance of the brightness of God's presence?
The brightness of God's presence represents His glory and holiness, which is so radiant that it can illuminate even the darkest places, as seen in 1 Timothy 6:16, where it says that God dwells in unapproachable light.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of 2 Samuel 22?
This verse is part of a poetic description of God's power and deliverance, where David is praising God for rescuing him from his enemies, and it serves as a reminder of God's mighty presence and intervention in our lives, as seen in 2 Samuel 22:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that God's presence is accompanied by coals of fire, and how does that impact your reverence for Him?
- How can you apply the concept of God's purifying fire to your own life, and what areas of your heart need to be refined by His presence?
- In what ways have you experienced God's presence as a source of comfort and protection, and how can you trust Him more deeply in times of uncertainty?
- What are some ways that you can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's presence in your daily life, and how can you prioritize His glory and holiness?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:13
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled. [See comments on Psalms 18:12].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:13
Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:13
(13) Through the brightness.—Rather, Out of the brightness. The psalm (with the same correction) is more full, and perhaps the more exact representation of the original: “Out of the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.”
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:13
13. Through the brightness, &c.] Out of the brightness, &c. The lightning flashes which now burst through the dense cloud, are as it were rays of the “unapproachable light” in which He dwells. The text of Psa 18:12 is fuller and probably more correct: “Out of the brightness before him there passed through his clouds hailstones and coals of fire.”