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Psalms 18:7
Verse
Context
The LORD Is My Rock
6In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. 7Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. 8Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.
Sermons
Art Katz
E.A. Johnston
John Wesley
Warren WiersbeSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 18:8-10) As these verses go on to describe, the being heard became manifest in the form of deliverance. All nature stands to man in a sympathetic relationship, sharing his curse and blessing, his destruction and glory, and to God is a (so to speak) synergetic relationship, furnishing the harbingers and instruments of His mighty deeds. Accordingly in this instance Jahve's interposition on behalf of David is accompanied by terrible manifestations in nature. Like the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, Ps 68; Ps 77, and the giving of the Law on Sinai, Ex 19, and like the final appearing of Jahve and of Jesus Christ according to the words of prophet and apostle (Hab 3; Th2 1:7.), the appearing of Jahve for the help of David has also extraordinary natural phenomena in its train. It is true we find no express record of any incident in David's life of the kind recorded in Sa1 7:10, but it must be come real experience which David here idealises (i.e., seizes at its very roots, and generalises and works up into a grand majestic picture of his miraculous deliverance). Amidst earthquake, a black thunderstorm gathers, the charging of which is heralded by the lightning's flash, and its thick clouds descend nearer and nearer to the earth. The aorists in Psa 18:8 introduce the event, for the introduction of which, from Psa 18:4 onwards, the way has been prepared and towards which all is directed. The inward excitement of the Judge, who appears to His servant for his deliverance, sets the earth in violent oscillation. The foundations of the mountains (Isa 24:18) are that upon which they are supported beneath and within, as it were, the pillars which support the vast mass. געשׁ (rhyming with רעשׁ) is followed by the Hithpa. of the same verb: the first impulse having been given they, viz., the earth and the pillars of the mountains, continue to shake of themselves. These convulsions occur, because "it is kindled with respect to God;" it is unnecessary to supply אפּו, חרה לו is a synonym of חם לו. When God is wrath, according to Old Testament conception, the power of wrath which is present in Him is kindled and blazes up and breaks forth. The panting of rage may accordingly also be called the smoke of the fire of wrath (Psa 74:1; Psa 80:5). The smoking is as the breathing out of the fire, and the vehement hot breath which is inhaled and exhaled through the nose of one who is angry (cf. Job 41:12), is like smoke rising from the internal fire of anger. The fire of anger itself "devours out of the mouth," i.e., flames forth out of the mouth, consuming whatever it lays hold of-in men in the form of angry words, with God in the fiery forces of nature, which are of a like kind with, and subservient to, His anger, and more especially in the lightning's flash. It is the lightning chiefly, that is compared here to the blazing up of burning coals. The power of wrath in God, becoming manifest in action, breaks forth into a glow, and before it entirely discharges its fire, it gives warning of action like the lightning's flash heralding the outburst of the storm. Thus enraged and breathing forth His wrath, Jahve bowed the heavens, i.e., caused them to bend towards the earth, and came down, and darkness of clouds (ערפל similar in meaning to ὄρφνη, cf. ἔρεβος) was under His feet: black, low-hanging clouds announced the coming of Him who in His wrath was already on His way downwards towards the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's coming described in figures drawn from His appearance on Sinai (compare Deu 32:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils,.... This, with what follows, describes a storm of thunder; the "smoke" designs thick black clouds, gathered together; "fire" intends lightning; and "coals of fire", hot thunderbolts; and the whole is borrowed from, and is an allusion to what was at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, Exo 19:16; The majesty of God is here set forth in much such language as is the leviathan in Job 41:19; the "smoke of his nostrils" seems to intend the indignation of God against the enemies of David, of Christ, and of his people, and the punishment be will inflict upon them, Isa 65:5. The Targum interprets it of the pride and insolence of Pharaoh; and fire out of his mouth devoured; God is a wall of fire round about his people, and a consuming one to his and their enemies. This expresses the wrath of God upon the Jewish nation, and his sending the Roman armies to burn their city, Mat 22:7; coals were kindled by it; the Jews being as dry trees, were fit fuel for the fire of divine wrath, and so presently became as coals of fire; so the antichristian party, upon the pouring out of the fourth vial, will be scorched with heat, and blaspheme the name of God, Rev 16:8.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:7-15 The psalmist depicts the Lord’s descent from heaven to earth with phenomena such as earthquakes, flames, smoke, darkness, and rain. Creation shudders at God’s marvelous coming as the Divine Warrior (see 97:2-5) and Judge (see 50:1-6). 18:7 The destabilization of the whole earth will be a means of God’s judgment (77:17-18; 96:9; 97:4; 99:1; 104:32; Isa 29:6; Mic 1:3-4; Nah 1:2-6; Hag 2:7, 21).
Psalms 18:7
The LORD Is My Rock
6In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. 7Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. 8Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holiness or "Blessing"
By Art Katz6.2K57:27DiscernmentHolinessPSA 18:7Art Katz emphasizes the critical distinction between holiness and the pursuit of blessings, warning against the dangers of seeking experiences that may dilute the true nature of God. He expresses concern over the church's complacency and the tendency to accept dubious phenomena in the name of blessing, urging believers to seek a genuine relationship with God rather than superficial experiences. Katz calls for a return to the holiness of God, highlighting the need for discernment and a deeper understanding of His nature, which is often lost in the quest for personal benefit. He stresses that true transformation comes from a profound knowledge of God, which requires sacrifice and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about oneself and the church. Ultimately, Katz challenges the church to be a true witness to the world, reflecting the holiness of God that can provoke jealousy among those who do not know Him.
America Revival or Ruin
By E.A. Johnston1.1K28:02Revival1KI 18:202CH 7:14PSA 18:7MAT 18:19LUK 6:39HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of paying attention to God's warnings and judgments. He highlights the severity of God's judgments, such as pestilence, war, and financial collapse, that were sent to the disobedient people in the past. The preacher questions what it will take for America to turn back to God and warns of a potential national calamity. He urges listeners to take their relationship with God seriously and prioritize prayer, Bible study, and eternal matters over worldly pursuits.
Gleanings From Psalms 18 in the Light of Current Revival Phenomena
By Art Katz0Pursuit of GodHoliness Of GodPSA 18:7Art Katz emphasizes the critical need for the church to regain a true sense of God, as depicted in Psalms 18, warning against the dangers of complacency and the trivialization of God's holiness. He argues that the pursuit of knowledge about God should be a lifelong quest, and that the current revival phenomena may distract from this essential pursuit. Katz calls for a separation of the sacred from the profane, urging believers to maintain a holy reverence for God that can genuinely impact others, particularly the Jewish community. He stresses that true faith is rooted in the fear and awe of God, which is often absent in contemporary church life. Ultimately, Katz challenges the church to seek God earnestly and to reflect His holiness in their witness to the world.
The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
By John Wesley0Repentance and FaithDivine JudgmentJOB 9:5PSA 18:7PSA 46:8ISA 10:4ISA 13:11ISA 24:1JER 5:22JOL 2:12NAM 1:5LUK 13:3John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. He recounts historical instances of devastating earthquakes, illustrating God's power and the urgency for individuals to prepare their hearts for His return. Wesley calls for a deep reverence for God, urging listeners to recognize the seriousness of their spiritual state and to turn away from sin. He emphasizes that true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ are essential for salvation, especially in light of the unpredictability of life and the certainty of divine judgment. The sermon concludes with a passionate plea for individuals to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.
Not All Storms Are Bad
By Warren Wiersbe0JOB 37:5PSA 18:7PSA 107:29PSA 147:18ISA 40:31JON 1:4NAM 1:3MAT 8:26JAS 1:17Warren Wiersbe preaches on the powerful imagery in Psalms 18:7-15, illustrating how God works when He comes to the aid of His children. These verses depict God as the Creator and Deliverer who uses nature to assist His people. When in God's will, nature works for the child of God, but when out of His will, everything works against them, as seen in the contrast between David and Jonah's experiences. Wiersbe emphasizes that God can use the storms of life to fulfill His will and bring blessings, encouraging listeners not to fear the storms but to trust in God's sovereignty.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 18:8-10) As these verses go on to describe, the being heard became manifest in the form of deliverance. All nature stands to man in a sympathetic relationship, sharing his curse and blessing, his destruction and glory, and to God is a (so to speak) synergetic relationship, furnishing the harbingers and instruments of His mighty deeds. Accordingly in this instance Jahve's interposition on behalf of David is accompanied by terrible manifestations in nature. Like the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, Ps 68; Ps 77, and the giving of the Law on Sinai, Ex 19, and like the final appearing of Jahve and of Jesus Christ according to the words of prophet and apostle (Hab 3; Th2 1:7.), the appearing of Jahve for the help of David has also extraordinary natural phenomena in its train. It is true we find no express record of any incident in David's life of the kind recorded in Sa1 7:10, but it must be come real experience which David here idealises (i.e., seizes at its very roots, and generalises and works up into a grand majestic picture of his miraculous deliverance). Amidst earthquake, a black thunderstorm gathers, the charging of which is heralded by the lightning's flash, and its thick clouds descend nearer and nearer to the earth. The aorists in Psa 18:8 introduce the event, for the introduction of which, from Psa 18:4 onwards, the way has been prepared and towards which all is directed. The inward excitement of the Judge, who appears to His servant for his deliverance, sets the earth in violent oscillation. The foundations of the mountains (Isa 24:18) are that upon which they are supported beneath and within, as it were, the pillars which support the vast mass. געשׁ (rhyming with רעשׁ) is followed by the Hithpa. of the same verb: the first impulse having been given they, viz., the earth and the pillars of the mountains, continue to shake of themselves. These convulsions occur, because "it is kindled with respect to God;" it is unnecessary to supply אפּו, חרה לו is a synonym of חם לו. When God is wrath, according to Old Testament conception, the power of wrath which is present in Him is kindled and blazes up and breaks forth. The panting of rage may accordingly also be called the smoke of the fire of wrath (Psa 74:1; Psa 80:5). The smoking is as the breathing out of the fire, and the vehement hot breath which is inhaled and exhaled through the nose of one who is angry (cf. Job 41:12), is like smoke rising from the internal fire of anger. The fire of anger itself "devours out of the mouth," i.e., flames forth out of the mouth, consuming whatever it lays hold of-in men in the form of angry words, with God in the fiery forces of nature, which are of a like kind with, and subservient to, His anger, and more especially in the lightning's flash. It is the lightning chiefly, that is compared here to the blazing up of burning coals. The power of wrath in God, becoming manifest in action, breaks forth into a glow, and before it entirely discharges its fire, it gives warning of action like the lightning's flash heralding the outburst of the storm. Thus enraged and breathing forth His wrath, Jahve bowed the heavens, i.e., caused them to bend towards the earth, and came down, and darkness of clouds (ערפל similar in meaning to ὄρφνη, cf. ἔρεβος) was under His feet: black, low-hanging clouds announced the coming of Him who in His wrath was already on His way downwards towards the earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's coming described in figures drawn from His appearance on Sinai (compare Deu 32:22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils,.... This, with what follows, describes a storm of thunder; the "smoke" designs thick black clouds, gathered together; "fire" intends lightning; and "coals of fire", hot thunderbolts; and the whole is borrowed from, and is an allusion to what was at the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, Exo 19:16; The majesty of God is here set forth in much such language as is the leviathan in Job 41:19; the "smoke of his nostrils" seems to intend the indignation of God against the enemies of David, of Christ, and of his people, and the punishment be will inflict upon them, Isa 65:5. The Targum interprets it of the pride and insolence of Pharaoh; and fire out of his mouth devoured; God is a wall of fire round about his people, and a consuming one to his and their enemies. This expresses the wrath of God upon the Jewish nation, and his sending the Roman armies to burn their city, Mat 22:7; coals were kindled by it; the Jews being as dry trees, were fit fuel for the fire of divine wrath, and so presently became as coals of fire; so the antichristian party, upon the pouring out of the fourth vial, will be scorched with heat, and blaspheme the name of God, Rev 16:8.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:7-15 The psalmist depicts the Lord’s descent from heaven to earth with phenomena such as earthquakes, flames, smoke, darkness, and rain. Creation shudders at God’s marvelous coming as the Divine Warrior (see 97:2-5) and Judge (see 50:1-6). 18:7 The destabilization of the whole earth will be a means of God’s judgment (77:17-18; 96:9; 97:4; 99:1; 104:32; Isa 29:6; Mic 1:3-4; Nah 1:2-6; Hag 2:7, 21).