This verse vividly portrays God as being very angry. 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 David 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. Some understand from him in line c to be “from it” and translate “and coals were kindled at it” (New Jerusalem Bible). Some languages make no distinction between nose and nostrils.

The nouns smoke, fire, and coals do not perform the events themselves. Rather, Yahweh performs actions upon them. 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 Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .