Psalm 18:12-13 and Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

“From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, hailstones and coals of fire. The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered His voice. Hailstones and coals of fire.” Psalm 18:12-13

Coals of Fire and Biblical Imagery

The Bible’s Old Testament psalms and prophecies often use very vivid imagery to describe God. In this passage brightness describes God’s holiness and glory. Thick clouds describe His mystery. God remains mysterious to us because He posses infinite knowledge and we cannot understand His ways.

Hailstones and coals of fire (used twice in this passage for emphasis) tell us of His wrath and judgment. Finally, the phrase the Most High gives the imagery of mountains and tells us there is no one stronger or greater than God.

Read about the greatness of God in Psalm 18.