What is the context?
The prayer asks that harmful speech return upon those surrounding the speaker. Fire, coals, and pits give the requested judgment a severe form.
The conclusion then affirms God’s defense of the poor and needy. Thanksgiving and dwelling in His presence become the righteous person’s hope.
The closing focus is justice before God. It does not issue a private order to inflict the fiery punishment the speaker asks Him to bring.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley reads the coals through divine vengeance and dwelling through continued enjoyment of God’s presence. His reading entrusts the result to God rather than supplying a technique for harming opponents.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.
Where can I study this further?
No deeper study linked yet.