# his fire burned against Jacob The writer speaks of Yahweh's anger as if it were a fire, and of Yahweh acting in anger against Jacob as if that fire burned Jacob. Alternate translation: "his anger was like a fire that burned Jacob" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) # Jacob This refers to the nation of Israel # his anger attacked Israel The writer speaks of Yahweh punishing Israel when he was angry as if his anger were a person who attacked Israel. Alternate translation: "because he was angry, he attacked Israel" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])