Literally, the second line reads, Why does thy nose smoke… which is an expression similar to what Moses and the prophets said when they were in awe of God’s wrath. Such anthropomorphism (using human characteristics for God) referring to God are common in the Old Testament. Asaph saw that Yahweh was fuming with anger.

Asaph used the first-person plural because he did not pretend to be a neutral observer but humbly included himself in solidarity with Israel and its guilt. He knew that he and all of Israel deserved God’s judgment.

When Asaph asks, Why does your anger smoke? he is not asking for an explanation, because he knew the reason. The question shows his astonishment and confusion. He was wondering if God could continue to be so wrathful against his sheep forever. When Asaph speaks about forever, he is not only thinking about the Babylonian exile but also about the preceding difficult times for Israel, a period of seemingly endless rejection by God.

The psalmist reminded God that Israel was his chosen flock, a pleading reminder similar to those in other Asaphite psalms such as Psalm 77:20; Psalm 79:13; Psalm 80:1. This also shows how helpless the sheep are.