Why does it mention Za'am, Af and Chemah?
Malbim: Chemah is inner anger that burns in the heart. When it is revealed outside it is called Af ? then He decrees punishment. The curse itself and punishment are called Za'am. Who can stand in front of His Za'am, or even His Af, before the punishment comes, or even His Chemah ? even though it did not come out yet.
What is the meaning of "[Chamaso] Nitechah [cha'Esh]"?
Rashi: It reached the ground, like "u'Matar Lo Nitach Artzah" (Shemos 9:33).
Radak #1: It melted. Fire itself does not melt ? it melts other things! Rather, His anger is melted on His enemies like something that fire melted. Targum Yonasan is like this.
Radak #2: The fire of lightning. It runs from above to below and reaches the ground in a moment ? "ka'Berakim Yerotzetzu" (2:5). This is a Mashal for Hashem's anger descending on His enemies ? "va'Yishlach Chitzim va'Yfitzem Barak va'Yahom" (Shmuel II, 22:15).
Radak #3: It is as if it says Chamaso cha'Esh Nitechah ? His anger, which is like fire, melted on His enemies.
Malbim: The verse depicts that His Chemah is a burning fire contained in the mountains; it consumes until the depth.
What broke the rocks?
Rashi: Fear of Him.
Radak #1: His anger.
Radak #2: This is a Mashal [as if His anger broke them].
Malbim: There are sulfur and other flammable things in the ground. Fire causes the land to expel them, to the point that even the strong rocks shatter and spew dust to doubt all around them.
