When the flame began to arise up. — Rather, when the column (of smoke), as in Judges 20:38.
The flame of the city. — Literally, the whole of the city — i.e., the universal conflagration — a very powerful expression. (LXX., συντέλεια τῆς πόλεως.)
Related Commentaries of Judges 20:40
Judges 20:40
40 But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.