Psalms 105:39
Psalms 105:39 in Multiple Translations
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night.
A cloud was stretched over them for a cover; and he sent fire to give light in the night.
He spread a cloud above them as a covering, and at night a fire to give them light.
He spred a cloude to be a couering, and fire to giue light in the night.
He hath spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to enlighten the night.
He spread a cloud for a covering, fire to give light in the night.
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
And was defiled with their works: and they went aside after their own inventions.
Then Yahweh spread a cloud to cover the Israelis; and at night it became a big fire in the sky to give them light.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 105:39
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 105:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פָּרַ֣שׂ
עָנָ֣ן
לְ/מָסָ֑ךְ
וְ֝/אֵ֗שׁ
לְ/הָאִ֥יר
לָֽיְלָה
פָּרַ֣שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָנָ֣ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
לְ/מָסָ֑ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
covering
Prep | N-ms
וְ֝/אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Conj | N-cs
לְ/הָאִ֥יר
ʼôwr
H215
to light
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 105:39
פָּרַ֣שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
עָנָ֣ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
לְ/מָסָ֑ךְ
mâçâk
H4539
"covering"
Prep | N-ms
This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.
Definition: 1) covering, rag, screen 1a) covering 1b) screen (of the tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covering, curtain, hanging. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 40:8; Psalms 105:39.
וְ֝/אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Conj | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לְ/הָאִ֥יר
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 105:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 105:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:39
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 105:39
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
- Sermons on Psalms 105:39
Context — Tell of His Wonders
37He brought Israel out with silver and gold, and none among His tribes stumbled.
38Egypt was glad when they departed, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.
39He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.
40They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:12 | You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:14 | He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night. |
| 3 | Isaiah 4:5 | Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, |
| 4 | Exodus 13:21–22 | And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 9:19 | You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go. |
| 6 | Exodus 14:24 | At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. |
| 7 | Numbers 9:15–22 | On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire. Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped. Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites kept the LORD’s charge and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command. Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out. Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle; but when it was lifted, they would set out. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 10:1–2 | I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. |
Psalms 105:39 Summary
Psalms 105:39 tells us that God spread a cloud to cover and protect the Israelites, and He provided a fire to light up the night. This shows us that God cares about every aspect of our lives, from our physical needs to our emotional and spiritual well-being (as seen in Matthew 6:26 where Jesus teaches that God feeds the birds). Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God will provide for us and guide us, even in the darkest times. By looking to Him and trusting in His goodness, we can find comfort and peace, just as David did in Psalms 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cloud in Psalms 105:39?
The cloud served as a covering for the Israelites, providing them with protection and shade from the harsh desert conditions, as seen in Exodus 13:21 where God led them with a pillar of cloud by day.
Why did God provide a fire to light up the night?
The fire gave the Israelites light and warmth during the night, symbolizing God's presence and guidance, much like the burning bush in Exodus 3:2 that drew Moses to God's revelation.
How does this verse relate to God's overall care for His people?
This verse demonstrates God's provision and care for His people, as He not only delivered them from slavery but also continued to sustain and guide them in the wilderness, as promised in Deuteronomy 1:31 where He carried them as a father carries his son.
What can we learn from God's use of natural elements to care for the Israelites?
We can learn that God is capable of using any means necessary to provide for and protect His people, whether through natural elements like clouds and fire or through other circumstances, as seen in Psalms 23:4 where David trusted in God's rod and staff to comfort him.
Reflection Questions
- How have you experienced God's provision and care in your own life, and how can you trust Him more fully in times of need?
- What are some ways you feel God is guiding and leading you, even in the darkest or most uncertain times?
- How can you apply the principle of God's presence and guidance in your daily life, looking to Him for direction and comfort?
- In what ways can you be more mindful of God's constant care and provision, even when circumstances seem difficult or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering,.... That is, the Lord spread one over their heads as an "umbrella", to protect them from the heat of the sun; this refers to the pillar of cloud, Exodus 13:20,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. He spread a cloud for a covering - or protection during their marches. While they were encamped, the cloud rested over the tabernacle (Numbers 10:34).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
For a covering, to protect them from the heat of the sun, which in that hot and open country had otherwise been intolerable to them, especially in so long a journey.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
Psalms 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.Ver. 39. He spread a cloud] It must needs be a very large one that could cover such an army from the extraordinary heats there; for the deserts of Arabia are extreme hot, both by reason of the climate and also of the sand’ s reflecting the sunbeams. So still upon all the glory (the Church) shall be a covering, Isaiah 4:5. And fire to give light, &c.] A fiery pillar against the error, terror, and danger of the darkness. See Nehemiah 9:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
(39) Cloud.—As in Isaiah 4:5. The reason assigned for the cloud in the historical books is lost sight of. Instead of a pillar marking the line of march, or as a protection against the pursuing foe, it is a canopy for protection from the sun. Sir Walter Scott expresses the same idea in Rebecca’s hymn.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 105:39
39. Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19-20. But here the cloud is regarded as a canopy to shelter them from the burning rays of the sun in the desert, rather than as a protection from the Egyptians. Cp. Isaiah 4:5-6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering - See the notes at Psalms 78:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 105:39
39. He spread a cloud for a covering—The “cloud” was for a screen from the sun’s heat by day, and for a light by night, and to indicate the times and directions of their marches.
Sermons on Psalms 105:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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Stand in the Holy Place by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing in the holy place, which involves obedience to God, turning away from sin, and being yielded to His will. It calls for courage to |
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The Pillar by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the journey of the children of Israel through the desert, guided by the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, symbolizing Christ's constant guidance in ou |
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You Are Mine! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that believers are cherished by God, who created, redeemed, and called them by name. He highlights that each individual is precious in G |
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(I) the Gospel of God's Great Love - Part 11 (You Must Be Born Again) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the tripartite nature of man, explaining how man is a spirit living in a body, making him a living soul. The primary problem of man is being born spirit |
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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Either Pentecost or Holocaust by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of God leading the children of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He |