Psalms 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
Original Language Analysis
עָנָ֣ן
a cloud
H6051
עָנָ֣ן
a cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
2 of 6
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.Isaiah 4:5And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.Psalms 78:14In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.Nehemiah 9:19Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.Exodus 14:24And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
Historical Context
The pillars of cloud and fire guided Israel for 40 years through the wilderness. Their physical presence reminded Israel of God's covenant faithfulness. When the cloud moved, the people moved; when it settled, they camped (Exodus 40:36-38). This taught dependence on God's timing rather than human planning. The Shekinah glory that filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and later the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11) was the same presence that guided them through the wilderness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's visible guidance in the wilderness teach us about trusting His providence today?
- What does the dual provision of cloud (cooling) and fire (light) reveal about God's comprehensive care?
- In what ways does the Holy Spirit serve as our 'pillar of cloud and fire' in the Christian life?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse transitions from exodus to wilderness wandering, describing God's guidance. The 'cloud' refers to the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). 'Spread' (paras, פָּרַשׂ) means to spread out like a covering or screen, emphasizing protection from the desert sun. The fire provided light for nighttime travel and protection from predators. These pillars manifested God's presence (Shekinah glory) and demonstrated His continuous guidance. The cloud and fire prefigure Christ as the Light of the world (John 8:12) and the Spirit's guidance of believers (Romans 8:14). God's visible presence assured Israel they were not abandoned.