Psalms 18:10

Authorized King James Version

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּרְכַּ֣ב

H7392

And he rode

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּ֭רוּב

H3742

upon a cherub

a cherub or imaginary figure

וַיָּעֹ֑ף

H5774

and did fly

to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

וַ֝יֵּ֗דֶא

H1675

yea he did fly

to dart, i.e., fly rapidly

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כַּנְפֵי

H3671

upon the wings

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

רֽוּחַ׃

H7307

of the wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?