Psalms 18:12
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Original Language Analysis
נֶ֫גְדּ֥וֹ
H5048
נֶ֫גְדּ֥וֹ
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
2 of 7
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
עָבָ֥יו
that was before him his thick clouds
H5645
עָבָ֥יו
that was before him his thick clouds
Strong's:
H5645
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse
עָבְר֑וּ
passed
H5674
עָבְר֑וּ
passed
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 7
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Joshua 10:11And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.Revelation 16:21And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Matthew 17:2And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Historical Context
References the Exodus plagues where God used natural phenomena as weapons against Egypt, establishing precedent for divine warrior imagery.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see God's hand in natural events?
- What does God's use of creation teach about His sovereignty?
Analysis & Commentary
From the brightness before God, clouds broke through with hail and coals of fire. The Hebrew 'nogah' (brightness) contrasts with previous darkness, suggesting God's glory breaking through. Hail and fire recall the Egyptian plagues (Exodus 9:24). This theophany uses storm imagery to portray God's powerful intervention. Reformed theology sees God using creation as His arsenal to deliver His people and judge enemies.