Psalms 99:7
He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
Original Language Analysis
בְּעַמּ֣וּד
pillar
H5982
בְּעַמּ֣וּד
pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
1 of 9
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
עָ֭נָן
unto them in the cloudy
H6051
עָ֭נָן
unto them in the cloudy
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
2 of 9
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
He spake
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֣ר
He spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
שָׁמְר֥וּ
they kept
H8104
שָׁמְר֥וּ
they kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְחֹ֣ק
and the ordinance
H2706
וְחֹ֣ק
and the ordinance
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
7 of 9
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
Exodus 33:9And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.Numbers 12:5And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Historical Context
The pillar of cloud guided Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22), serving as visible manifestation of God's guiding presence and authoritative voice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's guidance in your life without visible pillars of cloud?
- What 'testimonies' and 'ordinances' is God calling you to keep in faithful obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God speaking 'in the cloudy pillar' recalls the wilderness wanderings when God's presence led Israel. The cloud represents both God's presence and His mystery—He reveals Himself while remaining partially veiled. 'They kept his testimonies' (shamru) indicates obedience as the proper response to revelation. The ordinance (choq—decree, statute) God gave represents the Torah. This verse establishes the pattern: God reveals, people obey. The relationship between divine speech and human obedience is foundational to covenant faith.