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 (). "The cloud of the Lord was upon (i:e., over) them by day, when they went out of the camp." The cloud afforded a grateful shade over the congregation against the sun. Compare, spiritually and metaphorically, Isaiah 4:5, AND FIRE TO GIVE LIGHT IN THE NIGHT - (; ; ;...

39._He spread out a cloud for a covering _The Psalmist enumerates certain miracles by which God continued his grace towards his people in the wilderness. This order is worthy of notice; for it was no small confirmation which was added to that incomparable work of redemption, when God ceased not to show himself the guide of their journey. Accordingly, after they had passed through the Red Sea, he spread a cloud over them by day to protect them from the heat of the sun; and during the night, he gave them light by a pillar of fire, that even in the midst of the darkness they might have a bright token of his presence. This continued display of his goodness was surely an unquestionable proof of his perpetual love, an open demonstration that he had adopted the children of Abraham, to foster them under his protection even to the end. What follows concerning _quails, _is introduced for a differe...

24-45 As the believer commonly thrives best in his soul when under the cross; so the church also flourishes most in true holiness, and increases in number, while under persecution. Yet instruments shall be raised up for their deliverance, and plagues may be expected by persecutors. And see the special care God took of his people in the wilderness. All the benefits bestowed on Israel as a nation, were shadows of spiritual blessings with which we are blessed in Christ Jesus. Having redeemed us with his blood, restored our souls to holiness, and set us at liberty from Satan's bondage, he guides and guards us all the way. He satisfies our souls with the bread of heaven, and the water of life from the Rock of salvation, and will bring us safely to heaven. He redeems his servants from all iniquity, and purifies them unto himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works...

HE SPREAD A CLOUD FOR A COVERING - See the notes at Psalms 78:14. In Numbers 10:34; it is said that “the cloud of the Lord was upon them by day,” and from this seems to have been derived the idea of its “covering” them, as if it were a protection from the heat in the desert....

EXPOSITION This is sometimes called a "Hallelujah psalm," since it ends with that phrase. It is a song of praise to God for his dealings with his people, resembling in its general character Psalms 78:1. The opening passage is nearly identical with 1 Chronicles 16:8, and is thought to have been the original from which that passage was taken (Hengstenberg, Cheyne). The first six verse are an exhortation to praise, and constitute the "introduction." The remainder is an account of God's mercies to Israel as a nation, traced historically from the time of the covenant with Abraham to the occupation of the land of Canaan. The "introduction" forms a strophe by itself. It is usual to divide the historical portion into strophes; but this can only be done arbitrarily, there being no r

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, though that seems to have been in an erect posture, and to go before the children of Israel to direct them in their journey, and not a covering to them. Kimchi says it was a covering to them when they rested, but not when they journeyed: but when they rested it only covered the tabernacle, not the people, for anything we read of it, Numbers 9:21, it looks as if there were more clouds than one, and indeed the Jews speak of many, and particularly make mention e of one that was over the heads of the Israelites, that the heat of the sun, and the hail and rain, might not have power over them; and of such use this cloud was,

Psalms 105 AND 106 The Memories of the Past The last two Psalms of this fourth section review the entire history of Israel up to the time of the judges. It is the story of God's faithfulness and mercy, and the story of their shameful failure and apostasy. He is ever mindful of His covenant, and that covenant is mentioned first, as the foundation of all. Then how He watched over them. The story of Joseph is mentioned, followed by the rehearsal of the deliverance out of Egypt. Psalms 106:1 is couched in words of confession, showing their failure all the way, sinning, forgetting, lusting, unbelieving and disobedient. Only infinite mercy and grace could save such a people. Prophetically these Psalms express the repentance and national confession of Israel, when the Lord has saved them. Then with a new

CV. HEBREW HISTORY FROM ABRAHAM TO JOSHUA. Psalms 105:1. Introductory. An invitation to praise God. Psalms 105:7. The covenant and promise of Canaan. Psalms 105:12. Yahweh's kindness to the Patriarchs. PSALMS 105:12. NUMBER: read perhaps, Canaan. Psalms 105:14. kings: notably Pharaoh and Abimelech of Gerar. Psalms 105:15. mine anointed ones, _i.e._ the Patriarchs who were gr

PSALMS 105 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE A Hymn of Praise to Jehovah for Giving Israel a Covenant Land in which to Observe His Law. ANALYSIS The Main Design of this Psalm is clearly to Endear the Land to the People for whom it was designed, that therein they should Observe Jehovah's Law. To attain this end the History of their First Fathers is traced as Circling Round this Land, and then the Steps are Traced by which the Nation was Brought Into the Land to Dwell There. (P.R.I.) Praise ye Yah![404] [404] That is, Public Reader's Invitation. There can hardly be a doubt, says Ginsburg, that this [a sentence and not a mere single word] exhibits the primitive reading. Ginsburg further expresses the confident conclusion that the phrase was originally the prelector's [the public reader'S] invitation to the worshipers to join in the public responses.Gn. Intro., pp. 375-81. H

This Ps. and the following one form a closely connected pair, and may be looked on as by the same author. From the closing vv. of Psalms 106 it appears that they were written after the first return from exile had taken place, but while many Israelites were still scattered among the heathen. Both Pss. are partly wrought into the composite poem in 1 Chronicles 16; Psalms 105 is a song of thanksgiving, recalling with gratitude God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Psalms 105:8), His guidance of Israel into Egypt, with special reference to the history of Joseph ...