Psalms 105:39

“He spread a cloud for a covering, etc.] 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, (<021320>Exodus 13:20,21), 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, (<040921>Numbers 9:21,22), it looks as if there were more clouds than one, and indeed the Jews speak of many, and particularly make mention f1512 of one…”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Covering - To protect them from the heat of the sun. Psalms 105:40”

“105:39 The Lord’s presence was as evident to all as a fire in the darkness (Exod 13:22).”

“spread: Psa 78:14; Exo 13:21, Exo 13:22, Exo 14:24; Num 9:15-22; Neh 9:12, Neh 9:19; Isa 4:5; Co1 10:1, Co1 10:2 Psalms 105:40”

“Now follows the miraculous guidance through the desert to the taking possession of Canaan. The fact that the cloud (ענן, root ען, to meet, to present itself to view, whence the Arabic ‛ănăn, the visible outward side of the vault of heaven) by day, and becoming like fire by night, was their guide ( Exo 13:21), is left out of consideration in Psa 105:39. With למסך we are not to associate the idea of a covering against foes, Exo 14:19., but of a covering from the smiting sun, for פּרשׁ ( Exo 40:19), as in Isa 4:5., points to the idea of a canopy. In connection with the sending of the quails the tempting character of the desire is only momentarily dwelt upon, the greater emphasis is laid on…”