King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
So it was alway: the cloud covered it [by day], and the appearance of fire by night.
Complete Jewish Bible:
So the cloud always covered it, and it looked like fire at night.
Berean Standard Bible:
It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.
American Standard Version:
So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
So it was alway{H8548}: the cloud{H6051} covered{H3680} it by day, and the appearance{H4758} of fire{H784} by night{H3915}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Nehemiah 9:12
- Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
Numbers 9:18
- At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
Numbers 9:22
- Or [whether it were] two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
2 Corinthians 5:19
- To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Revelation 21:3
- And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.
Psalms 78:14
- In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.
Exodus 13:21
- And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
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Commentary for Numbers 9:16
Numbers 9:16 is a verse set within the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The verse is part of a larger narrative describing how God led His people through the desert to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the theme revolves around the divine guidance and presence of God with the Israelites.
The historical context is the period following the establishment of the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God among His people. The cloud and the fire are symbols of God's presence: the cloud shielded the Israelites from the intense desert sun during the day, while the fire provided warmth and light during the cold desert nights. These were not ordinary natural phenomena; they were miraculous signs from God, ensuring the people that He was with them and guiding their every step.
The verse emphasizes the consistency and reliability of God's presence and guidance. It was always the case—whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people would set out on their journey, and whenever it settled, they would camp. This divine guidance was unwavering, and the Israelites depended on it for their daily life and travel, trusting in God's provision and direction as they navigated the challenges of the wilderness.
In summary, Numbers 9:16 encapsulates the themes of God's faithful presence, His guidance in the daily lives of the Israelites, and the assurance that He is with His people, leading them through the vicissitudes of life. This verse serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers, reminding them of God's enduring presence and guidance in their lives, regardless of the circumstances they face.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8548
There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּמִיד
Transliteration: tâmîyd
Pronunciation: taw-meed'
Description: from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); ellipt. the regular (daily) sacrifice; alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. - Strong's Number: H6051
There are 80 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָנָן
Transliteration: ʻânân
Pronunciation: aw-nawn'
Description: from עָנַן; a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud; cloud(-y). - Strong's Number: H3680
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּסָה
Transliteration: kâçâh
Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה. - Strong's Number: H4758
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַרְאֶה
Transliteration: marʼeh
Pronunciation: mar-eh'
Description: from רָאָה; a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks), or (mental) a vision; [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. - Strong's Number: H784
There are 549 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵשׁ
Transliteration: ʼêsh
Pronunciation: aysh
Description: a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. - Strong's Number: H3915
There are 223 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לַיִל
Transliteration: layil
Pronunciation: lah'-yil
Description: or (Isaiah 21:11) לֵיל; also לַיְלָה; from the same as לוּל; properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity; (mid-)night (season).