Psalms 104:2

KJV

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who coverest {H5844} thyself with light {H216} as with a garment {H8008}: who stretchest out {H5186} the heavens {H8064} like a curtain {H3407}:

Complete Jewish Bible

wrapped in light as with a robe. You spread out the heavens like a curtain,

Berean Standard Bible

He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,

American Standard Version

Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment; Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 104:2 presents a breathtaking vision of God's majestic glory and omnipotent creative power, depicting Him as the transcendent architect of the cosmos. This verse, serving as an opening declaration in a grand hymn of creation, vividly portrays the divine attributes revealed through the very fabric of the universe, emphasizing God's inherent radiance and effortless control over all things.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 104 is a magnificent hymn of praise, often described as a poetic retelling of the creation narrative found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"). Unlike Genesis, which presents a chronological account, Psalm 104 offers a worshipful meditation on God's ongoing work as Creator and Sustainer. Verse 2 immediately follows the opening declaration of God's greatness and majesty (verse 1), setting the stage for the detailed exploration of His creative acts that follow. The psalm progresses from the heavens (vv. 2-4) to the earth and its foundations (vv. 5-9), water sources (vv. 10-13), vegetation (vv. 14-18), celestial bodies (vv. 19-23), and finally, the sea and its creatures (vv. 24-26), culminating in a reflection on God's providential care for all living things (vv. 27-30) and a concluding doxology (vv. 31-35). Verse 2, therefore, establishes the cosmic scale of God's glory before the psalm delves into the specifics of His creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Psalm 104:2 draws from ancient Near Eastern understanding of the cosmos while elevating the God of Israel far above any pagan deities. The concept of a deity "covering" themselves with light resonates with the idea of divine radiance, a common motif, but here it emphasizes God's intrinsic and unapproachable glory, not merely an emanation. The "stretching out the heavens like a curtain" evokes the familiar experience of pitching a tent or unfurling a canopy. In ancient Israel, tents were common dwellings, and the act of spreading a curtain or tent fabric was an everyday occurrence. Applying this domestic image to the vastness of the heavens underscores God's effortless power and sovereignty over the cosmic dome, contrasting with the laborious creation myths of surrounding cultures. This imagery also subtly points to the heavens as a divine dwelling or a protective canopy over creation, a theme found in other biblical texts like [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Stretches Out the Heavens").
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate Psalm 104 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Radiance and Glory**, portraying God as inherently light and glorious, not merely possessing these attributes but being their very source. This aligns with New Testament declarations such as [1 John 1:5](/1_john/1-5 "1 John 1:5 - God is Light") which states, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." Secondly, it powerfully conveys God's **Sovereign Creator** status, depicting Him as the ultimate architect who effortlessly brings the vast cosmos into being. The image of stretching out the heavens like a curtain emphasizes His omnipotence and intentionality, contrasting with any notion of accidental or struggling creation. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Transcendence and Immanence**. While God is depicted as transcendent, dwelling in unapproachable light, the very act of "stretching out" implies His active engagement and intimate involvement in shaping the world, preparing it for life and sustaining it, a theme beautifully developed throughout the rest of the psalm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coverest (Hebrew, _labash'_):** This verb means "to put on," "to clothe oneself," or "to be clothed." When applied to God, it signifies an inherent attribute rather than an acquired one. God doesn't merely wear light; He is intrinsically clothed in it, suggesting that light is an essential part of His being and glory. It speaks to His self-existent radiance and majesty.
* **Light (Hebrew, _'or'_):** This refers to fundamental, essential light, the very first element God created (cf. [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Creates Light")). In this context, it is not merely physical illumination but symbolizes God's purity, truth, holiness, and divine presence. God's glory is so intense that it is depicted as a garment of light, making Him unapproachable in His unadulterated brilliance.
* **Stretchest out (Hebrew, _natah'_):** This verb means "to stretch," "to spread out," "to extend." It is frequently used in the Old Testament for pitching a tent, spreading a cloth, or extending a hand. Its application here to the heavens emphasizes the ease, deliberateness, and immense power with which God fashioned the vast celestial expanse. It suggests an effortless, masterful act of cosmic engineering, not a struggle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment":** This clause presents a striking simile, comparing God's inherent glory to a radiant garment. It conveys God's unapproachable majesty and brilliance. The light is not an external accessory but an intrinsic part of His being, symbolizing His purity, holiness, and self-existent glory. This imagery underscores God's transcendent nature, His being utterly distinct and superior to all creation, veiled in a splendor that no human can fully comprehend or withstand.
* **"who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain":** This second clause employs another powerful simile, depicting God's effortless power in creating the vast expanse of the heavens. The image of a "curtain" (or tent fabric) suggests a simple, deliberate act of unfurling or spreading, emphasizing God's omnipotence and the ease with which He established the cosmic dome. It portrays the heavens not as a chaotic void but as a divinely ordered canopy, a testament to His masterful design and control over the universe. This imagery also hints at the heavens as God's dwelling place or a grand tent spread out for His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 104:2 is rich in **Simile**, using "as [with] a garment" and "like a curtain" to draw comparisons that make God's transcendent actions relatable. These similes allow the psalmist to describe the indescribable: God's inherent glory and His effortless creation of the cosmos. The verse also employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (covering oneself, stretching out) to God, not to limit Him but to help human understanding grasp His immense power and personal involvement in creation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for God's ultimate sovereignty and majesty, portraying Him as the cosmic tailor and architect, effortlessly adorning Himself with light and unfurling the heavens. The imagery creates a vivid, awe-inspiring picture of divine power and splendor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly establishes God's ultimate sovereignty and inherent glory as the Creator. It asserts that God is not merely powerful, but His very essence is light and splendor, from which all creation emanates. The effortless act of "stretching out the heavens" speaks to His absolute control and intentionality in cosmic design, emphasizing that the universe is not a product of chance but of divine will and wisdom. This understanding fosters a deep sense of awe and worship, reminding humanity of their place before an infinitely majestic God who sustains all things.

* [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Stretches Out the Heavens")
* [Job 9:8](/job/9-8 "Job 9:8 - God Alone Stretches Out the Heavens")
* [1 Timothy 6:16](/1_timothy/6-16 "1 Timothy 6:16 - God Dwells in Unapproachable Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 104:2 calls us to a profound posture of worship and wonder before our Creator. When we look up at the vastness of the night sky, or simply consider the miracle of light itself, this verse reminds us that we are beholding the handiwork of a God whose glory is so immense that He is clothed in light, and whose power is so effortless that He unfurled the heavens like a simple curtain. This perspective should humble us, reminding us of our smallness yet also of the incredible privilege of being known by such a magnificent Being. It invites us to trust in His providential care, knowing that the God who orchestrates galaxies is intimately involved in the details of our lives. This verse encourages us to live with a heightened sense of awe, gratitude, and reverence, allowing the majesty of God's creation to continually draw us into deeper worship and reliance upon Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God being "covered with light as a garment" impact your understanding of His holiness and majesty?**
* **What does the phrase "stretchest out the heavens like a curtain" reveal about God's power and the nature of His creative act?**
* **In what ways can reflecting on God's cosmic power in creation deepen your trust in His ability to handle the challenges in your personal life?**
* **How might a daily awareness of God as the glorious Creator shape your perspective on the world and your place within it?**

### FAQ

**Q: What does it mean that God "covers Himself with light as a garment"?**

Answer: This vivid imagery signifies God's inherent, unapproachable glory and brilliance. It's a poetic way of saying that light is not something God acquires or puts on externally, but rather it is an intrinsic part of His very being and essence. Just as a garment is inseparable from the one wearing it, so too is light inseparable from God. It symbolizes His purity, holiness, truth, and self-existent radiance, making Him utterly distinct and transcendent from His creation. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as [1 Timothy 6:16](/1_timothy/6-16 "1 Timothy 6:16 - God Dwells in Unapproachable Light"), which speaks of God dwelling in "unapproachable light."

**Q: How does the "curtain" imagery for the heavens relate to ancient understanding or other biblical texts?**

Answer: The imagery of God stretching out the heavens "like a curtain" or a tent fabric draws from the common ancient Near Eastern experience of pitching tents or spreading canopies. It emphasizes the ease and deliberateness with which God, as the divine architect, established the vast cosmic dome. This is not a struggle but an effortless, majestic act. In biblical thought, the heavens are often depicted as a "tent" or "tabernacle" spread out by God, serving as His dwelling place or a protective canopy over the earth. This idea is also found in [Isaiah 40:22](/isaiah/40-22 "Isaiah 40:22 - God Stretches Out the Heavens"), where it says, "He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." It underscores God's omnipotence and His meticulous design of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 104:2 directly extols the Creator God of the Old Testament, its profound imagery of divine light and cosmic creation finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who is the visible manifestation of the invisible God and the agent through whom all things were made. The "light" with which God is clothed in this psalm foreshadows Jesus, who is declared to be the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")) and the "true light that gives light to everyone" ([John 1:9](/john/1-9 "John 1:9 - Jesus, the True Light")). Furthermore, the One "who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain" is revealed in the New Testament to be none other than Christ Himself. [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ, Creator of All Things") explicitly states, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him." Similarly, [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Created the Universe Through His Son") declares that God "appointed him heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." Thus, the majestic power and glory celebrated in Psalm 104:2 are perfectly embodied and revealed in Jesus, the Word who was with God and was God, and through whom all things came into being ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God and Creator")). He is the divine architect and the radiant glory made manifest in human flesh.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:22

[It is] he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof [are] as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:

Isaiah 45:12

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Daniel 7:9

¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

1 John 1:5

¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Zechariah 12:1

¶ The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

1 Timothy 6:16

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.