Psalms 18:12

At the brightness [that was] before him his thick clouds passed, hail [stones] and coals of fire.

At the brightness {H5051} that was before him his thick clouds {H5645} passed {H5674}, hail {H1259} stones and coals {H1513} of fire {H784}.

From the brightness before him, there broke through his thick clouds hailstones and fiery coals.

From the brightness of His presence His clouds advancedโ€” hailstones and coals of fire.

At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, Hailstones and coals of fire.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 18 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving and praise, attributed to David. It is a triumphant song offered to the Lord after God delivered him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul. This psalm is also found, with minor variations, in 2 Samuel 22. Verses 7-15 vividly describe a magnificent theophany โ€“ a dramatic manifestation of God's presence โ€“ where the earth shakes, smoke rises, and natural elements respond to His majestic arrival to rescue David. Verse 12 specifically continues this depiction, focusing on the effect of God's radiant presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The verse emphasizes God's active and powerful involvement in human affairs, particularly in delivering His faithful servant.
  • God's Majestic Power: The imagery of "brightness," "thick clouds passing," and "hail stones and coals of fire" portrays God as an omnipotent ruler of creation, capable of commanding the elements.
  • Theophany and Awe: This description evokes a sense of awe and reverence for God's overwhelming glory and might. His presence is so brilliant that it disperses even the densest clouds.
  • Judgment and Protection: While terrifying to enemies, these elements (hail, fire) serve as instruments of divine judgment that clear the way for David's deliverance, signifying God's protective hand over the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses vivid imagery to convey God's appearance:

  • "Brightness": The Hebrew word here is nogah (ื ึนื’ึทื”ึผ), which means "radiance," "splendor," or "shining light." It signifies the intense, glorious light emanating from God's presence, so powerful it dispels darkness and clouds.
  • "Thick clouds passed": The Hebrew `ab (ืขึธื‘) refers to dense, dark storm clouds. The idea of them "passing" or being "dispersed" by God's brightness suggests His glory is so immense that it cannot be contained or obscured, even by the very elements He uses for His descent.
  • "Hail stones and coals of fire": These are literal elements, but in this context, they symbolize the destructive power and instruments of divine wrath or judgment. Such imagery is often associated with God's powerful interventions and judgments, as seen in the plague of hail and fire in Exodus 9 or in prophetic visions of God's coming.

Reflection and Application

Psalm 18:12 reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty and power. For those who trust in Him, this powerful imagery offers profound comfort: no situation is too dark or overwhelming for God to penetrate with His light and might. His presence dispels confusion ("thick clouds") and brings about justice, even through seemingly destructive means ("hail stones and coals of fire") against the forces that oppose His purposes. It encourages believers to have unwavering faith that God is capable of intervening dramatically on their behalf, bringing clarity and deliverance even from the most dire circumstances. It also serves as a warning that God's power is not to be trifled with, as He is the ultimate judge.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 10:11

    And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

  • Revelation 16:21

    And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • Exodus 9:23

    And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

  • Exodus 9:24

    So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

  • Matthew 17:2

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

  • Psalms 104:2

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