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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 18:9 He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/18-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_018_009.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 18:9 - The LORD is My Rock" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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dark clouds were under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness <i>was</i> under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He also bowed the heavens down low, and came down With thick darkness under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down With thick darkness under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down With thick darkness under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He bowed the heavens and came down With thick darkness under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also and came down; And thick darkness was under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He bent the heavens and came down, total darkness beneath his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down, a dark cloud beneath His feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down; And thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You opened the heavens like curtains, and you came down with storm clouds under your feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down, and thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He spread apart the heavens and came down with a dark cloud under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He tore the sky open and came down with a dark cloud under his feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He bent the sky and descended, and darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He made the sky sink as he descended; a thick cloud was under his feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He inclines the heavens, and comes down, "" And thick darkness [is] under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And He inclineth the heavens, and cometh down, And thick darkness is under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will incline the heavens and come down: and gloom under his feet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 17:10>He bent the heavens, and they descended. And darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down, a dark cloud under his feet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens, and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens and came down; and thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He bent Heaven and came down, and thick darkness was under his feet.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He bowed the heavens also, and came down; And thick darkness was under His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he bowed the heaven, and came down: and thick darkness was under his feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/18-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1562" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">The LORD is My Rock</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: way·yêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">He parted</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">the heavens</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: way·yê·raḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">and came down</a> <a href="/hebrew/6205.htm" title="6205: wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Cloud, heavy cloud. Probably from araph; gloom.">with dark clouds</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">beneath</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·lāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">His feet.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-18.htm">Exodus 19:18</a></span><br />Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-1.htm">Isaiah 64:1</a></span><br />If only You would rend the heavens and come down, so that mountains would quake at Your presence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-5.htm">Nahum 1:5</a></span><br />The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence—the world and all its dwellers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/3-6.htm">Habakkuk 3:6</a></span><br />He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-10.htm">2 Samuel 22:10</a></span><br />He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Psalm 144:5</a></span><br />Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-19.htm">Isaiah 63:19</a></span><br />We have become like those You never ruled, like those not called by Your name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Revelation 11:19</a></span><br />Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-14.htm">Revelation 6:14</a></span><br />The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-51.htm">Matthew 27:51</a></span><br />At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Hebrews 12:26</a></span><br />At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/16-18.htm">Revelation 16:18</a></span><br />And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake the likes of which had not occurred since men were upon the earth—so mighty was the great quake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/1-3.htm">Micah 1:3-4</a></span><br />For behold, the LORD comes forth from His dwelling place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. / The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-4.htm">Isaiah 34:4</a></span><br />All the stars of heaven will be dissolved. The skies will be rolled up like a scroll, and all their stars will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like foliage from the fig tree.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-10.htm">Joel 2:10</a></span><br />Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.</p><p class="hdg">He bowed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/68-4.htm">Psalm 68:4</a></b></br> Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Psalm 144:5</a></b></br> Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-26.htm">Deuteronomy 33:26</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> none like unto the God of Jeshurun, <i>who</i> rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.</p><p class="hdg">darkness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22,23</a></b></br> These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/15-33.htm">Mark 15:33</a></b></br> And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/13-7.htm">John 13:7</a></b></br> Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/job/38-37.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/14-2.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-10.htm">Inclineth</a> <a href="/job/41-17.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/psalms/2-3.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/psalms/20-8.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/18-33.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Inclineth</a> <a href="/psalms/74-13.htm">Parted</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/18-1.htm">David praises God for his manifold and marvelous blessings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He parted the heavens</b><br>This phrase suggests a divine intervention where God actively engages with the world. The imagery of parting the heavens is reminiscent of other biblical events where God reveals His power, such as the parting of the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a>). It signifies God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to transcend the natural order. This action is often associated with God's response to the cries of His people, indicating His readiness to act on their behalf.<p><b>and came down</b><br>The concept of God descending is a powerful image of His willingness to be present with His people. This is seen in other scriptures, such as when God descended on Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/19-20.htm">Exodus 19:20</a>) to give the Law to Moses. It emphasizes God's immanence, His closeness to humanity, and His active participation in human affairs. This descent can also be seen as a type of Christ, who came down from heaven to dwell among us (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>).<p><b>with dark clouds beneath His feet</b><br>Dark clouds often symbolize God's majesty and mystery, as well as His judgment. In biblical literature, clouds are frequently associated with God's presence, as seen in the pillar of cloud that guided the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21</a>) and the cloud that filled the temple (<a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a>). The imagery of dark clouds beneath His feet suggests both the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence and the concealment of His full glory, which is too overwhelming for humans to behold directly. This also connects to the theophany at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by thick clouds (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">Psalm 18</a>, David is expressing his gratitude and praise to God for delivering him from his enemies, including King Saul.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as a powerful and sovereign being who intervenes in the affairs of men.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavens.htm">Heavens</a></b><br>The realm above the earth, often seen as the dwelling place of God, which He parts to come down to earth.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/dark_clouds.htm">Dark Clouds</a></b><br>Symbolic of God's majesty and mystery, these clouds are beneath His feet, indicating His authority over creation.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/deliverance.htm">Deliverance</a></b><br>The event of God rescuing David from his enemies, which is the broader context of the entire Psalm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_power.htm">God's Sovereignty and Power</a></b><br>God is not distant; He actively intervenes in the world and in the lives of His people. His power is unmatched, and He can part the heavens to come to our aid.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_majesty_of_god's_presence.htm">The Majesty of God's Presence</a></b><br>The imagery of dark clouds beneath His feet reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence. We should approach Him with reverence and humility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_deliverance.htm">God's Faithfulness in Deliverance</a></b><br>Just as God delivered David, He is faithful to deliver us from our trials and enemies. We can trust in His timing and methods.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer_and_praise.htm">The Importance of Prayer and Praise</a></b><br>David's response to God's deliverance is one of praise. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, acknowledging God's work in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/anticipation_of_christ's_return.htm">Anticipation of Christ's Return</a></b><br>The imagery of God coming down points us to the future return of Christ. We should live in anticipation and readiness for His coming.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_must_god_'stoop'_if_omnipresent.htm">(Psalm 113:6) Why does an omnipresent God need to “stoop down” to look at the heavens and the earth, implying a physical movement that seems contradictory to an all-seeing deity? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_18_differ_from_103.htm">Why do the descriptions of God’s power in Psalm 18 seem inconsistent with passages portraying His more gentle attributes (e.g., Psalm 103)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_2_samuel_22_align_with_science.htm">(2 Samuel 22:10-11) How can the description of the heavens bending, God descending, and riding a cherub be reconciled with modern scientific understanding?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_18_4's_imagery_align.htm">Isaiah 18:4: How does the imagery of God quietly observing nations square with other passages where God is depicted as actively intervening?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(</span>9<span class= "ital">)</span> <span class= "bld">Darkness.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">black cloud. </span>The dark masses of rain-cloud are now gathered, and bend to the earth under the majestic tread of God. (Comp. <a href="/nahum/1-3.htm" title="The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.">Nahum 1:3</a>, "and the clouds are the dust of his feet." (Comp. <a href="/psalms/144-5.htm" title="Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.">Psalm 144:5</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He bowed the heavens also, and came down</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/145-5.htm">Psalm 145:5</a>). In a storm the clouds do actually descend, and the whole heaven seems to be bowed down to earth. God is said to "come down" to earth whenever he delivers the oppressed, and takes vengeance on their oppressors (see <a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Exodus 3:8</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/22-10.htm">2 Samuel 22:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Psalm 144:5</a>; <a href="/isaiah/64.htm">Isaiah 64</a>. I, 3, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">And darkness was under his feet.</span> A deep darkness commonly accompanies both earthquake and storm. When God actually descended on Mount Sinai, it was amid thunders and lightnings, and "a thick cloud" (<a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a>), elsewhere called "thick darkness" (<a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/18-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He parted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(way·yêṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heavens</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֭מַיִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and came down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּרַ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·raḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with dark clouds</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֝עֲרָפֶ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·rā·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6205.htm">Strong's 6205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cloud, heavy cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was under</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His feet.</span><br /><span class="heb">רַגְלָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(raḡ·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 18:9 He bowed the heavens also and came (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/18-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 18:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/18-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 18:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>