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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>Numbers 9:16 It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/9-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_09_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 9:16 - The Cloud Above the Tabernacle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire." /><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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the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This was the regular pattern—at night the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So it was alway: the cloud covered it <i>by day</i>, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it was always: the cloud covered it <i>by day,</i> and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />That is how it was continuously; the cloud would cover it <i>by day,</i> and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it <i>by day,</i> and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So it was continuously; the cloud would cover it <i>by day</i>, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So it was continuously; the cloud covered it <i>by day</i>, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It remained that way continuously: the cloud would cover it, appearing like fire at night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The smoke always glowed this way. At night the smoke covering the tent glowed like fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It was so continuously—there was a cloud covering by day, and a fire cloud appeared at night. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This is the way it used to be continually: The cloud would cover it by day, and there was a fiery appearance by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So it was continually. The cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So it was always; the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so it is continually; the cloud covers it, also the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so it is continually; the cloud covereth it, also the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So shall it be always: the cloud shall cover it, and the appearance of fire by night.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So it was always: by day the cloud covered it, and by night as it were the appearance of fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />This was so continually: throughout the day a cloud covered it, and throughout the night, the appearance of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It was always so: during the day the cloud covered the tabernacle and at night had the appearance of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It was always so: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />So it was constantly, and a cloud was covering it by day and the appearance of fire in the night.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So it was continually: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/9-16.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/yauBFvKLNNo?start=3158" 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/numbers/9.htm">The Cloud Above the Tabernacle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15</span>On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">It remained</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">that way</a> <a href="/hebrew/8548.htm" title="8548: ṯā·mîḏ (Adv) -- From an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance; but used only constant; ellipt. The regular sacrifice.">continually;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6051.htm" title="6051: he·‘ā·nān (Art:: N-ms) -- A cloud mass, cloud. From anan; a cloud, i.e. The nimbus or thunder-cloud.">the cloud</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: yə·ḵas·sen·nū (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">would cover the tabernacle by day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lā·yə·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">and at night</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: ū·mar·’êh- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">it would appear</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">like fire.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp.…<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/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a></span><br />And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-38</a></span><br />Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-12.htm">Nehemiah 9:12</a></span><br />You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-19.htm">Nehemiah 9:19</a></span><br />You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-14.htm">Psalm 78:14</a></span><br />He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-39.htm">Psalm 105:39</a></span><br />He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">1 Corinthians 10:1-2</a></span><br />I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-19.htm">Exodus 14:19-20</a></span><br />And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/1-33.htm">Deuteronomy 1:33</a></span><br />who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Isaiah 4:5</a></span><br />Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></span><br />In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-15.htm">Revelation 7:15</a></span><br />For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/21-3.htm">Revelation 21:3</a></span><br />And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/9-18.htm">Numbers 9:18-22</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21,22</a></b></br> 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: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/40-38.htm">Exodus 40:38</a></b></br> For the cloud of the LORD <i>was</i> upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/25-30.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-32.htm">Always</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/numbers/4-7.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/exodus/36-3.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-13.htm">Continuously</a> <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-45.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/numbers/8-2.htm">Light</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-13.htm">Night</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-28.htm">Times</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Alway</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Always</a> <a href="/numbers/11-7.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/numbers/9-17.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/numbers/9-19.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Continuously</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/numbers/16-33.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-41.htm">Light</a> <a href="/numbers/9-21.htm">Night</a> <a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Times</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-1.htm">The Passover is again commanded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-6.htm">A second Passover for the unclean or absent</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/9-15.htm">The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites</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/numbers/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It remained that way continually;</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the constancy and faithfulness of God's presence with the Israelites. The cloud and fire were perpetual signs of divine guidance and protection. This continual presence is reminiscent of God's promise to never leave nor forsake His people, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>. It also foreshadows the New Testament promise of the Holy Spirit's continual presence with believers (<a href="/john/14-16.htm">John 14:16-17</a>).<p><b>the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day,</b><br>The cloud symbolized God's glory and presence, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. This protective covering provided shade and guidance, much like the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites out of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>). The tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God among His people, was central to Israelite worship and community life. The cloud's presence over the tabernacle signified God's approval and His role as the leader of His people.<p><b>and at night it would appear like fire.</b><br>The appearance of fire at night provided light and warmth, symbolizing God's protection and guidance even in darkness. Fire is a frequent biblical symbol of God's presence, as seen in the burning bush (<a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Exodus 3:2</a>) and the tongues of fire at Pentecost (<a href="/acts/2-3.htm">Acts 2:3</a>). This dual manifestation of cloud and fire underscores God's unchanging nature and His ability to meet the needs of His people in every circumstance. It also prefigures Christ as the Light of the World (<a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>), who guides and protects His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who were journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They relied on God's guidance for their travels.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites. It was central to their worship and community life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cloud_and_fire.htm">The Cloud and Fire</a></b><br>Manifestations of God's presence and guidance. The cloud covered the Tabernacle by day, and the appearance of fire by night, symbolizing God's constant presence and protection.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, who communicated God's instructions to the people and ensured they followed His guidance.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a></b><br>The period of 40 years during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, learning to trust and obey God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_constant_presence.htm">God's Constant Presence</a></b><br>Just as the cloud and fire were constant reminders of God's presence with the Israelites, believers today can trust in God's continual presence in their lives through the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guidance_and_obedience.htm">Guidance and Obedience</a></b><br>The Israelites had to follow the cloud and fire, teaching us the importance of seeking and following God's guidance in our daily decisions and life direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/protection_and_provision.htm">Protection and Provision</a></b><br>The cloud and fire not only guided but also protected the Israelites. We can find comfort in knowing that God provides and protects us in our spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_uncertainty.htm">Faith in Uncertainty</a></b><br>The Israelites' journey through the wilderness required faith in God's timing and direction. Similarly, we are called to trust God even when the path ahead is unclear.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_light.htm">Symbolism of Light</a></b><br>The fire by night symbolizes God's light in the darkness. As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ's light in a world that often seems dark and uncertain.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_moses_need_hobab's_guidance.htm">Numbers 10:29-32: Why did Moses rely on Hobab's guidance if God was already leading them by cloud and fire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_historical_account_of_tabernacle_cloud.htm">Numbers 9:15-16: Do we have any natural or historical explanation for a persistent cloud and fire over the Tabernacle, and why is there no parallel account outside the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_ark_move_yet_stay_put.htm">Numbers 10:33-36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_pillar_of_cloud_and_fire.htm">What is the Pillar of Cloud and Fire?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">The cloud covered it by day.</span>--There is no need for the insertion of the words in italics. It was the same cloud which was "alway" over the Tabernacle during the continuance of the journeyings through the wilderness.<p><span class= "bld">And the appearance of fire by night.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">and there was the appearance of fire by night. </span>(Comp. <a href="/context/exodus/13-21.htm" title="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:">Exodus 13:21-22</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So it was alway.</span> This supernatural phenomenon was not transitory, like the glory-cloud <span class="accented">within</span> the tabernacle (<a href="/exodus/40-35.htm">Exodus 40:35</a>; cf. <a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10</a>), but permanent, as long at least as the Israelites were in the wilderness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/9-16.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">It remained</span><br /><span class="heb">יִהְיֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(yih·yeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that way</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּ֚ן</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continually;</span><br /><span class="heb">תָמִ֔יד</span> <span class="translit">(ṯā·mîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8548.htm">Strong's 8548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the cloud</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶעָנָ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6051.htm">Strong's 6051: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would cover [the tabernacle] [by day],</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַסֶּ֑נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵas·sen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plump, fill up hollows, to cover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and at night</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽיְלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·yə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it would appear</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַרְאֵה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mar·’êh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like fire.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/9-16.htm">Numbers 9:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/9-16.htm">OT Law: Numbers 9:16 So it was continually (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/9-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 9:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/9-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 9:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 9:17" /></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>