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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 18:12 From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced--hailstones and coals of fire.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/18-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_018_012.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 18:12 - The LORD is My Rock" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced--hailstones and coals of fire." /><script type="application/javascript" 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href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced—hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />At the brightness <i>that was</i> before him his thick clouds passed, hail <i>stones</i> and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Out of the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the radiance of his presence, his clouds swept onward with hail and blazing coals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the radiance of His presence, His clouds swept onward with hail and blazing coals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Hailstones and fiery coals lit up the sky in front of you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Out of the brightness in front of him, those rain clouds passed by with hailstones and lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Hailstones and flashes of fire came from the lightning before him and broke through the dark clouds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The brightness before him scattered the thick clouds, with hail stones and flashes of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />From the brightness of His presence His clouds advanced?hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From the brightness in front of him came hail and fiery coals. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />From the brightness before him his thick clouds passed on, with hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />From the brightness before Him His thick clouds have passed on, "" Hail and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> From the brightness over-against Him His thick clouds have passed on, Hail and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From the brightness before him the clouds passed over, hail and coals of fire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />At the brightness that was before him the clouds passed, hail and coals of fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 17:13>At the brightness that was before his sight, the clouds crossed by, with hail and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From the gleam before him, his clouds passed, hail and coals of fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Out of the brightness before him there broke through his clouds hailstones and coals of fire.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Out of the brightness of his shadow his clouds rained hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />From the brightness of the tabernacle of his clouds he made hailstones and coals of fire.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />At the brightness before Him, there passed through His thick clouds Hailstones and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />At the brightness before him the clouds passed, hail and coals of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/18-12.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=1578" 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">11</span>He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5051.htm" title="5051: min·nō·ḡah (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- Brightness. From nagahh; brilliancy.">From the brightness</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: neḡ·dōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">of His presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/5645.htm" title="5645: ‘ā·ḇāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Dark cloud, cloud mass, thicket. ">His clouds</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ā·ḇə·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">advanced—</a> <a href="/hebrew/1259.htm" title="1259: bā·rāḏ (N-ms) -- Hail. From barad; hail -hail).">hailstones</a> <a href="/hebrew/1513.htm" title="1513: wə·ḡa·ḥă·lê- (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Coal. Or gacheleth; from an unused root meaning to glow or kindle; an ember.">and coals</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ’êš (N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">of fire.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire.…<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/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16</a></span><br />On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-13.htm">2 Samuel 22:13</a></span><br />From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-25.htm">Job 38:25-27</a></span><br />Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, / to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, / to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-30.htm">Isaiah 30:30</a></span><br />And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Ezekiel 1:4</a></span><br />I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">Revelation 4:5</a></span><br />From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/8-5.htm">Revelation 8:5</a></span><br />Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.<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/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="/matthew/24-27.htm">Matthew 24:27</a></span><br />For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Luke 17:24</a></span><br />For just as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will be the Son of Man in His day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/36-29.htm">Job 36:29-33</a></span><br />Furthermore, who can understand how the clouds spread out, how the thunder roars from His pavilion? / See how He scatters His lightning around Him and covers the depths of the sea. / For by these He judges the nations and provides food in abundance. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-17.htm">Psalm 77:17-18</a></span><br />The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. / Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-4.htm">Psalm 97:4</a></span><br />His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-7.htm">Psalm 104:7</a></span><br />At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away—</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.</p><p class="hdg">At the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/97-3.htm">Psalm 97:3,4</a></b></br> A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-4.htm">Habakkuk 3:4,5</a></b></br> And <i>his</i> brightness was as the light; he had horns <i>coming</i> out of his hand: and there <i>was</i> the hiding of his power… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Matthew 17:2,5</a></b></br> And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light… </p><p class="hdg">hail</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Exodus 9:23,24</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/10-11.htm">Joshua 10:11</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, <i>and</i> were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: <i>they were</i> more which died with hailstones than <i>they</i> whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/22-13.htm">2 Samuel 22:13-15</a></b></br> Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/32-7.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/job/38-35.htm">Bolts</a> <a href="/job/31-26.htm">Brightness</a> <a href="/job/38-10.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/job/38-22.htm">Hail</a> <a href="/joshua/10-11.htm">Hailstones</a> <a href="/job/38-29.htm">Ice</a> <a href="/job/38-25.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/job/26-6.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/job/37-21.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/job/36-26.htm">Past</a> <a href="/psalms/17-2.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-13.htm">Raining</a> <a href="/psalms/13-3.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/job/41-30.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/48-4.htm">Advanced</a> <a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Bolts</a> <a href="/psalms/89-44.htm">Brightness</a> <a href="/psalms/44-19.htm">Broke</a> <a href="/psalms/36-5.htm">Clouds</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Coals</a> <a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Hail</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Hailstones</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Ice</a> <a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Lightning</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/psalms/71-15.htm">Past</a> <a href="/psalms/21-6.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-11.htm">Raining</a> <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Shining</a> <a href="/psalms/18-13.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/psalms/65-13.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>From the brightness of His presence</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine radiance and glory associated with God's presence. In biblical context, God's presence is often depicted as overwhelmingly bright and powerful, as seen in <a href="/exodus/34-29.htm">Exodus 34:29-35</a> when Moses' face shone after speaking with God. The brightness signifies purity, holiness, and the unapproachable light in which God dwells (<a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a>). This imagery is consistent with the theophanies in the Old Testament, where God's presence is accompanied by light and fire, symbolizing His majesty and power.<p><b>His clouds advanced</b><br>Clouds in Scripture often symbolize God's majesty and mystery. They are frequently associated with divine appearances, such as in <a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21</a>, where God leads the Israelites by a pillar of cloud. The advancing clouds suggest movement and action, indicating God's active involvement in the world. This imagery is also seen in the New Testament, where clouds are associated with the return of Christ (<a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30</a>), symbolizing divine intervention and judgment.<p><b>hailstones and coals of fire</b><br>Hailstones and coals of fire are elements of divine judgment and power. In the biblical narrative, hailstones are used as instruments of God's wrath, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/9-23.htm">Exodus 9:23-24</a>) and the battle against the Amorites (<a href="/joshua/10-11.htm">Joshua 10:11</a>). Coals of fire further emphasize the destructive power of God's judgment, reminiscent of the fire and brimstone that rained down on Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Genesis 19:24</a>). This imagery points to God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements to accomplish His purposes. It also foreshadows the eschatological judgment described in Revelation, where fire is a recurring symbol of divine retribution.<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, depicted as a powerful and majestic presence whose brightness and might are demonstrated through natural phenomena.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hailstones_and_coals_of_fire.htm">Hailstones and Coals of Fire</a></b><br>These elements symbolize God's judgment and power, often used in the Old Testament to demonstrate His might and authority over creation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/theophany.htm">Theophany</a></b><br>This event refers to the manifestation of God in a visible form, often accompanied by natural phenomena like storms, as seen in this verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_realm.htm">Heavenly Realm</a></b><br>The setting from which God's presence and power emanate, affecting the earthly realm with His divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_majestic_presence.htm">God's Majestic Presence</a></b><br>The brightness of God's presence signifies His holiness and purity. As believers, we are called to live in the light of His presence, seeking holiness in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_judgment_and_protection.htm">Divine Judgment and Protection</a></b><br>The hailstones and coals of fire represent God's judgment against the wicked. This serves as a reminder of God's justice and the protection He offers to those who trust in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>David's deliverance came through his reliance on God. We are encouraged to bring our struggles to God in prayer, trusting in His power to deliver us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_creation.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Creation</a></b><br>The natural elements responding to God's command remind us of His sovereignty. We can find peace in knowing that God is in control of all things, even the forces of nature.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_awe_of_god.htm">Living in Awe of God</a></b><br>The imagery of God's powerful presence should inspire awe and reverence. Our worship and daily walk should reflect a deep respect for God's majesty and authority.<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/who_is_john_owen.htm">What does 'bruised reed' and 'smoking flax' signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_the_sky_a_dome_in_the_bible.htm">Why does the Bible say that the sky is a solid dome?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'heap_coals'_conflict_with_forgiveness.htm">Proverbs 25:21–22 – Does instructing believers to “heap burning coals” on an enemy’s head conflict with later biblical teachings on compassion and forgiveness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_140_10_show_mercy.htm">How does calling for coals of fire upon evildoers in Psalm 140:10 align with the concept of a merciful God? </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>(12) <span class= "bld">At the brightness.</span>--This is obscure. Literally, <span class= "ital">From the brightness before him his clouds passed through </span>(Heb., <span class= "ital">avar</span>--LXX., <span class= "greekheb">???????</span>; Vulg., <span class= "ital">transierunt</span>)<span class= "ital"> hail and fiery coals. </span>In Samuel it is "From the brightness before him flamed fiery coals," which is the description we should expect, and, doubtless, gives the sense we are to attach to our text. Through the dark curtain of clouds the lightnings dart like emanations from the Divine brightness which they hide. The difficulty arises from the position of <span class= "ital">avaiv, </span>"his clouds," which looks like a subject rather than an object to <span class= "ital">avr-. </span>It has been conjectured, from comparison with Samuel, that the word has been inserted through error, from its likeness to the verb. If retained it must be rendered as object, "Out of the brightness of his presence there passed through his clouds hail and fiery coals." And some obscurity of language is pardonable in a description of phenomena so overpowering and bewildering as "a tempest dropping fire." A modern poet touches this feeling:--<p>"Then fire was sky, and sky fire,<p>And both one brief ecstasy,<p>Then ashes."--R. BROWNING, <span class= "ital">Easter Day.</span><p>In the Authorised Version the thought is of a sudden clearing of the heavens, which is not true to nature, and the clause "hailstones and coals of fire" comes in as an exclamation, as in the next verse. But there it is probably an erroneous repetition, being wanting in Sam. and in the LXX. version of the psalm. Notice how the feeling of the terrible fury of the storm is heightened by the mention of "hail," so rare in Palestine.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">At the brightness that was before him his thick</span> <span class="cmt_word">clouds passed.</span> The "brightness" intended is probably that of lightning. The "thick clouds" are riven and parted asunder for the lightning to burst forth. Then come, almost simultaneously, hail stones and coals of fire; <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, hail like that which fell in Egypt before the Exodus (<a href="/exodus/9-22.htm">Exodus 9:22-34</a>), when "there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail" (ver. 24) - a fire which "ran along upon the ground," or some very unusual electrical phenomenon (see the comment on Exodus in the ' Homiletic Commentary,' p. 208). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/18-12.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">From the brightness</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנֹּ֗גַהּ</span> <span class="translit">(min·nō·ḡah)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5051.htm">Strong's 5051: </a> </span><span class="str2">Brilliancy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of His presence,</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֫גְדּ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(neḡ·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His clouds</span><br /><span class="heb">עָבָ֥יו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḇāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5645.htm">Strong's 5645: </a> </span><span class="str2">An envelope, darkness, a, cloud, a copse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">advanced—</span><br /><span class="heb">עָבְר֑וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·ḇə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hailstones</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֝רָ֗ד</span> <span class="translit">(bā·rāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1259.htm">Strong's 1259: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hail</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and coals</span><br /><span class="heb">וְגַֽחֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḡa·ḥă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1513.htm">Strong's 1513: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ember</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of fire.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵֽשׁ׃</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/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/18-12.htm">Psalm 18:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/18-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 18:12 At the brightness before him his thick (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/18-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 18:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/18-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 18:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 18:13" /></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>