Psalms 105:39 - Exposition

He spread a cloud for a covering. The "pillar of the cloud" is intended. It was a "covering" to the Israelites on the night of the passage of the Red Sea ( Exodus 14:19 , Exodus 14:20 ), and perhaps also to some extent in the wilderness, when it may have sheltered them from the sun's rays (Hengstenberg); but its main purpose was to direct them on their way ( Exodus 14:21 ), to tell them when to move and when to step, and how long to stop ( Exodus 40:36-38 ). And fire to give light in the night. By night the "pillar of the cloud" became a "pillar of fire," shedding a certain radiance around, and giving the people under all circumstances sufficient light ( Exodus 13:21 ; Exodus 40:38 ).