Psa 18:7-15 | JFB | STEP | 7-8. God's coming described in figures drawn from His appearance on Sinai (compare ).

‏ Psalms 18:7-15

7-8. God's coming described in figures drawn from His appearance on Sinai (compare De 32:22).

9. darkness--or, a dense cloud (Ex 19:16; De 5:22).

10. cherub--angelic agents (compare Ge 3:24), the figures of which were placed over the ark (1Sa 4:4), representing God's dwelling; used here to enhance the majesty of the divine advent. Angels and winds may represent all rational and irrational agencies of God's providence (compare Psa 104:3, 4).

did fly--Rapidity of motion adds to the grandeur of the scene.

11. dark waters--or, clouds heavy with vapor.

12. Out of this obscurity, which impresses the beholder with awe and dread, He reveals Himself by sudden light and the means of His terrible wrath (Jos 10:11; Psa 78:47).

13. The storm breaks forth--thunder follows lightning, and hail with repeated lightning, as often seen, like balls or coals of fire, succeed (Ex 9:23).

14. The fiery brightness of lightning, in shape like burning arrows rapidly shot through the air, well represents the most terrible part of an awful storm. Before the terrors of such a scene the enemies are confounded and overthrown in dismay.

15. The tempest of the air is attended by appropriate results on earth. The language, though not expressive of any special physical changes, represents the utter subversion of the order of nature. Before such a God none can stand.