God’s Power and Might

Darkness was your robe; thunderclouds filled the sky, hiding you from sight.
Psalms‬ ‭18:11‬ ‭CEV‬‬

This verse from describes the awe-inspiring appearance of God as He came to deliver David from his enemies.

It portrays God as a majestic and powerful King, who conceals His glory in a veil of darkness and rides on the storm clouds.

Let  us  explore the meaning and significance of this verse, and how it relates to the theme of God's deliverance in the psalm.

The context of Psalms 18 is that David is praising God for rescuing him from his foes, especially from Saul, who had pursued him for many years.

David attributes his victory to God's intervention, and describes how God responded to his cry for help.

He uses vivid imagery and poetic language to depict God's appearance and actions, drawing from the natural phenomena of thunder, lightning, earthquake, and fire. He also compares God to a warrior, a rock, a shield, and a horn of salvation.

One of the most striking images that David uses is that of God's robe of darkness. He says that God made darkness His covering, His canopy around Him, thick clouds dark with water (Psalm 18:11).

This implies that God is hidden from human sight, and that His presence is mysterious and incomprehensible. It also suggests that God is sovereign and transcendent, and that He dwells in a realm that is beyond our reach.

As one commentator notes, "God is always present to the Hebrew imagination, but still invisible, veiled by thick clouds, and far withdrawn in His own ineffable brightness" ¹.

However, the darkness is not only a sign of God's majesty, but also of His mercy. By covering Himself with darkness, God is shielding His people from the full display of His holiness and wrath.

As another commentator explains, "The darkness is God's robe, not only as expressive of His greatness, but as designed to conceal the insupportable splendours of His presence, and to protect the creatures whom He approaches from being consumed by the blaze of His anger" ².
This is consistent with other passages in the Bible, where God hides Himself in a cloud or a thick darkness to protect His people from seeing His face and dying (Exodus 19:9, 16; 1 Kings 8:12; Psalm 97:2).

The darkness also contrasts with the flashes of light that accompany God's appearance. David says that out of the brightness before Him broke through His clouds hailstones and coals of fire (Psalm 18:12).

These are symbols of God's judgment and power, and they show that God is not indifferent or passive, but active and involved in the affairs of the world.

They also show that God is not afraid or ashamed of His justice, but He displays it openly and boldly. As another commentator observes, "The darkness is not the gloom of fear, but the awfulness of majesty; and the light is not the cheerfulness of love, but the terror of wrath" ³.

The combination of darkness and light creates a dramatic and impressive scene, that reveals both God's transcendence and immanence, His mercy and justice, His majesty and might.

It also reflects David's mixed emotions of fear and joy, awe and gratitude, as he witnesses God's intervention on his behalf. He is overwhelmed by God's greatness, but also comforted by His goodness. He is humbled by God's holiness, but also confident in His help.

The verse also relates to the theme of God's deliverance in the psalm. By hiding Himself in darkness, God is preparing to strike His enemies with surprise and terror.

He is also showing His care and concern for His people, who are oppressed and afflicted by their foes. He is coming to their rescue, to vindicate their cause, and to establish their righteousness.

As David says, He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me (Psalm 18:16-17). The darkness is a sign of God's deliverance, not of His desertion.

In conclusion, Psalms 18:11 is a remarkable verse that depicts God's appearance and action in a poetic and powerful way.

It portrays God as a King who covers Himself with a robe of darkness, and rides on the storm clouds.

It reveals God's character and attributes, as well as His relationship and response to His people.

It also relates to the theme of God's deliverance in the psalm, and expresses David's praise and thanksgiving to God for saving him from his enemies.

It is a verse that inspires us to worship God for who He is and what He has done, and to trust Him for His protection and provision.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You are clothed with splendor and majesty, and You dwell in unapproachable light.

You hide Yourself in darkness and clouds, to show Your power and mercy to Your people.

You hear our cries, and You come to our rescue. You deliver us from our enemies, and You give us victory in Your name.

Lord, I praise You for who You are and what You have done for me.

I thank You for saving me from sin and death, and for giving me eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

I ask You to help me trust You in every situation, and to follow You faithfully.

I pray that You would reveal Yourself to me, and to those who do not know You.

I pray that You would fill me with Your Spirit, and enable me to serve You with joy and gratitude.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen..

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