Psalm 97:2

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Heart2Soul

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This is very interesting that the Bible references dark clouds or darkness as a hiding place it says in one scripture, His dwelling place in another....who is the Greek and Hebrew expert here that can help explain this.....Thanks....I am studying in the book of Psalm and this really jumped out and I am seeking clarification...thanks.

Psalm 97:2
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad. 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.…

Cross references from the Biblehub website:
Cross References
Exodus 19:9
The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you." And Moses relayed the words of the people to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 4:8
And what nation is so great as to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

Deuteronomy 4:11
You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

2 Samuel 22:10
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.

1 Kings 8:12
Then Solomon said: "The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.

Job 26:9
He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His cloud over it.

Psalm 18:9
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds was under His feet.

Psalm 18:11
He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.

Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.

Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You.

Psalm 94:15
Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Lamentations 3:44
You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through.
 

VictoryinJesus

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This is very interesting that the Bible references dark clouds or darkness as a hiding place it says in one scripture, His dwelling place in another....who is the Greek and Hebrew expert here that can help explain this.....Thanks....I am studying in the book of Psalm and this really jumped out and I am seeking clarification...thanks.

Psalm 97:2
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad. 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.…

Cross references from the Biblehub website:
Cross References
Exodus 19:9
The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you." And Moses relayed the words of the people to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 4:8
And what nation is so great as to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

Deuteronomy 4:11
You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

2 Samuel 22:10
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.

1 Kings 8:12
Then Solomon said: "The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.

Job 26:9
He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His cloud over it.

Psalm 18:9
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds was under His feet.

Psalm 18:11
He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.

Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.

Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You.

Psalm 94:15
Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Lamentations 3:44
You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through.

Been waiting for someone else to reply. You have asked a hard question and an important one. A question I’ve had also. Not saying it is right but consider Deuteronomy 30:15 “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;”

It wasn’t until the other day that this verse stood out. I’ve read it countless times but I had never noticed God says “I set before you ...life and good...and death and evil.”

God sets before us light or darkness.
Good or evil.
Life or death.
Cursing or blessing.
Peace or wrath.
Restoration or eternal separation.
... what stands out is: does God group wrath with evil?

Psalm 139:12
[12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee .

Consider the mountain burning with light yet surrounded by darkness(wrath)and the Lord spoke out of the darkness. How the throne is (was)surrounded by darkness(wrath) for man not to see. The dark clouds under His feet. All the enemies put under His. Now consider His wrath surrounding His presence making God and His throne of mercy unapproachable. Yet He makes the darkness as light, the dark clouds white. The end of the Lord is pitiful and full of mercy.

Job 12:22-23 “He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death. [23] He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again .”

Job 28:3
[3] He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

Job 38:9-17
[9] When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,(who was swaddled?) [10] And brake up for it my decreed place , and set bars and doors, [11] And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? [12] Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; [13] That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? [14] It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. [15] And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. [16] Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? [17] Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Psalm 107:14
[14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

Isaiah 45:2-3
[2] I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: [3] And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord , which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
 
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Heart2Soul

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Been waiting for someone else to reply. You have asked a hard question and an important one. A question I’ve had also. Not saying it is right but consider Deuteronomy 30:15 “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;”

It wasn’t until the other day that this verse stood out. I’ve read it countless times but I had never noticed God says “I set before you ...life and good...and death and evil.”

God sets before us light or darkness.
Good or evil.
Life or death.
Cursing or blessing.
Peace or wrath.
Restoration or eternal separation.
... what stands out is: does God group wrath with evil?

Psalm 139:12
[12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee .

Consider the mountain burning with light yet surrounded by darkness(wrath)and the Lord spoke out of the darkness. How the throne is (was)surrounded by darkness(wrath) for man not to see. The dark clouds under His feet. All the enemies put under His. Now consider His wrath surrounding His presence making God and His throne of mercy unapproachable. Yet He makes the darkness as light, the dark clouds white. The end of the Lord is pitiful and full of mercy.

Job 12:22-23 “He discovereth deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death. [23] He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again .”

Job 28:3
[3] He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

Job 38:9-17
[9] When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,(who was swaddled?) [10] And brake up for it my decreed place , and set bars and doors, [11] And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? [12] Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; [13] That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? [14] It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. [15] And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. [16] Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? [17] Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?

Psalm 107:14
[14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

Isaiah 45:2-3
[2] I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: [3] And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord , which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
This is very good @VictoryinJesus.....and I think it deserves a lot more study....the hidden wisdom of God is not something that a person can find easily....but it is the Holy Spirit that is drawing me to the revelation of this....so thank you for your input. It is very informative and useful!
 

Heart2Soul

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I have this same thread on CF....what do you think of this reply...it is from a member who is Eastern Orthodox...which I know nothing about...(I did google it and it says they don't believe in the immaculate conception of Mary...so I am a little leery.)

Member posted:
Earth refers to Adam or our human nature that after the Lord's reign has been freed from sin and death and therefore has reasons to rejoice. Distant shores or islands (LXX) are the Churches or the faithful that rise above the salty (as in sinful) waves of this life (the sea). Clouds and darkness symbolize the incomprehensibility of the divine nature. In another sense, cloud can be understood to be a symbol of the divine nature and darkness the human nature, which Christ surrounded Himself with when He became like us. In yet another sense, clouds are the apostles (that watered the earth with His teachings) and darkeness the people (Matthew 4:16) who flocked to Him.

Then having fullfilled all righteousness and having passed judgment on our enemy, the Devil, He has established Himself in the hearts of His faithful, His throne. In another sense, by being clothed in His righteousness and justice we become His throne. Fire that consumes is the caustic energy of the divine nature that burns up the evil powers. The Septuagint has φλογιεί, which translates as set on fire instead of consume. In that sense it can also be undestood as the fire that Christ came to set upon the earth (our sinful flesh) in order to consume our love for the world that makes us enemies (foes) of God. The lightning that lights up the world is the teaching of the Gospel, preached (discharged like lightning) by the spiritual clouds, the apostles.
 
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bbyrd009

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who is the Greek and Hebrew expert here that can help explain this.....Thanks....
ah, that would be you imo, here you go, Psalm 97:2 Lexicon: Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne., and just google "_____ etymology" at any words you are unfamiliar with or want a more complete definition of.
I am studying in the book of Psalm and this really jumped out and I am seeking clarification...thanks.
love the illumination of what "clouds" really are, didn't quite get what you are seeking clarification of tho sorry, prolly me
... what stands out is: does God group wrath with evil?
ah, good Q!
 
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Heart2Soul

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ah, that would be you imo, here you go, Psalm 97:2 Lexicon: Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne., and just google "_____ etymology" at any words you are unfamiliar with or want a more complete definition of.
love the illumination of what "clouds" really are, didn't quite get what you are seeking clarification of tho sorry, prolly me
Basically I was equating it with the scripture that says there is no darkness in God....but yet He is surrounded by it? So I knew my understanding was not correct....the clarification I am seeking is what the darkness represented in this verse.
 
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bbyrd009

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Basically I was equating it with the scripture that says there is no darkness in God....but yet He is surrounded by it? So I knew my understanding was not correct....the clarification I am seeking is what the darkness represented in this verse.
ah, maybe better trot out this one then,
Isaiah 45:7 Lexicon: The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.

my guess is that darkness = lack of knowledge, my ppl perish for lack of knowledge. We might also note that believers are generally quite resistant to say the Scientific Method or even Gnosticism, which are often characterized as "salvation by works" i guess. Which is a distinct possibility i s'pose
 
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Heart2Soul

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I was about to post the same thought. Ultimately God cannot be fathomed by mere mortals.
well that was a quote from a member on CF....so you agree with it....I like it as well.
 

VictoryinJesus

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well that was a quote from a member on CF....so you agree with it....I like it as well.

Thank you for sharing. Do you have a link where they possibly have posted to other topics as well?
 

Heart2Soul

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Thank you for sharing. Do you have a link where they possibly have posted to other topics as well?
His forum name is icxn

  1. Post
    Psalm 97:2
    Earth refers to Adam or our human nature that after the Lord's reign has been freed from sin and death and therefore has reasons to rejoice....
    Post by: icxn, Today at 9:27 AM in forum: Christian Scriptures

  2. Post
    What's your favorite faith-based screenplay?
    The Island. It's a story about a Saintly Fool for Christ.
    Post by: icxn, Yesterday at 11:58 AM in forum: Scripts/ Screenplays

  3. Post
    Eyebrows
    Interesting! In Greek, long-eyebrowed is translated as ὑπέροφρυς and it is mostly used metaphorically, meaning someone who is supercilious...
    Post by: icxn, Yesterday at 11:00 AM in forum: Christian Philosophy & Ethics

  4. Post
    Can Satan read our minds and thoughts?
    This power or gift is 'common' among Orthodox Monastic Elders. Some recently deceased Elders that had this gift were Elder Porphyrios and Elder...
    Post by: icxn, Wednesday at 8:30 AM in forum: General Theology

  5. Post
    Why am I so weak? Why can't I be normal?!
    You just paraphrased Psalm 73: 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,...
    Post by: icxn, Tuesday at 8:06 AM in forum: General Struggles

  6. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    Which is exactly how I perceive 'christian slavery,' more of an employer-employee relationship.
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 10:17 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  7. Post
    Will God save us from ourselves?
    The Christian life is like walking on a rope with a balancing pole. On one end of the pole you have hope and on the other fear. When you see...
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 10:12 AM in forum: Christian Advice

  8. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    If I were you (I'm speaking about myself here), I would be more worried about my slavery to haughtiness and gluttony, both of which alienate me...
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 9:56 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  9. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    I would have objected to keeping them contrary to their wishes.
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 9:34 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  10. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    Your thinking, not scripture's, as I understand it.
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 9:22 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  11. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    Indeed, which means the 'keeping of slaves' he had in mind is not how you imagine it or how some have practiced it.
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 9:11 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  12. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    There lived an ascetic once who sold himself as slave to such neighbors and through prayer and service he managed to convert them. One way to deal...
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 9:03 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality

  13. Post
    Why would a benevolent god condone slavery?
    He did say "love your neighbor as yourself," which is a lot more demanding than simply not treating people like they are property.
    Post by: icxn, Monday at 8:40 AM in forum: Ethics & Morality
 

Episkopos

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This is very interesting that the Bible references dark clouds or darkness as a hiding place it says in one scripture, His dwelling place in another....who is the Greek and Hebrew expert here that can help explain this.....Thanks....I am studying in the book of Psalm and this really jumped out and I am seeking clarification...thanks.

Psalm 97:2
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the distant shores be glad. 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.…

Cross references from the Biblehub website:
Cross References
Exodus 19:9
The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you." And Moses relayed the words of the people to the LORD.

Deuteronomy 4:8
And what nation is so great as to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

Deuteronomy 4:11
You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.

2 Samuel 22:10
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds beneath His feet.

1 Kings 8:12
Then Solomon said: "The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.

Job 26:9
He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His cloud over it.

Psalm 18:9
He parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds was under His feet.

Psalm 18:11
He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.

Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.

Psalm 89:14
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You.

Psalm 94:15
Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Lamentations 3:44
You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through.


I looked up the words you referenced....clouds and darkness.

Clouds works out. .... ANAN

But the darkness....ARAPHEL is not so much darkness as obscurity or mist.

God hides Himself. God embraces obscurity. We really need to seek Him hard for Him to reveal Himself.
 

icxn

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Thank you for the welcome. I'm looking forward to learning and sharing with you all the divine treasures of scripture... probably the former; I'm not that knowledgeable.
 

Episkopos

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Thank you for the welcome. I'm looking forward to learning and sharing with you all the divine treasures of scripture... probably the former; I'm not that knowledgeable.


But you are humble...which makes you very knowledgeable...where it counts! :)
 
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