the image we are to have of God's actions is that god wrapped the earth tightly in darkness caused by thick clouds....



swaddlingband = http://biblehub.com/topical/s/swaddling-band.htm
and -

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...led_infant.png

This is why the waters spoken of in Genesis were said to be in 'darkness">>..for the earth was wrapped tight by the Lord in clouds and darkness.