Cloud
Summary
A meteorological phenomenon of profound theological significance in Scripture, symbolizing the divine presence, serving as the visible manifestation of God's glory with Israel, and representing both God's transcendence and His guidance of His people.
☩Symbol of Divine Presence
In the largely cloudless climate of Palestine, clouds took on special significance. They symbolized the divine presence, covering yet revealing God's glory. Jehovah appeared at Sinai amid a cloud (Exodus 19:9; 34:5), spoke from the cloud (Numbers 11:25), and is described as making the cloud His chariot (Psalm 104:3). 'Clouds and darkness are round about him' (Psalm 97:2), expressing the mysterious nature of divine operations.
☩The Pillar of Cloud
The pillar of cloud was the visible symbol of God's presence guiding Israel from Egypt to Canaan (Exodus 13:21-22). By day it led them, and by night it became fire. At the Red Sea it gave light to escaping Israelites while bringing darkness to pursuing Egyptians (Exodus 14:19-20). When Israel rested, it descended on the tabernacle over the mercy-seat, later called the Shekinah by Jewish writers.
☩At the Tabernacle and Temple
A bright cloud rested on the mercy-seat (Exodus 29:42-43; 1 Kings 8:10-11), filling the tabernacle so that Moses could not enter (Exodus 40:34-35). At Solomon's temple dedication, when singers made 'one sound' in praising the Lord, 'the cloud filled the house of the Lord' so that the priests could not minister (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord departing from the temple (Ezekiel 10:4; 11:23), with its return prophesied (Ezekiel 43:2).
☩In the New Testament
At Christ's transfiguration, a bright cloud overshadowed the disciples, and the Father's voice spoke from it: 'This is my beloved Son; hear him' (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:34-35). At His ascension, 'a cloud received him out of their sight' (Acts 1:9). At the rapture, believers will be 'caught up in the clouds' (1 Thessalonians 4:17), and when Christ returns, He will come 'with clouds' (Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:30).
Related Verses152 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Cloud," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Cloud," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Cloud," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).