cloud Summary and Overview

The Hebrew so rendered means "a covering," because clouds cover the sky. The word is used as a symbol of the Divine presence, as indicating the splendour of that glory which it conceals (Ex. 16:10; 33:9; Num. 11:25; 12:5; Job 22:14; Ps. 18:11). A "cloud without rain" is a proverbial saying, denoting a man who does not keep his promise (Prov. 16:15; Isa. 18:4; 25:5; Jude 1:12). A cloud is the figure of that which is transitory (Job 30:15; Hos. 6:4). A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine presence (Ex.29:42, 43; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Chr. 5:14; Ezek. 43:4), and was called the Shechinah (q.v.). Jehovah came down upon Sinai in a cloud (Ex. 19:9); and the cloud filled the court around the tabernacle in the wilderness so that Moses could not enter it (Ex. 40:34, 35). At the dedication of the temple also the cloud "filled the house of the Lord" (1 Kings 8:10). Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming "in the clouds" (Matt. 17:5; 24:30; Acts 1:9, 11). False teachers are likened unto clouds carried about with a tempest (2 Pet. 2:17). The infirmities of old age, which come one after another, are compared by Solomon to "clouds returning after the rain" (Eccl. 12:2). The blotting out of sins is like the sudden disappearance of threatening clouds from the sky (Isa. 44:22). Cloud, the pillar of, was the glory-cloud which indicated God's presence leading the ransomed people through the wilderness (Ex. 13:22; 33:9, 10). This pillar preceded the people as they marched, resting on the ark (Ex. 13:21; 40:36). By night it became a pillar of fire (Num. 9:17-23).

The shelter given, and refreshment of rain promised, by clouds give them their peculiar prominence in Oriental imagery. When a cloud appears rain is ordinarily apprehended, and thus the "cloud without rain" becomes a proverb for the man of promise without performance. #Pr 16:15; Isa 18:4; 25:5; Jude 1:12| comp. Prov 25:14 The cloud is a figure of transitoriness, #Job 30:15; Ho 6:4| and of whatever intercepts divine favor or human supplication. #La 2:1; 3:44| A bright cloud at times visited and rested on the mercy-seat. #Ex 29:42,43; 1Ki 8:10,11; 2Ch 5:14; Eze 43:4| and was by later writers named Shechinah.

CLOUD . The Hebrew words thus translated bring out the ideas of a "covering" for the sky a "darkness," or simply a "vapor." The references to clouds in the Bible will be better understood when the fact is known that from the beginning of May to the end of September not a cloud is usually seen, 1 Sam 12:17-18; hence their appearance would be phenomenal. The oncoming of clouds marked the approach of rain. 1 Kgs 18:44; Luke 12:54. "A cloud without rain" was indeed a proverb for a man whose performance belied his promise. Prov 25:14. Clouds shield the divine Presence, Ex 16:10; Ex 33:9; Num 11:25; 1 Kgs 8:10; Job 22:14; Ps 18:11; and in evidence of the divinity of Christ is the fact that clouds play a part in his recorded life and in his future glory. Matt 17:5; Matt 24:30; Acts 1:9; Rev 14:14. Clouds symbolize transitoriness. Job 30:15; Hos 6:4; armies and multitudes of people, Hos Isa, 60:8; Jer 4:13; Heb 12:1. "A cloudy day" is a day of calamity. Eze 30:3; 3Lev 4:12. Peter likens false teachers to "clouds that are carried with a tempest." 2 Pet 2:17.

A type of refreshment, as it shades off the oppressive sun in Israel, and gives promise of rain (1 Kings 18:45). It stands out the more prominent because of the clear sky that surrounds it, and the usually cloudless weather that prevails in the East. "Cloud without rain," therefore, symbolizes a man that promises much, but does not perform (Proverbs 16:15; Proverbs 25:14; Judges 1:12). Isaiah 25:5; "as the heat in dry place (is brought down by the shadow of a cloud, so) Thou shalt bring down the triumphant shout of the foreigners." Also typifying transitoriness (Job 30:15; Hosea 6:4). Also of what intercepts God's favor from us (Lamentations 2:1; Lamentations 3:44). As the veil between things seen and things unseen, it, with its floating undefined form, is the symbol manifesting the mysterious unseen presence of God (2 Samuel 22:12-13). Sometimes in thick gloom portending judgment (Joel 2:2). "Clouds and darkness round about Him" (Psalm 97:2). The fire of lightning, too, warped in the clouds, suggesting the same punitive aspect of God (Isaiah 19:1), especially as He shall come to judgment (Daniel 7:13; Revelation 1:7; Matthew 26:64). The supernatural cloud on mount Sinai was attended with fire (Exodus 19:16; Exodus 19:18; Deuteronomy 4:11), a fit symbol of the legal dispensation which speaks the divine terror to the transgressor, in contrast to the gospel which speaks Jesus' loving invitation from the heavenly mount (Hebrews 12:18-25). PILLAR OF CLOUD. The symbol of God's presence with Israel, guiding them from Egypt to Canaan (Exodus 13:21-22). It became fire by night. So in the Red Sea it gave light to the escaping Israelites, while interposing between them and the pursuing Egyptians, to whom it" was a cloud and darkness." When Israel was appointed to rest in any place, it rested on the tabernacle over the mercy-seat, and was named by later Jews the Shekinah (Exodus 29:42-43); at the door (Exodus 33:9-10; Numbers 12:5; Numbers 9:15-23); covering the tabernacle of the congregation (Exodus 40:34-38). The ark (Numbers 10:33-36, Speaker's Commentary) went in the midst of the people, and the cloud rested on them, guiding them where to halt. The cloud covered them from the heat (Psalm 105:39; Isaiah 4:5). Its fire symbolized God's purity and glory (Exodus 24:17; Daniel 7:10), and His consuming wrath against transgressors (Leviticus 10:2; Numbers 16:35; Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29). Its nebulous haze typifies His hiding Himself, even while revealing Himself (Isaiah 45:15); unfolding only a small part of His ways to our finite faculties (Job 26:14; 1 Timothy 6:16). The cloud is not mentioned as having been on the tabernacle after Israel's entrance into Canaan, until it rested on Solomon's temple at the dedication (2 Chronicles 5:13-14), in the moment when the trumpeters and singers together "made one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord." Again, Ezekiel in vision saw the glory of the Lord leaving the temple (Ezekiel 10:4; Ezekiel 11:23). Its return is foretold (Ezekiel 43:2; Isaiah 4:5). Paul speaks of "the glory," i.e. the divine glory cloud, as Israel's peculiar privilege (Romans 9:4).