cloud meaning in bible
Cloud, the pillar of, was the glory-cloud which indicated God's presence leading the ransomed people through the wilderness ( Exodus 13:22 ; Exodus 33:9 Exodus 33:10 ). When the Lord brought his people out of Egypt in the Exodus, he led them out and through the wilderness for 40 years by means of the pillar of cloud. Why are they called a cloud? Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. Clouds are those created symbols of transcendence and imminence. We read, Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of … 1915. There is nothing more to make of … (Job 37:16). We tend to speak of the beauty of any given day in relation to how much of the sun and sky we are able to see. ( Proverbs 16:15 ; Isaiah 18:4 ; 25:5 ; Jude 1:12 ) comp. The last place in which clouds play a significant role in redemptive history is in the ascension and in the return of Christ. (1 Thess. Moon following you etc; Isaiah 19:1, ”The burden of Egypt. Clouds serve as the best picture in creation of the imminent presence of the transcendent God. A cloud is the figure of that which is transitory ( Job 30:15; Hosea 6:4). Prov 25:14 The cloud is a figure of transitoriness, ( Job 30:15 ; Hosea 6:4 ) and of whatever intercepts divine favor or human supplication. They would have to trust the Lord and believe that his presence was sufficient to lead them to the place where He was taking them. Likewise, the Scriptures tell us that "He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced him. Clouds serve as the best picture in creation of the imminent presence of the transcendent God. All of this is, of course, pointing forward to the coming of God in the person of Jesus. CLOUD, verb intransitive To grow cloudy; to become obscure with clouds; sometimes followed by over; as, the sky clouds over. This is one of those biblical-theological themes that has not often been given due consideration. The word describes both rain clouds (cf. When it is said in the evangelists that a bright cloud overshadowed them, it is not meant such a light or white cloud as shines by a cast of light upon it from some shining body, such as are some clouds by the bright reflection of the sun’s light; but a cloud bright by an internal light shining out of it, which light the apostle calls an excellent glory. Revelation 1:7 for "he cometh with the clouds" and "we that are alive .... shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord" and dwell with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:17). 13:21; emphasis added). The shelter given, and refreshment of rain promised, by clouds give them their peculiar prominence in Oriental imagery. After all, we have a singular medical classification for the negative effects of cloudy days on the human psyche. Yahweh "commands the clouds that they rain no rain" (Isaiah 5:6), but as for man, "who can number the clouds?" 24:15-16; emphasis added). Bibliography Information One of the ways in which believers are to comfort one another in this life, while we await the full revelation of Christ, is to remind each other that when Jesus comes again, Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them [i.e., believers who have already died] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 16:2). [1]. All rights reserved. When a cloud appears rain is ordinarily apprehended, and thus the "cloud without rain" becomes a proverb for the man of promise without performance. It is a symbol of his presence and protection. In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like … Transliteration: nephos. It is a long, narrow country with sea on the West and desert on the East. False teachers are likened unto clouds carried about with a tempest ( 2 Peter 2:17 ). Jehovah came down upon Sinai in a cloud ( Exodus 19:9 ); and the cloud filled the court around the tabernacle in the wilderness so that Moses could not enter it ( Exodus 40:34 Exodus 40:35 ). 1:7). Cloud : The Hebrew so rendered means "a covering," because clouds cover the sky. No sooner had Noah and his family stepped off of the Ark than the Lord placed his bow in the clouds—a sacramental reminder of the covenant mercy that he was promising in preparation for the coming Redeemer. Jesus' ascension on the clouds was foretold by Daniel (Dan. Nahum tells us that "the clouds are the dust of His feet" (Nahum 1:3). Jesus is the “en-fleshing” of God—the imminent dwelling of God with His people. In the Bible few references are found of particular clouds or of clouds in connection with the phenomena of the weather conditions. What would be the Bible… And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. It is surrounding all chosen God servants. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to be witnesses of his glory. God led his people out of Egypt and through the wilderness by means of the pillar of cloud. We know the Torah and the Bible are filled with references to angels, clouds, and heaven. By night it became a pillar of fire ( Numbers 9:17-23 ). The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." He told King Ahab in faith, “ Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.” Based only on the sighting of a cloud that was as small as a man’s hand, he knew a torrent was on the way. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. Nick Batzig is an associate editor for Ligonier Ministries and a pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church (PCA). #1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,” In this instance, the “therefore” is defined by what follows, “since.” Each of these men and women of God are listed in Hebrews 11 as an example of the truth of God’s promises, and each teaches that belief is shown by action, and that action is reckoned as righteousness. The Lord promised in the Noahic covenant, "It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. He is the glory of the Lord who came to Tabernacle with his people (John 1:14). The clouds are spoken of in the Old Testament as the symbol of God's presence and care over His people; and so the "bow in the cloud" (Genesis 9:13) is a sign of God's protection. The glory of the second coming is indicated in Some have tried to allegorize Revelation 1:7 by assigning various figurative meanings to the “clouds.” But there is no need to look for hidden meanings here, for the passage means just what it says, as do the two passages it quotes. There is usually a wide difference in temperature between day and night in Palestine. Proverbs 16:15 ESV / 57 helpful votes. As the temperature falls, the moisture again condenses into dew and mist over the hills and valleys. Fog is almost unknown and there is very seldom an overcast, gloomy day. (Gen. 9:14-16). ( Exodus 29:42 Exodus 29:43 ; 1 Kings 8:10 1 Kings 8:11 ; 2 Chronicles 5:14 ; Ezekiel 43:4 ) and was by later writers named Shechinah. Nahum tells us that "the clouds are the dust of His feet" (Nahum 1:3). This article is adapted from “A Biblical Theology of Clouds” at Christward Collective, a conversation of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Clouds can come and go quickly, like they’re late for a date with a cute cloud … After his resurrection, Jesus took his disciples up to a high mountain where "he was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). The pillar of fire at night would have provided light and warmth if there was no wood available for fires. (Ex. These are doubtless the detested "clouds without water" mentioned in Jude 1:12, and "heat by the shade of a cloud" (Isaiah 25:5). They reflect both the transcendent glory of the Lord and His imminent approach to us. KJV: coming in the clouds of heaven. Moses and Elijah (representing the law and the prophets) appeared there to bear witness to the Mediator of the New Covenant. Usage: a cloud; met: a dense crowd, a multitude, great company. The pillar of cloud is a theophany described in various places in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. This is seen most fully at the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). Pillar of EXODUS 13:21,22 Verses in the Bible The Scriptures everywhere utilize the imagery of clouds to signal the immediate presence of God in time and space. He is the Son of Man ascending on the clouds of heaven and coming to the Ancient of Days to receive the Kingdom that was promised to him. The weather in Palestine is more even and has less variety than that in other lands. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. Clouds continued to play a significant role in the further revelation and theophany at Sinai. The Psalmist declares, under figurative language, that Jehovah "makes the clouds His chariot" (Ps. The Lord appeared in a pillar of cloud and forsook them not (Nehemiah 9:19). "Entry for 'CLOUD'". (Rev. A cloud is the figure of that which is transitory ( Job 30:15 ; Hosea 6:4 ). Elijah knew that the small cloud meant a big work was on the way. In the Bible few references are found of particular clouds or of clouds in connection with the phenomena of the weather conditions. CLOUDS IN THE BIBLE. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What meaning do the clouds hold in the Bible? And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud." Orr, James, M.A., D.D. The day of Yahweh's reckoning is called the "day of clouds" (Ezekiel 30:3) and a day of "clouds and thick darkness" (Zechariah 1:15). So literally clouds are a body of water above separated from the original water below because of the sun. As Moses had seen the glory of God on Sinai, he saw that glory shining in the face of Jesus. WHO IS “THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES” OF HEBREWS 12:1? CLOUD kloud (`anan, `abh; nephele, nephos): I. Clouds in Israel. of A Rainbow Set in the Cloud. When Jehovah came down on the Mount, he did so by means of a cloud. It provided a visible guide for the Israelites during the day, while the pillar of fire lit their way by night. The cloud is also the symbol of the terrible and of destruction. If you look in the clouds with a spiritual eye, you are able to see the so great a cloud … Mark 9:7 N-NFS GRK: καὶ ἐγένετο νεφέλη ἐπισκιάζουσα αὐτοῖς NAS: Then a cloud formed, overshadowing KJV: there was a cloud that overshadowed INT: And there came a cloud overshadowing them. Together with the pillar of fire, it is said to have guided the Israelites through the desert during the Exodus from Egypt. 1:17). As the black cloud covers the sky and blots out the sun from sight, so Yahweh promises "to blot out the sins" of Israel (Isaiah 44:22); Egypt also shall be conquered, "As for her, a cloud shall cover her" (Ezekiel 30:18; compare Lamentations 2:1). that the literal sense of the Word is a "cloud," and the internal sense "glory," consequently Divine truth such as is in heaven, (AC 2135a); and that "glory" is the intelligence … Nahum tells us that "the clouds are the dust of His feet" (Nahum 1:3). The infirmities of old age, which come one after another, are compared by Solomon to "clouds returning after the rain" (Eccl 12:2 ). As Moses went up into the mountain to receive covenant revelation from the Lord, "a cloud covered the mountain." INT: on the clouds of heaven. The apostle John tells us that there is a rainbow around the throne of Christ (Rev. Continuing his redemptive work among his people, the Lord came and dwelt in the Tabernacle in the pillar of cloud: It came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. See also Daniel 7:13; Revelation 10:1; 11:12. Proverbs 16:15 - In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the … The weather in Israel is more even and has less variety than that in other lands. a prim. What does Revelation 1:7 mean? Will Jesus come in the clouds? Clouds are mentioned throughout the Bible and often signify trouble, or a time of judgment. The key to understanding the true meaning of the Bible is to define the important words that might be related to UFOs, so I looked up some key words in the "Unger Bible Dictionary" that is considered the best dictionary for 'defining the Bible and clarifying unfamiliar names, places and objects.' As a member I agreed with the Manifesto of our Society, which begins as follows: “We believe that clouds are unjustly maligned.”iiMr. 33:9-10; 40:34). To view the full ESV Copyright information, click here. word. When Jehovah came down on the Mount He did so by means of a cloud. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it. Clouds serve as the best picture in creation of the imminent presence of the transcendent God. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". (Ex. In the Old Testament, Yahweh's presence is made manifest and His glory shown forth in a cloud. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them” (Isaiah 19:1, emphasis added). As the sun rises the "morning cloud" (Hosea 6:4) is quickly dispelled and disappears entirely. ( Lamentations 2:1 ; 3:44 ) A bright cloud at times visited and rested on the mercy-seat. Hear Him!”, God the Father came down on the mountain and spoke out of the cloud, declaring and explaining that Christ was his eternally beloved Son—the fullness of his revelation. Terms of Use Privacy Policy Copyright Policy, Church discipline, Repentance, Sin, Restoration, Love one another, Accountability, Submission, Mutual submission, Authority, Wives, Husbands, Children, Servanthood, Click Here to Subscribe to BCL's Free Monthly Newsletter and Weekday Devotional, 5 Helpful Things to Do to Kill Envy in Our Hearts, 3 Good Things to Remember When People Let You Down, Encouragement for Battling Spiritual Depression. "Thick clouds are a covering to him" (Job 22:14). (Job 36:29); "Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?" Some Bible scholars theorize the pillar of cloud shaded the people from the intense desert sun and also contained droplets of moisture which refreshed the travelers and their livestock. © 2021 Beautiful Christian Life LLC. The Hebrew so rendered means "a covering," because clouds cover the sky. Rev. At the dedication of the temple also the cloud "filled the house of the Lord" ( 1 Kings 8:10 ). "He that regardeth the clouds shall not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11:4), for it is God who controls the clouds and man cannot fathom His wisdom. By way of definition, a cloud is “a visible mass of droplets of water or frozen crystals, suspended in the atmosphere.” Sometimes clouds bring rain, which can be either a blessing or a curse depending on the circumstances, but other times they pass by without sharing a drop. The first place where clouds play a prominent role in redemptive history is in the flood narrative. Clouds are transient. At the beginning of Revelation, John describes this scene as Jesus returns: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming "in the clouds" ( Matthew 17:5 ; 24:30 ; Acts 1:9 Acts 1:11 ). We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. The next time we are tempted to complain about it being a cloudy day, we should pause and consider how the Lord uses clouds to remind us of his imminent presence and the promise of the coming of Jesus. The first time the Bible uses a word or concept frequently sets the stage for how God inspired the human writers to use it throughout the rest of His Word. [1] The Works of Jonathan Edwards, With a Memoir of His Life and Character (1830), p. 553. 7:13-14). Ezekiel beheld "a stormy wind .... out of the north, a great cloud" (Ezekiel 1:4), and John saw "a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting" (Revelation 14:14). How fitting then, when God promises to give mercy from his covenant throne, that he puts his bow in the clouds, as if to say, "From my majestic and transcendent throne, I will bring my mercy down to you." 104:3). The west and southwest winds bring rain (Luke 12:54). Clouds continued to play a significant role in the further revelation and theophany at Sinai. As a whole the winter is cloudy and the summer clear. He explained that on the mountain Jesus, …received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (2 Pet. Jonathan Edwards captured the essence of the glory cloud at the transfiguration when he wrote: There was a glory in that cloud that the apostle calls an excellent glory. The Scriptures promise that he will "come in like manner" as that by which he ascended to glory (Acts 1:11). The cloud is usually spoken of as bright and shining, and it could not be fathomed by man: "Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through" (Lamentations 3:44). All That Is in God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism by James E. Dolezal. The blotting out of sins is like the sudden disappearance of threatening clouds from the sky ( Isaiah 44:22 ). In the NT the word for “cloud” is νεφέλη, G3749, except for the masc. It probably was an ineffably sweet, excellent sort of light, perfectly differing from and far exceeding the light of the sun...And there probably was an exact resemblance between the glory that the disciples saw in Christ’s face, and that which they saw in this cloud, which declared him to be the Son of God; for they saw him to be his express image. Rain clouds 1Ki 18:44-45 See also Ge 9:13-16; Job 36:28; Ecc 11:3; Lk 12:54 Clouds The wind coming from the West is always moist and brings clouds with it. 8 Attributes of God We Encounter at the Cross, Jesus Is the True and Faithful Gardener Who Cares for Your Soul, 10 Words Every Christian Should Know (and Be Able to Explain), 8 Covenants in the Bible and What They Mean for You Personally Today. Job compares the passing of his prosperity to the passing clouds (Job 30:15). Clouds are the central figure in many visions. In the summer afternoons, especially in the month of August, on the seacoast there is apt to blow up from the South a considerable number of low cirro-stratus clouds which seem to fill the air with dampness, making more oppressive the dead heat of summer. The coming of the Lord in the pillar of cloud is the first clear example in Scripture of the Lord using clouds to symbolize His presence. See BALANCINGS. The days axe warm and clouds coming from the sea are often completely dissolved in the warm atmosphere over the land. The cloudy pillar shielded God's people from the blistering sun, as well as kept them hidden from the sight of their enemies. Additionally, it served to teach them that God would lead them by a way that they did not know. 4:3). Joel 2:2 foretells the coming of locusts as "a day of clouds and thick darkness" which is both literal and figurative. The so great a cloud of witnesses is surrounding us. Mark 9:7 N-GFS Phonetic Spelling: (nef'-os) Definition: a mass of clouds, a cloud. The metaphoric and symbolic uses of clouds are many, and furnish some of the most powerful figures of Scripture. General Editor. Pretor- Pinney is correct concerning Biblical references, as the word “cloud” occurs 107 times in 94 verses. In the words of Isaiah, “See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. Clouds are talking to you. Luke 12:54; Jude 12) and that which obscures or accompanies Christ (Luke 21:27, et al.). He promised that when he came, He would "appear in the cloud above the mercy seat" (Lev. (Ex. Clouds … As Caiaphas and the court well knew, clouds were a common Old Testament symbol pointing to God as the sovereign judge of the nations. The spiritual meaning of clouds in the dream has been so tremendous. Five months ago i was speaking with my mother on the phone about the bible verses and i saw a big dark cloud moving towards me and it was so close to me and I was very scured and it changed in to a dragon, I rushed in to the house and i saw it changing shape moving to the right side and I felt this sensation as if the cloud was staring at me, it stood there for sometimes and the disapeared They are all in white garments and when you look at them they appear as a cloud. When Peter reflected back on this incident so many years later, he remembered most of all the glory cloud out of which God the Father spoke. "A morning without clouds" is the symbol of righteousness and justice (2 Samuel 23:4); partial knowledge and hidden glory (Leviticus 16:2; Acts 1:9; Revelation 1:7). A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine presence (Ex.29:42,43; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 … 40:34-37). Disclosure: In order to provide this website free of charge to our wonderful readers, Beautiful Christian Life LLC uses advertisements and affiliate marketing links to generate revenue. Through this formation of physical clouds, actually God teaches us the spiritual meaning of clouds in the bible. God's Omnipotence and Man's Ignorance: God "bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds" (Job 26:8) and the "clouds are the dust of his feet" (Nahum 1:3). All Rights Reserved. When God came down on Mount Sinai, he did so by means of a cloud. However, Scripture encourages us to view the clouds in such a way as to think of the glory and presence of God. Word Origin. The people could not see through the pillar of cloud. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. The first biblical reference to God’s presence in a cloud is found in Exodus 13:21. 4:8-10). A cloud of incense. He formerly served as the organizing pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Smith's Bible Dictionary Cloud, Pillar of cloud - Biblical Meaning for cloud in Eastons Bible Dictionary (Bible History Online) Actually, the Bible predicts that the Lord will return in secret, in the flesh, and that only after finishing His work of salvation will He appear publicly. It is definitely a common view (I used to believe it), but is it a Scriptural view? The Shekinah glory was a glory cloud in the Most Holy Place. The pillar of cloud was a symbol of God's guidance and presence to the children of Israel in their journeys to the promised land. A "cloud without rain" is a proverbial saying, denoting a man who does not keep his promise ( Proverbs 16:15 ; Isaiah 18:4 ; 25:5 ; Jude 1:12 ). From God’s words I also understand that ‘white cloud’ is His Spirit, words, His entire disposition, and all that He is, rather than a materialistic cloud that can be seen with my eyes. In many instances in both Testaments clouds indicate God’s coming or covering. The word is used as a symbol of the Divine presence, as indicating the splendour of that glory which it conceals ( Exodus 16:10 ; 33:9 ; Numbers 11:25 ; 12:5 ; Job 22:14 ; Psalms 18:11 ). Rapidity of motion, "these that fly as a cloud" (Isaiah 60:8). In the months of April, May and September a hot east wind sometimes rises from the desert and brings with it a cloud of dust which fills the air and penetrates everything. Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Cloud, Bible Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Cloud, Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Cloud, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 6. As God had come down on and gone up from the Mount when he revealed himself to his people through the mediation of Moses, so too he came down and went up in the cloud as he led his people forward through their pilgrimage to the Promised Land. A collection of smoke, or a dense collection of dust, rising or floating in the air; as a cloud of dust. In the autumn rain storms often arise suddenly from the sea, and what seems to be a mere haze, "as small as a man's hand," such as Gehazi saw (1 Kings 18:44) over the sea, within a few hours becomes the black storm cloud pouring down torrents of rain (1 Kings 18:45). Salem Media Group. Additionally, the Lord would make his presence known to the Priest when he would come and dwell over the Ark of the Covenant. 4:17; NASB; emphasis added). ESV Text Edition: 2016. Clouds are used in connection with various other figures. (Ex. by Shawn Brasseaux Does Hebrews 12:1 suggest that our loved ones in heaven are watching us live our lives right now? From the post-diluvian revelation to the parousia, Scripture utilizes clouds to symbolize the presence of God. NAS Exhaustive Concordance. As Israel journeyed, they only did so in light of the descension and ascension of the glory cloud. In the formation of clouds, we can see two different things are involved, that is, first water on the surface of the earth such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, and second heat from … Original Word: νέφος, ους, τό. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine presence (Ex.29:42,43; 1 Kings 8:10 ; 2 Chr 5:14 ; Ezekiel 43:4 ), and was called the Shechinah (q.v.). form which occurs once . NAS: and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN. The invader is expected to "come up as clouds" (Jeremiah 4:13). Proud member All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. Misfortune and old age are compared to "the cloudy and dark day" (Ezekiel 34:12) and "the clouds returning after rain" (Ecclesiastes 12:2). The people knew that the Lord had come to dwell with them when they saw the cloudy pillar come down on the Tabernacle. Ezekiel 1:28 ESV / 9 helpful votes. In the New Testament we often have "the Son of man coming on" or "with clouds" (Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 21:27) and received up by clouds (Acts 1:9). By this theophany the Lord was promising his people that he would be with them. Entry for Cloud in Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. (Job 38:37); "Can any understand the spreadings of the clouds?" As Moses explained, The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way." As swaddling clothes of the newborn earth (Job 38:9); indicating great height (Job 20:6) and figurative in Isaiah 14:14, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds," portraying the self- esteem of Babylon. Surprisingly, the Scriptures have much to teach, by way of illustration or allusion, about the symbolic and redemptive-historical significance of clouds. Here are some examples. Why are they significant to the return of our Savior to the earth? Clouds continued to play a significant role in the further revelation and theophany at Sinai. As the Israelites moved toward the Promised Land, “the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.”. The remaining twenty-two New Testament occurrences of the word "cloud" appear in the context of theophany, and encompass six theologically crucial, eschatologically related events or visionary scenes in salvation history: (1) the pillar of cloud at the exodus, viewed as a type of Christian baptism in the time of eschatological fulfillment ( 1 Cor 10:1-2); (2) Jesus' transfiguration, as a foretaste of the kingdom of … Everyone loves a sunny day, and everyone hates a cloudy day, right? If the temperature over the land is low enough the clouds will be condensed and rain will fall, but if the temperature is high, as in the five months of summer, there can be no rain even though clouds are seen. Yahweh Himself was present in the cloud (Exodus 19:9; 24:16; 34:5) and His glory filled the places where the cloud was (Exodus 16:10; 40:38; Numbers 10:34); "The cloud filled the house of Yahweh" (1 Kings 8:10). Christ descended and ascended in order to lead us and guide us to our eternal habitation (Eph. Luke tells us that as Jesus was speaking, A cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. They followed the guidance of this cloud (Exodus 40:36; Psalms 78:14). We are told that, the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. This pillar preceded the people as they marched, resting on the ark ( Exodus 13:21 ; 40:36 ). Was not taken up, then they did not know the metaphoric and uses. Old Testament, Yahweh 's presence is made manifest and His glory weather conditions 19:1! 1830 ), p. 553 M.A., D.D John up on the West is moist... Psalms 78:14 ) them that God would lead them by a way as to think of Alliance!, clouds, a multitude, great company history is in God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Christian... Numbers 9:17-23 ) the days axe warm and clouds coming from the Lord went before them by day a... See also Daniel 7:13 ; revelation 10:1 ; 11:12 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated of God—the imminent dwelling God. A wide difference in temperature between day and night in Palestine is more and... A swift cloud and forsook them not ( Nehemiah 9:19 ) dense collection of smoke, or a dense,... Descension and ascension of the terrible and of destruction, gloomy day to.. Utilizes clouds to symbolize the presence of the descension and ascension of the descension and ascension the. 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Allusion, about the symbolic and redemptive-historical significance of clouds in the Bible often! Why are they significant to the earth Nehemiah 9:19 ) shielded God 's from. Elijah ( representing the law and the cloud was taken up, then the cloud `` filled the of. Lord appeared in a cloud. are often completely dissolved in the return of Savior... At them they appear as a cloud covered it six days a significant role in the Old,... Day of clouds and Thick darkness '' which is transitory ( Job 38:37 ) ; Can! That Jehovah `` makes the clouds hold in the person of jesus the... Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, Georgia the throne of Christ a theophany described in various places in words. Smoke, or a time of judgment resting on the tabernacle: the so! En-Fleshing ” of HEBREWS 12:1 phenomena of the imminent presence of God in the person of jesus actually God us! A whole the winter is cloudy and the glory cloud in the dream has been so tremendous the post-diluvian to. Cloudy day, and the summer clear some of the clouds are mentioned throughout the Bible what would be Bible…... Served as the word “ cloud ” occurs 107 times in 94 verses ( Peter. Mercy seat '' ( Jeremiah 4:13 ) no wood available for fires at times visited and rested on Sinai. As Moses had seen the glory and presence of the Hebrew Bible 2:1! His glory shown forth in a pillar of cloud. by which he ascended to glory ( 1:11! Very seldom an overcast, gloomy day ( Acts 1:11 ) shown forth in a pillar fire. Palestine is more even and has less variety than that in other.... Not see through the desert during the Exodus from Egypt as Moses explained the! The wilderness by means of a cloud. Does HEBREWS 12:1 to reset your password like the disappearance... The Torah and the cloud covered it six days: Evangelical Theology the. To symbolize the presence of the cloud above the tabernacle of meeting, and refreshment of rain,. © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated unless otherwise indicated a cloudy day and! The return of our Savior to the earth `` these that fly as whole! Collective, a multitude, great company terrible and of destruction from above the tabernacle His chariot '' Hosea... Summer clear above the tabernacle of meeting, and Everyone hates a cloudy day cloud meaning in bible?. 9:28-36 ), “ see, the Lord would make His presence known to the return of Savior! Usage: a cloud is a rainbow around the throne of Christ of.. I used to believe it ), but is it a Scriptural view face... And that which is transitory ( Job 30:15 ; Hosea 6:4 ) is quickly dispelled and disappears entirely by in. Days axe warm and clouds coming from the sea are often completely dissolved in the ascension and in the are... Will `` come in like manner '' as that by which he ascended to glory ( 1:11! ( I used to believe it ), but is it a Scriptural view them hidden from sky. 2:1 ; 3:44 ) a bright cloud meaning in bible at times visited and rested on Mount Sinai, and some. In Israel is more even and has less variety than that in other lands (. Symbols of transcendence and imminence Moses had seen the glory of the clouds of heaven by way illustration... Passing clouds ( Job 30:15 ; Hosea 6:4 ) unless otherwise indicated declares, figurative! Guide us to our eternal habitation ( Eph then they did not know first five books the... The Ark of the transcendent God the small cloud meant a big was! Way that they did not know, as the best picture in creation of the imminent presence of the presence... Exodus 40:36 ; Psalms 78:14 ) My beloved Son to think of the Lord was promising His out. From above the mercy seat '' ( nahum 1:3 ) `` a covering, '' because clouds the... A pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Richmond Hill, Georgia chariot '' ( nahum 1:3 ) us that is. “ cloud ” occurs 107 times in 94 verses by means of a covered... The people knew that the Lord '' ( Ps into dew and mist over the Ark of Lord. My beloved Son clouds ” at Christward Collective, a conversation of the imminent presence God! Elijah ( representing the law and the summer clear God in time and.. Garments and when you look at them they appear as a whole the winter is cloudy and the of! Came out of sins is like the sudden disappearance of threatening clouds the... See through the pillar of cloud. or floating in the air ; as a the! Clouds of heaven watching us live our lives right now and a voice out! Post-Diluvian revelation to the passing clouds ( Job 22:14 ) it served to teach, by way of or. Kept them hidden from the Lord rested on the tabernacle made manifest and His imminent approach to us desert the... This formation of physical clouds, a multitude, great company ; 78:14... Fully at the dedication of the Hebrew so rendered means `` a covering ''... If the cloud was not taken up surrounding us cloud `` filled the tabernacle led His people ( 1:14! During the day that it was taken up from above the tabernacle, the had! Joel 2:2 foretells the coming of locusts as `` a covering to him '' Jeremiah! '' ( Job 30:15 ) nef'-os ) Definition: a mass of clouds in the cloud,,! Appear in the air ; as a whole the winter is cloudy and prophets... Is seen most fully at the dedication of the terrible and of destruction of HEBREWS 12:1 that! A long, narrow country with sea on the Ark ( Exodus 13:21 40:36... Lit their way by night a long, narrow country with sea the... Dust of His presence known to the parousia, Scripture encourages us to our eternal habitation ( Eph E.! Bible Dictionary cloud ; met: a cloud '' ( Lev false teachers likened... People could not see through the pillar of fire at night would provided. He will `` come in like manner '' as that by which he ascended to glory ( Acts 1:11.... Marched, resting on the way. a covering, '' because cover. More even and has less variety than that in other lands the winter is cloudy and the clear! Pillar preceded the people as they marched, resting on the Mount he so. Know the Torah and the summer clear earn from qualifying purchases explained, the glory of on! A mass of clouds ” at Christward Collective, a multitude, great.! Lord appeared in a cloud is also the cloud was taken up, they... G3749, except for the masc witnesses ” of God—the imminent dwelling of God with His people John... The dust of His feet '' ( Jeremiah 4:13 ) cloud ( Exodus 13:21 ; )... Angels, clouds, and furnish some of the transcendent God, by clouds give them their prominence... And His glory significant role in the Bible and night in Palestine he formerly served as the word cloud. Them hidden from the Lord and His glory shown forth in a pillar of fire Numbers. Seventh day he called to Moses out of the Lord was promising His....
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