CLOUD (kloud), (Heb. principally awb, and (Gr. vectonuj, neteray, covering of the sky).
The allusions to clouds in Scripture, as well as their use in symbolical language, must be under stood with reference to the nature of the climate, where the sky scarcely exhibits the trace of a cloud from the beginning of May to the end of September, during which period clouds so rarely appear, and rains so seldom fall, as to be con sidered phenomena—as was the case with the harvest rain which Samuel invoked (I Sam. xii : 17, 18), and with the little cloud, not larger than a man's hand, the appearance of which in the west was immediately noticed as something re markable not only in itself, but as a sure har binger of rain (, Kings xviii :44).
The Lord appeared at Sinai in the midst of a cloud (Exod. xix :9; xxxiv :5) ; and after Moses had built and consecrated the tabernacle, a cloud filled the court around it, so that neither Moses nor the priests could enter (x1:34, 35). The same occurred at the dedication of the temple by Solomon (2 Chron. v:13; 1 Kings viii :to).
When, then, the cloud appeared on the tent, in front of which were held the assemblies of the people, in the desert, it was believed that God was then present, for the motion of the cloud which rested on the tent %vas a sign of the Divine presence (Exod. xvi:io; xxxiii :9; Num. xi:25). The angel descended in the cloud and from thence spoke to Moses, without being seen by the people (Exod. xvi :1o; Num. xi :25). It is equal in Scripture, when mentioning the presence of God, to represent him asencompassed with clouds, serv ing as a chariot, and veiling his dreadful majesty ( Job xxii :14 ; Is. xix :t ; Matt. xvii :5; xxiv :30, etc.; Ps. xviii 12; xcvii :2; eiV:3). The Son of God is described as ascending to heaven in a cloud; (Acts i :9) and at his second advent, as descending upon clouds (Matt. xxiv :3o; Rev. xiv:14, 16).
FiguratiVe. (I) In allusion to the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness, God is said to create a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night, upon the dwellings and assemblies of Zion, when he remarkably protects, guides and comforts his people (Is. iv :5). (2) The cloud of glory that hovered over the mercy seat signified the majestic and marvelous pres ence of God as revealed in Christ, with his church (1 Kings viii :to). (3) God. is likened to a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest; his ful ness is unsearchable. his approaches quick, and his presence very comforting (Is. xviii :4). (4) God often appeared in a cloud, to mark his majesty; and to intimate that his glory, purposes, and works are unsearchable (Exod. xvi :to; Ps. civ :3; Matt.
xvii :5). (5) He rides on swift clouds, or has them for the dust of his feet, when he comes in a speedy and awful manner to deliver his people and destroy his enemies (2 Sam. xxii :12; Is. XiX: I; Neli.ix:i2). (6) Clouds and darkness are round about him, when his providences are very myster ious and awful (Ps. xcvii :2). Christ was received up into heaven by a cloud, when he ascended; and at the last day, will come in the clouds, making them his throne while he judges the world (Acts i :9; Dan. vii :13; Rev. i :7). (7) He is clothed with a cloud, when his work is obscure and ter rible (Rev. x:t). (8) His sitting on a white cloud denotes the glorious display of his equity, holiness, power, and authority, in the execution of his judgments (Rev. xiv ;i4, and xx :I I). (9) Ministers and ordinances are likened to clouds; by the authority of heaven they are appointed, and by them God comforts and directs his people, and communicates his grace to them (Is. v :6). (to) Saints are called a cloud; their number is great (Is: lx :8; Heb. xii :i). (Is) Hypocrites and false teachers are clouds without water; they promise usefulness, but, being without true solid ity, value, and knowledge. are easily carried about by their own pride and ambition, and by the winds of false doctrines (2 Pet. ii:17). (12) Men, in general, are as a vanishing cloud; while they live, they have but little of true happiness and com fort, and their days hasten to an end (Job vii :9). (13) Sins are compared to a cloud; how vast their numbers! how they darken our souls, sepa rate between God and us! By his free forgive ness, by the shining of his countenance, and the breathing of his Spirit only can they be dispelled (Is. xliv :22). (t4) Afflictions are a cloud; their ingredients are many, their nature awful and mysterious; they bereave men of their glory and joy (Lam. ii :1). (15) The favor of a king is like a cloud of the latter rain, very useful and pleasant (Prov. xvi:i5). (16) The goodness of the ten tribes of Israel was like a morning cloud, and early dew; whatever appearances of reformation were among them under Jehu, and whatever pros perity they had under Joash, and Jeroboam his son, or Pekah, they all quickly came to an end (Hos. vi :4). (,7) Armies are likened to a cloud, because of their number, and their threatening to overwhelm and ruin all around (Ezek. xxxviii: 9)•