Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.

Cloud

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 (Pr. 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 Ki. 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 Ki. 8:10). Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming "in the clouds" (Mt. 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).