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Clouds fill an important place both in the O.T. and N.T. They were the celestial veil of the presence of God — His chariot, and the hiding place of His power. It pleased God to manifest His presence to Israel in a cloud. The PILLAR OF CLOUD guided the children of Israel through the wilderness. Ex. 40: 34-38. When they constructed
the tabernacle Jehovah promised to appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. Lev. 16: 2. On special occasions Jehovah came down in a cloud, and spake unto Moses. Num. 11: 25. At the dedication of the temple 'the cloud' filled the house so that the priests could not minister because of the cloud: "for the glory of Jehovah had filled the house of Jehovah." 1 Kings 8: 10, 11: cf. Num. 14: 10. This visible symbol of God's glory, is often called the SHECHINAH. The word is from the Aramaic shakan 'to rest.' The word does not occur in scripture, but is often used by Jewish and Christian writers as signifying the dwelling or resting place of Jehovah.
In the N.T. on the mount of Transfiguration, a cloud overshadowed those present, and "a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." Luke 9: 34, 35. At the ascension a cloud received the Lord out of their sight. Acts 1: 9. At rapture the dead and the living saints will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, 1 Thess. 4: 17, and when He comes to the earth He will come with clouds. Luke 21: 27; Rev. 1: 7. In the future, one 'like unto the Son of man' will sit upon 'a white cloud,' and execute judgements upon the earth. Rev. 14: 14-16. The mighty God who dwells in light unapproachable by man manifested His presence shrouded by clouds.