In the scriptures we see clouds associated with the power and promises of God. As the Hebrews left Egypt a pillar of cloud moved over them and later guided them as they traveled. At night this became a pillar of fire and provided light and protection from the Egyptians who pursued them. The pillar of cloud indicated when they were to break camp and continue on their way to the promised land serving as a visible reminder of the presence of God with the people.
At Sinai when the Tabernacle was dedicated we find that God manifested his presence and approval. "So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. " (Ex 40.34-38). No matter where they were the cloud was a visible statement to the Hebrews that the Lord was with them, protecting, blessing and guiding them for the duration of their time in the wilderness.
God employed a cloud to confirm the authority of his son on the Earth. Christ took Peter, James and John with him into a mountain where he was transfigured, or changed. Along with Christ, Elijah and Moses appeared and spoke with him. Seeing this Peter stated, "Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. " (Matt 17.4). On the surface this appears to be a recognition of the significance of Christ and two great characters who had gone on before. In his attempt to reverence all three Peter made the mistake of placing Christ on an equal plane with both Elijah and Moses. While he was still talking God gave him a new perspective.
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid ." (Matt 17.5-7). The bright cloud announced the presence of God. The text states that the cloud overshadowed them indicating that it hadn't been there before. Such an occurrence could only have been performed by God and one statement, accompanied by the cloud, drove the point home that no one was equal to Christ. The greatness of Moses and Elijah paled in comparison to Christ whose word was to be the final revelation to mankind.
Peter later speaks of this event in his second epistle. "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount ." (2 Pet 1.16-18). God himself endorsed his son on the Earth in the presence of those who would be his witnesses leaving no doubt in their minds of who Jesus was or what his authority is.
The ascension of Christ to the Father also incorporates clouds. As the disciples gathered with Jesus forty days after the resurrection, he gave them instructions to remain in Jerusalem until they received the power Jesus promised them. This power, the Holy Spirit, would come to them ten days later and serve as their guide to do the work of the Lord. After receiving these instructions they then saw Christ's departure. Luke writes, "while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven ." (Acts 1.9-11).
The apostle Paul speaks of the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord ." (1 Thess 4.16-17).
Clouds are a statement of the power, promises and majesty of God. In the scriptures they depict: