From a meteorological point of view Clouds are a natural phenomenon to be observed, studied, and analyzed. Clouds contain rain, electrical forces, and are good predictors of what the weather is going to be on any given day. Cloudy days obscure the sunshine which in turn causes our spirit to become downcast. We want to see the sunshine.
What if I told you that cloud(s) from a biblical perspective can actually give clarity? It is does not make any sense to us to believe that something that is obscure and hinders vision could actually give clarity. In the Old and New Testament clouds held a much loftier place. They could often be associated with God’s presence, His power, and even His guidance. The Hebrew noun ʿanan means “cloud, mist, or covering.” It is almost always translated as “cloud” and may derive from an original root, ʿanan, meaning “to cover or to appear.” The verb form of ʿanan means “to have something appear” or “to bring clouds.”[1] This term occurs 147x in the Old Testament alone.
Exodus 19:9 is a key passage to learn how something that appears to obscure our vision and yet it gives vision. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold I am coming to you in a thick cloud that the people may hear when I speak to you and may also believe you forever’” (ESV). As you continue to read into v.16 you notice the cloud was thick, there was thunder and lightning and loud trumpet blasts. The people reacted with fear at the sight of this mountain, thick cloud, lightning and thunder. The bible is quite explicit in the details that is reported.
It is important to understand the context of need prior to the cloud experience. This was national Israel that had come out of Egypt and already had witnessed amazing miracles of God. Yet this nation was at a crisis point, they needed guidance. They were no longer slaves. As you read the following chapters to 24:3 Moses reports all that had been given to him by God and the people responded, “…all the words of that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Following their commitment Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders went up to the mountain. God continued his instructions.
What is the key take-away: When spiritual leaders prepare to meet with God, new direction will be given and there will be reciprocal obedience. The process between preparation and stepping into the cloud (Ex. 19) and new direction given (Ex.30) is referred to as “Spiritual Authority.” Crisis moments of life require not just a sermon, but new direction!
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[1] Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). In Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (p. 34). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
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