Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, clouds often serve as significant symbols and manifestations of God's presence, guidance, and revelation. Among the various types of clouds mentioned in Scripture, "bright clouds" hold a particular place, often associated with divine glory and revelation.Bright Clouds in Scripture 1. Theophany and Divine Presence: Bright clouds are frequently depicted as a medium through which God reveals Himself to His people. In the Old Testament, clouds are often associated with God's presence, as seen in the Exodus narrative where a pillar of cloud guided the Israelites by day (Exodus 13:21). While not explicitly described as "bright" in this instance, the concept of a luminous cloud is implied in other passages. 2. The Transfiguration of Jesus: One of the most prominent mentions of a bright cloud occurs during the Transfiguration of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'" (Matthew 17:5). This bright cloud signifies the divine approval and the presence of God the Father, affirming Jesus' identity and mission. 3. Symbol of Divine Glory: Bright clouds are often symbolic of God's glory and majesty. In the prophetic literature, clouds are sometimes used to describe the coming of the Lord in power and glory. For instance, in Daniel's vision, the "Son of Man" comes with the clouds of heaven (Daniel 7:13), a passage that is later echoed in the New Testament as a reference to Christ's return. 4. Heavenly Imagery: In the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament, bright clouds are part of the imagery associated with the end times and the return of Christ. Revelation 1:7 states, "Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him." While not explicitly described as "bright," the context suggests a glorious and visible manifestation. Theological Significance Bright clouds in the Bible are more than mere meteorological phenomena; they are rich with theological meaning. They represent the intersection of the divine and the earthly, a visible sign of God's invisible presence. In the context of the Transfiguration, the bright cloud not only signifies divine presence but also serves as a vehicle for divine communication, underscoring the authority and divinity of Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, bright clouds remind believers of God's transcendence and immanence, His glory and His nearness. They serve as a powerful symbol of hope and assurance, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the return of Christ, when He will come in glory with the clouds of heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 37:11Also by watering he wearies the thick cloud: he scatters his bright cloud: Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 10:1 Library Outward Bound Book iii when She Finished Her Lay, Its Soothing Tones Left Me ... Authority and the Adventurer The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Book V Here She Made an End and was for Turning the Course of Her ... Church Abuses. Book Twelve the Mode of Creation and the Truth of Scripture. ... Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Chaldaean Civilization Resources What does it mean that Jesus will come in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a glory cloud? Is a glory cloud biblical? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the rainbow? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Clouds of Multitudes of Persons Clouds of Unsearchableness of God Clouds: (A Morning Without) of Wise Rulers Clouds: (Carried Away by a Tempest) of False Teachers Clouds: (Passing Away) the Goodness and Prosperity of Clouds: (Riding Upon) the Power and Greatness of God Clouds: (When Seasonable) the Favour of Good Rulers Clouds: (Without Rain) the Fraudulent Clouds: (Without Water) False Teachers Clouds: Called The: Bottles of Heaven Clouds: Called The: Chambers of God Clouds: Called The: Clouds of Heaven Clouds: Called The: Dust of God's Feet Clouds: Called The: Waters Above the Firmament Clouds: Called The: Windows of Heaven Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Black Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Bright Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Great Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Small Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Swift Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: Thick Clouds: Different Kinds of, Mentioned: White Clouds: Frequently the Instrument of God's Judgments Clouds: from the West, Bring Rain Clouds: God: Balanced in the Air Clouds: God: Brings Over the Earth Clouds: God: Disposed in Order Clouds: Made for the Glory of God Clouds: Man: Cannot Cause to Rain Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Balancing of Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Disposing of Clouds: Man: Ignorant of the Spreading of Clouds: Often Cover the Heavens Clouds: Often Dispersed by the Wind Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Condensing Clouds: Power and Wisdom of God Exhibited in Forming Clouds: The Rainbow Appears In Clouds: Though Small, often Bring Much Rain Clouds: Thunder and Lightning Come From Clouds: Uses of To Moderate Heat Related Terms |
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