Clouds fill an important place in Scripture. 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 spoke to 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 JnD). This visible symbol of God’s glory is often called the Shekinah. The word does not occur in Scripture, but it is often used as signifying the dwelling or resting place of Jehovah. 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. At the rapture, the dead and the living saints will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. When He comes in judgment, He will come with clouds. The mighty God who dwells in light unapproachable by man manifested His presence shrouded by clouds.
Concise Bible Dictionary