Cloud Comings
Apocalyptic language is the use of words describing the foreboding or imminent disaster, final doom, and the judgment of God against the enemies of His Covenant people.
They are physical words which symbolize spiritual realities.
The following Scripture references are some examples of the use of apocalyptic language: Psalms 18:3-15, Isaiah 19:1, Jeremiah 4:11-14, Zephaniah 1:14-15, Psalms 97:2-5, Revelation 14:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Samuel 22:1, 10-15, Psalms 68:34-35, Ezekiel 30:2-3, 18-19, Ezekiel 34:12-16, Numbers 11:25, Lamentations 2:1-3.
When "cloud coming" language is used, God Himself was never seen on clouds. This pattern was established in the Old Testament. Jesus came in like manner to judge in the New Testament. "Cloud comings" is associated with apocalyptic language.
We are all familiar with the fact that the return of Jesus was to be with clouds.
“Behold, he cometh with clouds” (Revelation 1:7)
“...Caught up together with them in the clouds....” (1Thessalonians 4:17)
“.... Coming on the clouds of heaven....” (Matthew 26:63-64)
“.... A day of clouds and thick darkness....” (Joel 2:1-2)
Here are some Old Testament references to clouds:
Jeremiah 4:11-14, Psalms 97:2-5, Zephaniah 1:14-15, Deuteronomy 4:10-11, 5:22, Ezekiel 30:3, 18-19, 34:12, 38:9, Lamentations 2:1-3, Psalms 68:34, 97:2-5, Revelation 14:14-16
Here are some references of "cloud comings" in the New Testament:
Matthew 24:30, 26:64, Mark 13:26, 14:62, Revelation 1:7, Luke 21:27.
In Biblical language, "clouds" are symbolic of God's wrath and judgment against the enemies of His people. They are not atmospheric clouds up in the sky. Often "clouds" symbolize humans, spirit-realm beings, and those who have died in the Lord. (Hebrews 12:1, 22-24) “clouds" are also used to symbolize God's involvement through the actions of human armies.
When we consider that the New Testament was written mainly by Jewish authors to a predominately Jewish audience, we realize that we must seek to understand how “cloud-coming” language was used and understood by the Jews.
The Old Testament is the basis of Hebrew culture. We find the concept of God “coming on clouds” was part of their language.
God was never seen on clouds. Jesus said He would come in judgment as His Father came in judgment. (John 5:17-22, Matthew 16:27-28, Revelation 22:12)