I have swept away your offenses like a cloud….

Isa. 44:22

As I investigated Old Testament references to clouds, I noticed that when speaking to Job, God described clouds as the sea’s garment and thick darkness its blanket. (Job 38:9)

The psalmist observed how God’s presence created upheaval within nature: The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; Your arrows flashed back and forth. The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. Another wrote, Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. (Psa. 77 and 97)

Isaiah depicted the LORD riding on a swift cloud on his way to Egypt (Isa. 19:1). Isaiah also comforted God’s people with the words, “The LORD, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts, addresses His people with the words: I have made you and you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, and your sins like the morning mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isa. 44:21-22). 

Jeremiah referenced clouds to describe his despair over the destruction of Jerusalem. Though we might say our prayers "bounce off the ceiling," Jeremiah offered a more commanding phrase. He said, “You have covered Yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through” (Lam. 3:44). 

Nahum, God’s prophet to the unrepentant city of Nineveh, described God’s awesome power this way: The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; …. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet (Nah. 1:3).

Biblical songwriters, prophets and the author of Job used clouds to communicate eternal truths about God. I‘m especially drawn to the redemptive action Isaiah referenced when he wrote “God swept away the Israelites’ offenses like a cloud.” 

Jesus has done the same for me, and for all those who accept His gift of redemption and salvation. Oh, how I’d like to write that in the clouds!

Linda Les