Topical Bible: Armies: Compared to Clouds

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In biblical literature, armies are often depicted with vivid imagery that conveys their power, multitude, and sometimes their ominous presence. One such metaphorical comparison is to clouds, which can symbolize both the vastness and the impending threat of an approaching army.

Symbolism of Clouds

Clouds in the Bible frequently symbolize divine presence, judgment, and the unfolding of God's plans. They can represent both blessing and foreboding, depending on the context. For instance, clouds are associated with God's guidance and protection, as seen in the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). However, clouds can also signify impending judgment or disaster, as in the prophetic visions of the Old Testament.

Armies as Clouds

The comparison of armies to clouds emphasizes their overwhelming numbers and the shadow they cast over the land they approach. This imagery is used to convey the sense of an unstoppable force, much like a storm that covers the sky and brings inevitable change or destruction.

In Jeremiah 4:13, the prophet describes the approach of an enemy army with the words, "Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like a whirlwind; his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!" . Here, the advancing army is likened to clouds, suggesting both their speed and the inevitability of their arrival, much like a storm that cannot be halted.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 38:9, the prophecy against Gog describes an invasion: "You will advance, coming on like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your troops and many peoples with you" . This imagery underscores the vastness and the enveloping nature of the invading forces, as well as the fear and awe they inspire.

Theological Implications

The comparison of armies to clouds serves to remind the reader of the sovereignty of God over the nations and their military might. While armies may appear as overwhelming and unstoppable as storm clouds, the biblical narrative consistently affirms that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. The imagery of clouds, therefore, not only highlights the power of these armies but also points to the ultimate authority of God, who commands the clouds and the forces of nature.

In the prophetic literature, the use of such imagery often serves as a call to repentance and trust in God, who alone can provide refuge and deliverance from the impending "storm" of invading armies. The metaphor of clouds thus becomes a powerful tool in conveying both the threat of human conflict and the hope of divine intervention.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 38:9-16
You shall ascend and come like a storm, you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you, and all your bands, and many people with you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's People Delivered.
... of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back ... gave them His law; they might
have compared their characters ... judge and make war." And "the armies which were ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back ... gave them His law; they might
have compared their characters ... judge and make war." And "the armies which were ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

What is Man?
... that the Creator of these, the innumerable armies of heaven ... so every way inconsiderable,
when compared either with ... Consequently, it has no clouds, no rain, no ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 103 what is man.htm

Profit and Loss
... Popularity has its head in the clouds, but its feet ... Lord Bacon has justly compared
those who move in higher ... to lift his finger, and noble armies followed him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/profit and loss.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... But still, compared with the colossal systems of ... this stupendous mountain, reaching
above the clouds, seen by ... parliament, no state churches, no armies will be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... again (for when at that time also, armies had come ... greatness of the ills, when not
only compared with the ... no longer on the cross, but "in the clouds of Heaven ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... become strong and turned to flight the armies of the ... of God and wavers in his faith
is compared to the ... dark before and behind us, when storm-clouds hang heavy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... not to be associated with other armies, or to ... the path by which they descended from
the clouds. ... Life is little compared with God's lovingkindness, and that is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Continued.
... the firmament," and so depicts the clouds as gathering ... and occupation with outward
things, may be compared to the ... the brook that ran between the armies in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iii early dayscontinued.htm

Mr. HG Wells and the Giants
... with a darker thing, is light, but which, compared with a ... as short things; he would
see the clouds first as ... fond of his friend that he slaughters armies in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/v mr h g wells and.htm