Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
The Hebrew so rendered means “a covering,” because clouds cover the sky. The word is used as a symbol of the Divine presence, as indicating the splendour of that glory which it conceals (Ex. 16:10; 33:9; Num. 11:25; 12:5; Job 22:14; Ps. 18:11). A “cloud without rain” is a proverbial saying, denoting a man who does not keep his promise (Prov. 16:15; Isa. 18:4; 25:5; Jude 1:12). A cloud is the figure of that which is transitory (Job 30:15; Hos. 6:4). ).
Jehovah came down upon Sinai in a cloud (Ex. 19:9); and the cloud filled the court around the tabernacle in the wilderness so that Moses could not enter it (Ex. 40:34, 35). At the dedication of the temple also the cloud “filled the house of the Lord” (1 Kings 8:10). Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming “in the clouds” (Matt. 17:5; 24:30; Acts 1:9, 11). False teachers are likened unto clouds carried about with a tempest (2 Pet. 2:17).
The infirmities of old age, which come one after another, are compared by Solomon to “clouds returning after the rain” (Eccl. 12:2). The blotting out of sins is like the sudden disappearance of threatening clouds from the sky (Isa. 44:22). Cloud, the pillar of, was the glory-cloud which indicated God’s presence leading the ransomed people through the wilderness (Ex. 13:22; 33:9, 10). This pillar preceded the people as they marched, resting on the ark (Ex. 13:21; 40:36). By night it became a pillar of fire (Num. 9:17-23).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
The shelter given, and refreshment of rain promised, by clouds give them their peculiar prominence in Oriental imagery. When a cloud appears rain is ordinarily apprehended, and thus the “cloud without rain” becomes a proverb for the man of promise without performance. (Proverbs 16:15; Isaiah 18:4; 25:5; Jude 1:12) comp. Prov 25:14 The cloud is a figure of transitoriness, (Job 30:15; Hosea 6:4) and of whatever intercepts divine favor or human supplication. (Lamentations 2:1; 3:44) A bright cloud at times visited and rested on the mercy-seat.
(Exodus 29:42,43; 1 Kings 8:10,11; 2 Chronicles 5:14; Ezekiel 43:4) and was by later writers named Shechinah.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
CLOUD. " The references to clouds in the Bible will be better understood when the fact is known that from the beginning of May to the end of September not a cloud is usually seen, 1 Sam 12:17-18; hence their appearance would be phenomenal. The oncoming of clouds marked the approach of rain. 1 Kgs 18:44; Luke 12:54. "A cloud without rain" was indeed a proverb for a man whose performance belied his promise. Prov 25:14.
Clouds shield the divine Presence, Ex 16:10; Ex 33:9; Num 11:25; 1 Kgs 8:10; Job 22:14; Ps 18:11; and in evidence of the divinity of Christ is the fact that clouds play a part in his recorded life and in his future glory. Matt 17:5; Matt 24:30; Acts 1:9; Rev 14:14. Clouds symbolize transitoriness. Job 30:15; Hos 6:4; armies and multitudes of people, Hos Isa, 60:8; Jer 4:13; Heb 12:1. "A cloudy day" is a day of calamity. Eze 30:3; 3Lev 4:12. " 2 Pet 2:17.
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
CLOUD, PILLAR OF. When the people of Israel commenced their march through the wilderness, God caused a cloud resembling a pillar to pass before the camp. In the day-time it was like a cloud, dark and heavy, and in the night bright and shining like fire. It also served as a signal for rest or motion. Num 9:17-23.