Exodus 24:15
And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַל
went up
H5927
וַיַּ֥עַל
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָהָֽר׃
into the mount
H2022
הָהָֽר׃
into the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
4 of 8
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וַיְכַ֥ס
covered
H3680
וַיְכַ֥ס
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
הֶֽעָנָ֖ן
and a cloud
H6051
הֶֽעָנָ֖ן
and a cloud
Strong's:
H6051
Word #:
6 of 8
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
Cross References
Exodus 19:9And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.Matthew 17:5While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.Exodus 19:16And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.2 Chronicles 6:1Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
Historical Context
Clouds in ancient Near Eastern religions symbolized deity. Israel's cloud was unique—not a god but the veil of God's glory. The cloud both attracted (visible presence) and repelled (unapproachable glory).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God manifest in a cloud—what does the cloud both reveal and conceal?
- How does cloud imagery throughout Scripture (Sinai, tabernacle, transfiguration, ascension, return) signify God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
Moses ascends alone into the cloud—the cloud of God's presence (עָנָן, anan) that both reveals and conceals. The cloud 'covered' (וַיְכַס, vayekhas) the mountain—enveloping it in glory. Inside the cloud, Moses meets God face to face (33:11). The cloud imagery runs throughout the Pentateuch: pillar of cloud leading Israel, cloud covering tabernacle, Shekinah glory filling the temple. Jesus is transfigured in a cloud (Luke 9:34-35); He ascends in a cloud (Acts 1:9); He'll return in clouds (Revelation 1:7). The cloud marks divine presence—both comforting (God is near) and terrifying (He's consuming fire within).