Clothed With a Cloud

So begins another interlude, this time between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets. Have you noticed that these interludes come at the same spot, before the last in the series of sevens, and that the Bible devotes a significant portion to the time periods represented during the sixth of each series? There must be something important in these verses that merit our close attention!

Additionally, like so much of the book of Revelation, we find echoes of Daniel’s prophetic book here. One scholar noted that Daniel’s “man clothed in linen” (Daniel 12:6) is John’s “angel…clothed with a cloud.” God is also often described as appearing with clouds: “The LORD descended in the cloud” (Exodus 34:5); “they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). (See also Exodus 16:10; 24:16; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 11:25; 1 Kings 8:10; Psalm 97:2; Isaiah 19:1; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 26:64; Luke 21:27; Acts 1:9; Revelation 14:14.)

The rainbow over the head of the angel is a sign of God’s covenant (Genesis 9:13). Significantly, there is also a rainbow above the throne of God the Father (Revelation 4:3). A “face … like the sun” recalls descriptions of Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). “Pillars of fire”? Another God-like attribute, to be sure (Exodus 13:21).

In fact, notice the multiple parallels to the description of Jesus in Revelation 1: “Behold, He is coming with clouds” (v. 7); “His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength” (v. 16); “His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace” (v. 15).

In no way are we saying that Jesus Christ is merely a nominal angel, a created being. Christ is the Creator of all angels and all beings (Colossians 1:16). The word “angel,” at its very fundamental basis, means “messenger.” And as we are about to see, Christ has a very important message to deliver in this chapter, before that final, seventh trumpet is sounded. Let’s be sure to listen up!

Jesus, as we read these verses, open our eyes to see You and to hear Your message for John—and for us!

For Further Study: Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 10:6; Malachi 4:2

Key Bible Texts

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: (Revelation 10:1 KJV)