Topical Bible: Clouds: (When Seasonable) the Favour of Good Rulers

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In the biblical narrative, clouds often symbolize the presence and majesty of God, as well as His guidance and protection over His people. However, clouds also serve as a metaphor for the favor and benevolence of good rulers, who, like seasonable clouds, bring much-needed relief and blessings to their people.

The imagery of clouds is frequently used in Scripture to convey the idea of refreshment and provision. Just as clouds bring rain to a parched land, so too do righteous leaders bring justice, peace, and prosperity to their nations. Proverbs 16:15 states, "In the light of a king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the spring rain." This verse highlights the life-giving and refreshing nature of a ruler's favor, akin to the rejuvenating rains that follow a dry season.

Good rulers, like seasonable clouds, are timely and appropriate in their actions. They understand the needs of their people and respond with wisdom and compassion. Their governance is marked by fairness and integrity, ensuring that justice is upheld and the welfare of the populace is prioritized. This is reminiscent of the clouds that appear at the right time to water the earth, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

The Bible also contrasts the favor of good rulers with the oppression of wicked ones. In Isaiah 5:30, the prophet describes a scene of darkness and distress, where "if one looks at the land, there is only darkness and distress; even the light is obscured by clouds." Here, clouds symbolize the obscuring of justice and the presence of turmoil under unrighteous leadership.

Furthermore, the favor of good rulers is seen as a reflection of God's own character. Just as God is described as a "cloud by day" guiding the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), so too do righteous leaders guide their people with wisdom and care. They act as stewards of God's justice, ensuring that His principles are upheld in their governance.

In conclusion, clouds, when seasonable, serve as a powerful metaphor for the favor of good rulers in the biblical context. They represent the timely and life-giving presence of justice, peace, and prosperity brought about by righteous leadership. Such rulers, through their godly governance, reflect the character of God and His desire for the flourishing of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Herod and Peter.
... may wear the aspect of serenity, but the clouds will return ... prayers answered in so
surprising and seasonable a manner ... The favour of the king being gained by the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... a fountain of tears!" [221] it is seasonable for me to ... of the night and behold with
the clouds of Heaven ... even last for a little time, their favour is displayed ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

A Discourse
... by which she was made capable, through good management, to ... angels or pillars get
nothing of favour at the ... most low state, and when under her greatest clouds. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... Church and State, he was no doubt in favour of the ... When it was seasonable to sing
praise to God, they ... God, praising Him lustily and with a good courage;' there ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm