Obłok w Starym Testamencie jako znak zbawczej mocy Boga działającej w historii Izraela

Abstract

In the history of Israel the sawing work of God was basically connected with holy places, the mount of Sinai, the Ark of the Convenant, the Tent of Meeting and the Temple. The cloud appearing in those places expressed that very presence and work of God. The cloud, a characteristic element of the universe for the Semite, revealed God as the creator of the universe and the supreme law giver. Further a ttributes of God that follow from His creativo power are: Holiness. Inaccessibility and Justice. God appearing in a cloud in structed the chosen people, bestowed His spirit on them, judged, rewarded and punished them. Also outside the holy places, in particular during the crossing of the Red Sea and the journey of Israel th rough the desert, God’s saving work is represented by the appearance of a cloud. The cloud that protects Israel represents Gotl as the Lord of nature and the conqueror of all hostile powers. The symbolism of the cloud is drawn from the natural phenomenon of the thunderstorm, which in the Semites’ opinion is the fullest expression of God’s power. In apocalyptic texts describing the eschatological salvation the cloud expresses the creative power of God, which puts the world in order, raises it from the state of primeval chaos and at the end of time establishes eternal order and peace.