Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. (Psalm 97:2-3 KJV)

When I was much younger my father would take my brother and me to the stock-car races.  We loved watching the brightly colored cars racing as fast as they could go around the half-mile dirt track.  When we first started going to the races the cars were pretty much stock vehicles with the windows removed, a roll-bar bolted in and a number painted on the door.  Overtime, however, the cars became bigger and faster.  On one particular night there was a crash between two of the fastest cars.  It was not a huge crash, but one of the drivers suddenly jumped out of his car and began running and jumping and flailing his arms like a madman. All of the spectators were quite puzzled and amused by the driver’s crazy antics. Then suddenly a fireman sitting in the infield of the track jumped up with a big thick silver blanket, tackled the driver, wrapped him in the blanket, and began rolling the driver on the ground. The ambulance crew quickly sprang into action.  What was not apparent to the spectators, or anyone else at the track, was the fact that the driver was not crazy, but on fire! 

 When the cars being raced were still stock vehicles they used regular gasoline for their fuel. But, when the cars became real “race cars,” with special suspensions, specialized equipment, racing chassis, and racing engines, many of the cars began to burn alcohol instead of gasoline as their fuel. Pure alcohol burns so clear that there are no flames or smoke.  The car in the crash that night was such a car. So while no one could see that the driver was on fire, he was in fact burning up.  Fortunately, the drive was wearing a fire suit which protected him from serious harm and injury.  Shortly after this incident, the racing associations made a rule that cars using alcohol for fuel, had to have bright orange stripes on their wheels to alert emergency crews of the added danger.  They also made it a law that a pollutant had to be mixed into the alcohol so that when it caught fire it would produce a visible flame and smoke that could be easily seen by all.  The alcohol still burned clean but the pollutant or impurities added to the alcohol would produce a very visible flame and smoke.

 The psalmist describes the habitation of YHWH as tsedeq (tsade, dalet, qof) and mishpat (mem, shin, pey, tet) that is, “righteousness” and “judgment”.  The psalmist also declares that YHWH is surrounded by ‘anan (ayin, nun, nun) and ‘araphel (ayin, resh, fey, lamed) “clouds” and “thick darkness”.  We also read that esh (aleph, shin) “fire” goes before him to burn up his adversaries.  This description of YHWH’s presence should not surprise us.  Fire, smoke and clouds are often associated with the presence of YHWH.

And the angel of YHWH appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. (Exodus 3:2 KJV)

And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before YHWH, which he commanded them not. ² And there went out fire from YHWH, and devoured them, and they died before YHWH. (Leviticus 10:1-2 KJV)

 And YHWH went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: (Exodus 13:21 KJV)

 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. (Exodus 14:20 KJV)

 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of YHWH appeared in the cloud. (Exodus 16:10 KJV)

And YHWH 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 forever. And Moses told the words of the people unto YHWH. (Exodus 19:9 KJV)

And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because YHWH descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. (Exodus 19:18 KJV)

And YHWH descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of YHWH. (Exodus 34:5 KJV)

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of YHWH filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of YHWH filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35 KJV)

And he shall put the incense upon the fire before YHWH, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: (Leviticus 16:13 KJV)

These words YHWH spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. (Deuteronomy 5:22 KJV)

And YHWH appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle. (Deuteronomy 31:15 KJV)

And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. ¹² And YHWH spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. (Deuteronomy 4:11-12 KJV)

For YHWH thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24 KJV)

YHWH talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, (Deuteronomy 5:4 KJ)

The holiness of YHWH is impossible for us to truly comprehend for it is beyond our finite reason and faculties. On the one hand, it is the absolute purity of YHWH that makes it impossible for us to see him or to gaze upon him. In this regard we may liken the purity of YHWH to a clear, clean, glass window that one looks through without even noticing the glass itself. I remember one of my sons disobediently running down the long hallway of a hospital and nearly knocking himself unconscious by running full force into a freshly cleaned plate glass window.  So clean and clear was the glass that he could not see it but surely he felt its presence. Such is the holiness of YHWH, for it is often unseen yet experienced or felt. 

But the holiness of YHWH may also be compared to a most powerful, pure and radiant light that we cannot look upon without some filter to protect us from the dangerous affects of its radiant brightness. It is for this reason that there was always smoke and clouds on Mount Sinai when Moses and the people of Israel spoke with YHWH.  It is also for this reason that Aaron was commanded to fill the Holy of Holies with the smoke of incense when he entered to place the blood on the Ark of the Covenant on Yom Kippurim.

And YHWH said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. (Leviticus 16:2 KJV)

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before YHWH, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: ¹³ And he shall put the incense upon the fire before YHWH, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: (Leviticus 16:12-13 KJV)

Even the Kohen Gadol, who was to live at the highest level of sanctity, could not appear before YHWH “uncovered.”  The smoke and cloud of incense served as a protective barrier from the pure, radiant, consuming holiness of YHWH.  We must be careful to understand that it is not that YHWH desires to consume us in his holiness, it is simply the nature of his holiness. The sun may provide us with the best possible analogy.  If we were to look directly at the sun without some sort of protective filter between our eyes and the sun, we risk being blinded by the bright undiffused light of the sun.  If we stand in the presence of the sun without some form of shade or protective skin covering the sun will burn and blister our skin. If we were to dare to approach the sun or to touch it we would be totally consumed by its incredible heat.  It is not that the sun wills to blind, burn, blister and consume, it is simply its nature.  The same is true with YHWH’s holiness. Such blinding, radiant, consuming holiness is the very nature of YHWH.

Prior to the fall, Adam and Chavah enjoyed an incredible level of intimacy with the Creator. Without sin Adam and Chavah were pure, naked, without shame. Prior to the fall Adam and Chavah had nothing to hide and were not afraid of the glorious holy presence of YHWH.  But immediately after the fall, we see that Adam and Chavah are no longer perfect and pure. Fear causes them to hid and seek shelter from the presence of YHWH.  Adam and Chavah create barriers (clothes) of fig leaves to separate themselves from the Creator.  YHWH later made them more fitting coverings to protect them against his holiness. 

And he (Adam) said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (Genesis 3:10 KJV)

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:7 KJV)

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the YHWH God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21 KJV)

YHWH cannot abide with sin.  Sin pollutes the pure and perfect.  YHWH cannot mix with pollution.  It is the very nature of YHWH’S holiness to consume, burn up, purge, and destroy pollution from his presence. Pollution is the enemy of purity.  As the psalmist stated “A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.” (Psalm 97:3 KJV).  It is not that YHWH desires to destroy the polluted, it is simply the nature of his holiness to do so.  Our sinfulness and pollution has placed a terrible challenge before YHWH.  YHWH loves us and desires to draw near to us and commune with us, dwell among us, and be one with us.  If , however, YHWH draws near to us in our state of impurity, he will destroy us. It is for this reason that YHWH instituted the altar service, animal sacrifices, and the incense offering, in order to make an appropriate “covering” for us.  The Hebrew word kaphar (kof, fey, resh) is generally translated as “atonement” but literally means “covering.”  Blood and smoke do not cleanse the stains and pollution of sin, they simply cover it so that we may have at least some modicum of intimacy with the Holy One without being consumed by his holiness.

At present, however, we cannot see YHWH clearly, for he is always hidden behind the cloud and smoke and darkness. We should recognize that in part the cause of this smoke and cloud is the impurities of our own sinful world and lives. In a sinful state we cannot see YHWH.  Like the impurities mixed into the alcohol used by the race cars, the impurities of our lives when touched by the fire of YHWH’s holiness, cause a blinding smoke and cloud that veils our eyes from the true beauty and radiance of YHWH’S pure and perfect holiness.

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)

The Apostle Shaul likewise taught,

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10 KJV)

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)  

On this side of the cross our sin nature is very much alive.  Though we seek daily to crucify the old man with its polluted ways, we are bound to cause smoke and cloud every time we draw near to YHWH or he draws near to us.  It is this cloud and smoke that causes us to see through the glass dimly.  But when Messiah returns and we are risen and transformed in the twinkling of an eye then we shall see YHWH face to face, then we shall know the fullness of his radiant glory and holiness, then we shall be able to stand on his holy mountain and worship him in spirit and truth and intimacy without the veil.  

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:52-54 KJV)

Who shall ascend into the hill of YHWH? or who shall stand in his holy place? ⁴ He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. ⁵ He shall receive the blessing from YHWH, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:3-5 KJV)

In the meantime, we should not be discouraged by our inability to see through the cloud and smoke.  Instead we should be encouraged that YHWH continues to draw near to us.  The cloud and smoke that blinds our eyes from the presence and glory of YHWH, is itself evidence of the presence of YHWH.  Without the fire of his holiness there would be no smoke and cloud. We must realize that the cloud and smoke that frustratingly prevents us from seeing YHWH in all his holiness, is evidence of his refining work in our lives.  YHWH by his presence in our lives is burning off the impurities and dross of lives that separates us.  In this regard YHWH’s holiness is the refiner’s fire.

And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto YHWH an offering in righteousness. (Malachi 3:3 KJV)

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, YHWH is my God. (Zechariah 13:9 KJV)

But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: (Malachi 3:2 KJV)

Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. ¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 KJV)

Let us not forget that the cloud and smoke protect us in our impure state from being totally consumed by the pure holiness of YHWH.  At the same time, however, let us also realize that the source of the cloud and smoke is our own dross and pollution being burned away by YHWH’s presence.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV)

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yeshua Messiah: (1 Peter 1:7 KJV)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: ¹³ But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Messiah’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV)

In the end, the by the time YHWH draws completely near to us the offending impurities will have been removed from us that we may be a worthy vessel for his presence and enjoy intimate communion with YHWH without the fear of being consumed by his holy fire. 

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. (Proverbs 25:4 KJV)

Only after this refining process is complete shall we be able to see YHWH face to face.  Only after the mixture, pollution and defiling dross of our lives has been removed will we be able to know the intimate communion enjoyed by our ancestors in the pristine environment of the Garden of Eden prior to the fall.

Abba Father, we pray not that you remove us from the fire of your holy presence, but that you grant us the necessary grace to withstand until the purging process is complete and we are finally fit vessels for your presence.  Amen.