Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 4/21/2006

Question
A certain pastor told me that the "great cloud of witnessess" mentioned in the book of Hebrews pertains to the dead people in heaven.  It is right? Can dead loved ones still see us from heaven? Any biblical passage to support this? thanks

Answer
Hi, Lily

Eastman's Bible Dictionary says it well.

Cloud
The Hebrew so rendered means "a covering," because clouds cover the sky. The word is used as a symbol of the Divine presence, as indicating the splendour of that glory which it conceals (Ex. 16:10; 33:9; Num. 11:25; 12:5; Job 22:14; Ps. 18:11). A "cloud without rain" is a proverbial saying, denoting a man who does not keep his promise (Prov. 16:15; Isa. 18:4; 25:5; Jude 1:12).
A cloud is the figure of that which is transitory (Job 30:15; Hos. 6:4). A bright cloud is the symbolical seat of the Divine
presence (Ex.29:42, 43; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Chr. 5:14; Ezek. 43:4),and was called the Shechinah (q.v.). Jehovah came down upon Sinai in a cloud (Ex. 19:9); and the cloud filled the court around the tabernacle in the wilderness so that Moses could not enter it (Ex. 40:34, 35). At the dedication of the temple also the cloud "filled the house of the Lord" (1 Kings 8:10). Thus in like manner when Christ comes the second time he is described as coming "in the clouds" (Matt. 17:5; 24:30; Acts 1:9, 11). False teachers are likened unto clouds carried about with a tempest (2
Pet. 2:17). The infirmities of old age, which come one after
another, are compared by Solomon to "clouds returning after the rain" (Eccl. 12:2). The blotting out of sins is like the sudden disappearance of threatening clouds from the sky (Isa. 44:22).

 Cloud, the pillar of, was the glory-cloud which indicated
God's presence leading the ransomed people through the
wilderness (Ex. 13:22; 33:9, 10). This pillar preceded the
people as they marched, resting on the ark (Ex. 13:21; 40:36). By night it became a pillar of fire (Num. 9:17-23).
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I believe that Paul is saying just as the cloud led the Israelites the witness of the lives that are in Hebrews 11 should lead us on to a life of sacrifice and holiness.  I do not see anything in Scripture that would indicate the saints of old or of late are looking over the edge of Heaven watching us.  There is no sorrow in the presence of God and if people were looking back they would be in great sorrow over the state of the world and especially if a loved one was not living for God.  

If the pastor said that they are looking at us I would have to say he is mistaken but he is right about the cloud being the dead people mentioned in Heb 11 which are in Heaven.  Anything past that is conjecture that I would have to see what Scripture he uses to substantiate that conjecture.

Context is everything and as we see 12:1 in context refers back to Heb 11.  

May God richly bless you as you study His Word and seek His will!