The image comes into focus through Daniel 7. One like a son of man comes with the clouds toward the Ancient of Days and receives enduring dominion (Daniel 7:13–14). The movement in that scene is toward God’s heavenly throne. We should not assume it describes a descent to earth to begin a kingdom.
Cloud imagery also belongs to the prophets’ portrayal of divine judgment. Isaiah pictures the Lord coming upon a cloud against Egypt (Isaiah 19:1). Such language communicates sovereign action in history; we need to attend to its setting before turning it into a physical itinerary.
Jesus draws upon Daniel’s royal imagery when He speaks before the high priest and within His temple discourse (Matthew 26:64; 24:30). In these settings, we understand His coming as royal vindication and judgment: the rejected Son is shown to possess the authority His opponents denied.
His reign did not begin when Jerusalem fell. Peter already proclaimed His exaltation and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:32–36). In our reading, AD 70 publicly vindicated that established kingship through the judgment Jesus had announced upon the temple-centered order.
Each coming passage still requires its own hearing. Recognizing Daniel’s imagery does not settle every use of the word. It does help us see why Jesus’ disciples could trust His authority even while the institutions opposing them appeared powerful.
Scripture in this answer
Daniel 7:13–14 · Isaiah 19:1 · Matthew 24:30; 26:64 · Acts 2:32–36