Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 44:22

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." — Isaiah 44:22 (ASV)

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud. — Better, mist. The Authorised Version half suggests the idea that it is the cloud that hides the sins from view.

What is meant is that the sins of Israel are put away, as the sun and wind drive away the mists and fogs (Job 30:15); and that this is, in idea at least, if not in time, prior to the conversion as that which makes it possible.