Connect Deuteronomy 5:24 with other instances of God's glory in Scripture. Witnessing the Glory: Deuteronomy 5:24 “And you said, ‘Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him.’” • Israel’s amazement: they survived the direct revelation of God’s glory and voice. • Two-fold emphasis—“His glory and His greatness”—highlights both dazzling presence and sovereign power. • Key takeaway: God’s glory is not abstract; it is experienced, seen, and heard. Earlier Mountaintop Glory: Exodus 16:10; 24:16-17 • Exodus 16:10: “They turned toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.” • Exodus 24:16-17: “The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai… To the Israelites, the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire.” • Connection: Same mountain, same consuming fire, same awe. Deuteronomy 5:24 recalls this earlier encounter. A Radiant Mediator: Exodus 34:29-35 • Moses’ face shone after speaking with God; the people feared to come near him. • Deuteronomy’s generation remembers that brightness and understands why a mediator is needed. Glory Filling the Tent: Exodus 40:34-38 • “The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” • Parallels Deuteronomy 5:24—God chooses to dwell among His people yet remains overwhelmingly glorious. Temple Dedication Glory: 1 Kings 8:10-11 • Priests could not stand to minister “because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.” • Progression: from mountain to tent to permanent temple—God’s glory consistently manifests and overwhelms. Throne Room Vision: Isaiah 6:1-5 • Seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy… the whole earth is full of His glory.” • Isaiah’s terror mirrors Israel’s fear in Deuteronomy 5:24, reinforcing that human frailty meets divine splendor. Shepherds under a Midnight Sky: Luke 2:8-14 • “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” • Same pattern: revelation of glory → fear → message of grace (“Do not be afraid”). Mount of Transfiguration: Matthew 17:1-8 • Jesus’ face “shone like the sun,” and the Father’s voice came from the cloud. • Echoes Deuteronomy 5:24—glory, cloud, divine voice—now centered on the Son. Blinding Brightness on the Road: Acts 9:3-6 • “A light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.” Saul fell to the ground at the overwhelming glory. • Again, encounter with glory leads to life-altering reverence and obedience. Future, Unfading Glory: Revelation 21:22-23 • “The city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” • Ultimate fulfillment: what Israel glimpsed briefly will one day illuminate eternity. Threads to Notice • Glory is often linked with a cloud or brilliant light. • A divine voice accompanies the glory, demanding attention and obedience. • Human response: fear, worship, and a recognition of the need for a mediator. • Progressive revelation culminates in Christ, the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3). |
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