What does "the glory of the LORD" mean in Exodus 16:7? Setting the Scene: Exodus 16 • Israel has just crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and entered the Wilderness of Sin. • The people grumble about hunger; God promises bread from heaven (Exodus 16:1-5). • Moses declares, “In the morning you will see the glory of the LORD” (Exodus 16:7). Key Verse “In the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, because He has heard your grumbling against Him.” (Exodus 16:7a) Defining “the glory of the LORD” • Hebrew kāḇôḏ: “weight,” “heaviness,” “honor,” “splendor.” • Scripture uses it for both: – God’s visible brilliance (Exodus 16:10; 24:16-17). – His intrinsic worth and character (Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 19:1). • In Exodus 16 it is primarily a literal, visible manifestation, yet it also reveals God’s character. How the Glory Appeared Here 1. Visible Presence – “The glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.” (Exodus 16:10) – Likely the same pillar of cloud/fire that led them (Exodus 13:21-22). 2. Provision of Manna – Glory is tied to God’s miraculous supply (Exodus 16:11-15). 3. Judgment-Averting Mercy – God answers grumbling with grace, not wrath (cf. Numbers 11:33 for contrast). What the Glory Communicated • God hears His people (“He has heard your grumbling,” v. 7). • God is present—even in desert hardships. • God is powerful—creating bread daily from nothing. • God is holy—His glory is awesome, prompting reverence (Exodus 16:19-20, 27-28). • God is faithful—keeping covenant promises (Genesis 15:13-14; Exodus 3:17). Wider Biblical Echoes • Exodus 40:34-35 – Glory fills the tabernacle. • 1 Kings 8:10-11 – Glory fills Solomon’s temple. • Ezekiel 1:28; 10:18-19 – Glory departs, then returns (43:1-5). • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We beheld His glory.” • Hebrews 1:3 – Christ is “the radiance of God’s glory.” Takeaway Truths for Today • God still makes His glory known—ultimately in Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:32-35). • His glory meets needs and invites trust, not complaint. • Experiencing God’s provision is encountering His glory; every answered prayer is a modern desert morning. |
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