Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Glory of the LORD" is a profound and recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, representing the manifest presence and majesty of God. The movement of God's glory signifies His active involvement in the affairs of His people, often indicating divine approval, judgment, or guidance.Biblical Instances: 1. Exodus and the Tabernacle: The glory of the LORD first becomes a central theme during the Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed from Egypt, the LORD's presence was visibly manifested in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). This divine guidance was a physical representation of God's glory leading His people. When the Tabernacle was completed, "the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). This filling of the Tabernacle with God's glory signified His dwelling among His people and His approval of their obedience in constructing the sanctuary according to His instructions. 2. Solomon's Temple: The dedication of Solomon's Temple marked another significant movement of God's glory. As Solomon finished his prayer of dedication, "the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD" (1 Kings 8:11). This event mirrored the filling of the Tabernacle, affirming God's presence and blessing upon the newly built Temple. 3. Ezekiel's Vision: The prophet Ezekiel witnessed the departure and eventual return of the glory of the LORD. In a vision, Ezekiel saw the glory of the LORD departing from the Temple due to the abominations committed by the Israelites (Ezekiel 10:18-19). This departure symbolized God's judgment and the withdrawal of His protective presence. However, Ezekiel also prophesied the return of God's glory. In a vision of a future Temple, he saw the glory of the LORD returning from the east, filling the house of the LORD once more (Ezekiel 43:4-5). This return signified restoration and the promise of God's enduring presence with His people. 4. The New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament reveals the ultimate manifestation of God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ. John writes, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus embodies the glory of the LORD, bringing God's presence directly to humanity. At the Transfiguration, the glory of the LORD is further revealed as Jesus' appearance is transformed, and His face shines like the sun (Matthew 17:2). This event underscores the divine nature of Christ and His role as the fulfillment of God's promises. Theological Significance: The movement of the glory of the LORD throughout biblical history underscores God's sovereignty, holiness, and intimate involvement with His creation. It serves as a reminder of His desire to dwell among His people and His expectation of their faithfulness. The glory of the LORD is both a source of comfort and a call to reverence, illustrating the balance of God's immanence and transcendence. In the eschatological vision, the book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Revelation 21:23). This ultimate fulfillment of God's glory moving among His people points to the eternal communion between God and His redeemed creation. Subtopics Glory of God: Described As Great Glory of God: Enlightens God's People Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ Glory of God: Exhibited in his Name Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses Glory of God: God is Jealous of Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold Glory of God: The Earth is Full of Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Glory of God: The People of God Glory of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory of the Church Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory of the Gospel Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Gospel, Exceeds That of the Law Glory of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory of the Wicked: Ends in Destruction Glory: Christ Is, to his People Glory: Eternal of God's People Shall be Rich and Abundant Glory: Eternal: Accompanies Salvation by Christ Glory: Eternal: Afflictions of Ministers Are, to Saints Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Enhanced by Present Afflictions Glory: Eternal: Inherited by Saints Glory: Eternal: Present Afflictions not Worthy to be Compared With Glory: Eternal: Procured by the Death of Christ Glory: Eternal: Saints Afore Prepared To Glory: Eternal: Saints Called To Glory: Eternal: Saints Prepared Unto Glory: Eternal: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Eternal: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: Saints Shall Be, of Their Ministers Glory: Spiritual is Given by Christ Glory: Spiritual is Given by God Glory: Spiritual is the Work of the Holy Spirit Glory: Temporal is Given by God Glory: Temporal of Hypocrites Turned to Shame Glory: Temporal of the Wicked is in Their Shame Glory: Temporal: Ends in Destruction Glory: Temporal: Seek Not, from Man Glory: Temporal: The Devil Tries to Seduce By Glory: The Bodies of Saints Shall be Raised In Glory: The Gospel Ordained to Be, to Saints Glory: The Joy of Saints is Full of Select Readings: The Glory of God The Glory of God: Enlightens the Church The Glory of God: Exhibited in Christ The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Holiness The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Majesty The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Name The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Power The Glory of God: Exhibited in His Works The Glory of God: Exhibited to His Church The Glory of God: Exhibited to Moses The Glory of God: Exhibited to Stephen The Glory of God: God is Jealous The Glory of God: Highly Exalted The Glory of God: Plead in Prayer The Glory of God: Saints Desire to Behold The Glory of God: The Earth is Full of The Glory of God: The Knowledge of, Shall Fill the Earth Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |