Topical Bible: Cloud of Glory: Called: Cloudy Pillar

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The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to as the "Cloudy Pillar," is a significant manifestation of God's presence and guidance in the Old Testament. This divine phenomenon is primarily associated with the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent journey through the wilderness. The Cloudy Pillar served both as a guide and a symbol of God's continual presence with His people.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 13:21-22 : "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people."

In this passage, the Cloudy Pillar is introduced as a miraculous guide for the Israelites. It provided direction during the day and transformed into a pillar of fire at night, ensuring that the Israelites could travel safely and with confidence, knowing that God was with them.

2. Exodus 14:19-20 : "Then the Angel of God, who had been traveling in front of the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night, the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other; so neither went near the other all night long."

Here, the Cloudy Pillar acts as a protective barrier between the Israelites and the pursuing Egyptian army. It demonstrates God's power to shield His people from their enemies, providing light and safety to the Israelites while confounding their adversaries.

3. Exodus 33:9-10 : "As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his tent."

The Cloudy Pillar also served as a visible sign of God's communication with Moses. It descended upon the Tent of Meeting, signifying God's presence and His willingness to engage with His chosen leader. The Israelites responded with reverence and worship, acknowledging the divine presence among them.

4. Numbers 9:15-17 : "On the day the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening until morning, the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it by day, and it appeared like fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites camped."

This passage highlights the Cloudy Pillar's role in directing the movements of the Israelites. It was a constant presence over the tabernacle, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. The Israelites' journey was entirely dependent on the cloud's movements, underscoring their reliance on divine guidance.

Theological Significance:

The Cloud of Glory, or Cloudy Pillar, is a profound symbol of God's immanence and faithfulness. It reassured the Israelites of His constant presence and protection, guiding them through the uncertainties of the wilderness. The cloud's dual nature as both a guide and a barrier illustrates God's multifaceted role as both protector and leader. It also prefigures the New Testament revelation of God's presence through the Holy Spirit, who guides and protects believers in their spiritual journey. The Cloudy Pillar remains a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 33:9,10
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Following the Cloud.
... A company of the Elders of Israel went up and saw the glory of God afar off, but
God called Moses up into the Mount, and the cloud closed him round ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace
... God of the whole earth shall he be called." There is ... the holy place, there was the
manifest glory of the ... witness that God was there; but still, cloud and fire ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the true tabernacle and its.htm

The Guiding Pillar
... with men, there has ever been what is called in Scripture ... By day it was a cloud,
by night it glowed in ... from unseen light, and 'on all the glory' (shrined in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the guiding pillar.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... God; but you would not like to be called the children ... to be baptized unto Jesus,
"in the cloud and in ... er the stream, waiting to waft thee unto glory; thou wilt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... and perhaps preferable view, which may be called the typical ... mount Zion, and upon
her assemblies, a cloud and smoke ... by night: for upon all the glory shall be a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Christian Ballads.
... Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud A flash ... I had heard of my fathers'
glory from the lips ... I come in tears, Still at the Gate called Beautiful My ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter vi christian ballads.htm

God's Will About the Future
... like a painted cloud, and very soon the cloud and the ... can by preaching the gospel,
if he is called to do ... all the way to my everlasting mansion in glory; he was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/gods will about the future.htm

The Census of Israel
... Jews have a tradition that when he was called to go ... of her teaching, the model of
her acting, the glory of her ... were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

The First Book
... in public gain, through sheer greed of glory have been ... them all; he invited him,
for he called him; he ... were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... If but the thinnest cloud pass between him and the sun of ... love God, to them that
are the called according to ... you have grace in your hearts, and glory awaits you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm