Topical Bible: Cloud of Glory: Called: The Cloud

Bible > Topical > Cloud of Glory

◄ Cloud of Glory: Called: The Cloud ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to simply as "The Cloud," is a significant biblical symbol representing the presence and majesty of God. This phenomenon is most prominently featured in the narratives of the Exodus and the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, serving as a visible manifestation of God's guidance, protection, and divine presence.

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." Here, the Cloud of Glory is depicted as a guiding force, leading the Israelites through the desert after their escape from Egypt.

2. Exodus 16:10 : "And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of Israel, they looked toward the desert, and there the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud." This passage highlights the cloud as a manifestation of God's glory, visible to the entire community of Israel.

3. Exodus 19:9 : "The LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.' And Moses relayed the words of the people to the LORD." The cloud here serves as a medium through which God communicates with Moses, reinforcing Moses' leadership and the divine origin of his authority.

4. Exodus 24:15-18 : "When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights." This passage underscores the cloud as a symbol of God's overwhelming presence and holiness, enveloping Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law.

5. Numbers 9:15-23 : This section describes the cloud's role in guiding the Israelites' journey: "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, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped." The cloud's movement dictated the Israelites' travel and encampment, signifying God's direct involvement in their journey.

6. 1 Kings 8:10-11 : "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD." During the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the cloud again signifies God's presence, filling the temple and demonstrating His acceptance of the place as His dwelling.

Theological Significance:

The Cloud of Glory is a profound symbol of God's immanence and transcendence. It represents His nearness to His people, guiding and protecting them, while also conveying His holiness and otherness. The cloud serves as a reminder of God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. Throughout the biblical narrative, the cloud is a recurring motif that underscores the reality of God's presence and His active role in the history of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 34:5
And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
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, while the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Lord of Glory.
... Thus He is called in 1 Cor. ... Moses beheld His Glory. He saw His Glory on the mountain.
The Lord of Glory descended in the cloud and stood with him there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the lord of glory.htm

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ...
... those by whom He used to be called the Lord ... the whole earth." And again Habakkuk
says, "His glory covered the heavens" (that is, with that cloud), "and His ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the same conclusion supported.htm

He was Transfigured
... Christ Himself called him forth to life. ... This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased; hear ye Him." As they beheld the cloud of glory, brighter than ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 46 he was transfigured.htm

B. The Annunciation to Mary. Ch. 1:26-38
... as the cloud of glory had rested upon the tabernacle of Israel and as a result the
child who would be born should be in reality, and should be called, "the Son ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the annunciation to mary.htm

Third Sunday Before Lent
... Therefore, the cloud was called the glory of the Lord whose appearance had been
promised. So we see how we must in all things have regard to the word of God. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the holy ... apartment
the divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

The Angels with the Seven vials.
... By these being called "the vials of God's wrath," we learn ... the temple with the smoke
of God's glory, to the ... type of the "Holiest of all," a "cloud covered the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angels with the seven.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the holy ... apartment
the divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

Stephen's vision
... flinging in their teeth the words which they had called 'blasphemy,' and ... from our
brotherhood, and the cloud, though it is a cloud of glory, sometimes seems ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/stephens vision.htm