Topical Bible: Cloud of Glory: God's Glory Manifested In

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to as the "Shekinah Glory," is a significant biblical motif representing the manifest presence of God among His people. This divine phenomenon is depicted throughout the Scriptures as a visible and awe-inspiring symbol of God's majesty, holiness, and guidance.

Old Testament Manifestations

1. The Exodus and Wilderness Journey: The Cloud of Glory first appears prominently during the Exodus, guiding the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 13:21-22 , it is written, "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them along the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, 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." This cloud served as both a guide and a protective presence, symbolizing God's constant care and leadership.

2. Mount Sinai: The cloud also enveloped Mount Sinai when God gave the Law to Moses. Exodus 19:16 describes the scene: "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." The cloud signified God's holiness and the seriousness of His covenant with Israel.

3. The Tabernacle: The Cloud of Glory filled the Tabernacle, indicating God's dwelling among His people. Exodus 40:34-35 states, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." This manifestation underscored God's desire to be present with His covenant community.

4. The Temple: Similarly, when Solomon dedicated the Temple, the Cloud of Glory filled the house of the LORD. 1 Kings 8:10-11 records, "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." This event marked God's approval and presence in the newly built Temple.

New Testament Reflections

1. The Transfiguration: In the New Testament, the Cloud of Glory is present during the Transfiguration of Jesus. Matthew 17:5 recounts, "While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'" This cloud affirmed Jesus' divine sonship and authority, linking Him to the divine presence experienced in the Old Testament.

2. The Ascension: The cloud is also mentioned at the Ascension of Christ. Acts 1:9 states, "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight." This cloud signifies Jesus' return to the heavenly realm and His exaltation.

Theological Significance

The Cloud of Glory serves as a powerful symbol of God's immanence and transcendence. It represents His willingness to dwell among His people while also highlighting His holiness and otherness. The cloud's presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan and His desire to be intimately involved with His creation. Through the Cloud of Glory, believers are reminded of God's faithfulness, guidance, and the promise of His eternal presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 16:10
And it came to pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:35
And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud stayed thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
... in the glory of God His Holiness is manifested: His glory ... With Moses in Horeb we
saw God's glory in the fire ... The pillar of fire and of the cloud came between the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/sixth day holiness and glory.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed ... this 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

What is the Sanctuary?
... the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed ... this 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

God Proclaiming his Own Name
... Glory' was the technical name for the lustrous cloud that hung ... the very glory of
the 'Glory of God,' is the ... only begotten of the Father' and the 'Glory of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/god proclaiming his own name.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ...
... the more so as it was out of it that the Voice of God was heard ... This was the "Cloud"
in which Jehovah appeared of old"the Cloud of the Shekinah glory. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the fact of the.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... The glory of Christ is manifested by the holy walk ... and serenity of soul, without
a cloud to interrupt ... sorrow for sin; doing everything for God's glory, with a ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

"God with Us"
... The all-merciful God shrouded His glory in a ... So in the pillar of cloud by day and
the pillar of fire by night, God communicated with Israel, revealing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 1 god with us.htm

General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... And Moses went into the midst of the cloud and gat him up into ... and the church is
adorned, for the lightof Thy divine glory, O Christ the God, hath gone ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter i general service for.htm

'Three Tabernacles'
... the Mercy-seat, the brightness of the symbolical cloud which was ... who partakes of
the nature of that God of whom ... And how did that glory make itself known to us? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/three tabernacles.htm

"That which was from the Beginning,"
... the glory of the only begotten Son of God was the ... For power to show itself in weakness,
for glory to appear ... break forth from under such a dark cloud, this was ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ii that which was.htm