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 cloud is depicted throughout the Scriptures as a visible sign of God's glory, guidance, and protection.Old Testament Appearances The first notable appearance of the Cloud of Glory is during the Exodus, when God led the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 13:21-22 , it is written: "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." This cloud served as a constant reminder of God's presence and guidance. At Mount Sinai, the cloud again signifies God's presence. Exodus 19:9 states, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and will always put their trust in you.'" The cloud enveloped the mountain, and the glory of the LORD settled upon it, as described in Exodus 24:15-18 . The Cloud of Glory also filled the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. In Exodus 40:34-35 , it is recorded: "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." Temple and Prophetic Visions The Cloud of Glory was not limited to the wilderness experience. When Solomon dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, as described in 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." Prophets also experienced visions of the Cloud of Glory. Ezekiel's vision of the glory of the LORD departing from the Temple is a poignant moment, illustrating the consequences of Israel's disobedience (Ezekiel 10:3-4). New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the Cloud of Glory is seen at 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 event underscores the divine nature of Christ and the continuity of God's presence from the Old Testament to the New. The Cloud of Glory also plays a role in eschatological expectations. In Acts 1:9 , as Jesus ascends into heaven, "a cloud hid Him from their sight," and it is prophesied that He will return in the same manner (Acts 1:11). Theological Significance The Cloud of Glory is a profound symbol of God's immanence and transcendence. It represents His holiness, majesty, and the mystery of His presence. Throughout biblical history, the cloud serves as a tangible assurance of God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 34:5And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:25 Library Following the Cloud. "The Glory of that Light. " The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... God's People Delivered. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus ... God's People Delivered The Transfiguration The Transfiguration. The Light of the World The Narrative of Zosimus Concerning the Life of the Blessed. Resources Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.org How many times did Moses ascend Mount Sinai? | GotQuestions.org Cloud: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cloud of Glory was Dark to the Enemies of Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Cover the Tabernacle Cloud of Glory was Designed to Defend Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Guide Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Regulate the Movements of Israel Cloud of Glory was Designed to Show Light to Israel Cloud of Glory was the Shekinah Over the Mercy-Seat Cloud of Glory: Called: Cloud of the Lord Cloud of Glory: Called: Cloudy Pillar Cloud of Glory: Called: Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire Cloud of Glory: Called: The Cloud Cloud of Glory: Called: The Presence of God Cloud of Glory: Continued During the Journeyings of Israel Cloud of Glory: First Manifestation of Cloud of Glory: God Came Down In Cloud of Glory: God Spoke From Cloud of Glory: God's Glory Manifested In Cloud of Glory: Manifested in the Temple of Solomon Cloud of Glory: Our Lord Shall Make his Second Appearance In Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Christ's Ascension Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Christ's Transfiguration Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Giving of the Law Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At Sedition of Aaron and Miriam Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring for Bread Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring of Israel on Account of Korah's Death Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Murmuring of Israel on the Report of the Spies Cloud of Glory: Special Appearances of: At the Rebellion of Korah Cloud of Glory: The Glory of Christ Cloud of Glory: The Protection of the Church Cloud: Appearances of in Ezekiel's Vision Related Terms |
    |