Topical Encyclopedia The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to as the Shekinah, represents the manifest presence of God, particularly in the Old Testament. One of the most significant appearances of this divine cloud occurred during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This event is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.Biblical Account The account of the Cloud of Glory at the giving of the Law is primarily found in the Book of Exodus. As the Israelites camped at the base of Mount Sinai, the Lord prepared to deliver His commandments to Moses and the people. The narrative describes a dramatic and awe-inspiring 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" (Exodus 19:16). This thick cloud signified the presence of God descending upon the mountain, creating an atmosphere of reverence and fear among the Israelites. The cloud served as a divine covering, concealing the full glory of God from the people, who could not withstand His holiness. The Lord instructed Moses to set boundaries around the mountain to prevent the people from approaching, emphasizing the sanctity of the event (Exodus 19:12-13). Theophany and Revelation The Cloud of Glory was not merely a visual phenomenon but a theophany—a visible manifestation of God to humankind. Within this cloud, God communicated directly with Moses, delivering the Ten Commandments and other laws that would govern the covenant relationship with Israel. Exodus 24:15-18 further describes Moses' ascent into the cloud: "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 the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud." This passage highlights the intimate encounter between God and Moses, as well as the divine authority of the Law given through this encounter. Symbolism and Significance The Cloud of Glory at Sinai symbolizes God's holiness, majesty, and the seriousness of His covenant with Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's direct involvement in the lives of His people and His desire to dwell among them. The cloud also underscores the concept of divine mystery, as it both reveals and conceals God's presence. This event at Sinai set a precedent for future manifestations of God's glory, such as the cloud that filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and later the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). Each appearance reinforced the understanding of God's immanence and transcendence, His closeness to His people, and His unapproachable holiness. In summary, the Cloud of Glory at the giving of the Law is a profound demonstration of God's presence and authority, marking a foundational moment in the history of Israel and their relationship with the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 19:9,16And the LORD said to Moses, See, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever. And Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 24:16-18 Library The Fifth vision "On Earth" Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ... From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus. Mount Zion. Immeasurable Love Away in Paris, a Vast Concourse of People were Assembled Round an ... The Voice of Job. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Reaction against Egypt Resources What does it mean that God is the King of glory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Hebrews 12:2? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to 'run the race set before us' (Hebrews 12:1)? | 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 |
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