The Cloud of Glory, often referred to as the Shekinah, represents the manifest presence of God among His people. This divine phenomenon is notably present during significant events in the history of Israel, serving as a visible sign of God's glory, guidance, and judgment. One such event is the rebellion of Korah, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Context of the Rebellion

The rebellion of Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the congregation, is a pivotal moment in the wilderness journey of the Israelites. This insurrection, as detailed in Numbers 16, challenges the God-ordained leadership of Moses and Aaron. Korah, a Levite, along with his co-conspirators, accuses Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the assembly of the Lord, questioning their exclusive right to the priesthood.

Manifestation of the Cloud of Glory

In response to this rebellion, the Cloud of Glory plays a crucial role. Numbers 16:19 states, "When Korah had gathered all his followers in opposition to them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole assembly." This appearance of the divine cloud signifies God's immediate presence and His readiness to address the challenge to His established order.

Divine Judgment

The presence of the Cloud of Glory underscores the seriousness of the rebellion and the impending divine judgment. God instructs Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the assembly so that He might consume the rebels in an instant. However, Moses and Aaron intercede, pleading for the congregation, and God commands the people to distance themselves from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

As the narrative unfolds, the earth opens up and swallows the households of the rebels, while fire from the Lord consumes the 250 men offering incense. Numbers 16:35 records, "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense."

Significance of the Cloud of Glory

The appearance of the Cloud of Glory during the rebellion of Korah serves multiple purposes. It reaffirms the authority of Moses and Aaron as chosen leaders, validates the sanctity of the priesthood, and demonstrates God's intolerance for rebellion against His divine order. The cloud acts as both a protective and a judicial presence, safeguarding the faithful while executing judgment on the rebellious.

This event, marked by the Cloud of Glory, is a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the importance of obedience to His commands. It illustrates the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders and the seriousness with which God regards the purity and order of His covenant community.Numbers 16:19
And Korah gathered all the congregation against them to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... his presence in common, but his special, yea, his ... yea, his most gracious and merciful
appearances; how much ... eternal fire, and that this eternal glory or this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

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