Topical Bible: Cloud of Glory was Dark to the Enemies of Israel

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The "Cloud of Glory," also known as the Shekinah, is a manifestation of God's presence and guidance among His people, Israel. This divine phenomenon is prominently featured during the Exodus, where it served as both a guide and a protective barrier for the Israelites. The Cloud of Glory is described as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, symbolizing God's constant presence and protection.

One of the most significant instances where the Cloud of Glory was dark to the enemies of Israel is found in the account of the Israelites' escape from Egypt, specifically during the crossing of the Red Sea. In Exodus 14:19-20 , it is written: "Then the Angel of God, who had been traveling in front of the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, yet it lit up the night. So neither camp went near the other all night long."

In this passage, the Cloud of Glory acts as a divine barrier, providing light and guidance to the Israelites while simultaneously casting darkness upon the Egyptians. This dual function underscores the protective and selective nature of God's presence, offering salvation to His chosen people while confounding their adversaries. The darkness experienced by the Egyptians symbolizes their spiritual blindness and opposition to God's will, contrasting with the illumination and clarity granted to the Israelites.

Theologically, the Cloud of Glory represents God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human history to fulfill His covenant promises. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, guiding them through trials and delivering them from their enemies. The darkness experienced by the Egyptians can be seen as a divine judgment, a theme consistent with other biblical narratives where God uses natural phenomena to execute His justice.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Cloud of Glory continues to be a symbol of God's presence, appearing at significant moments such as the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9, 24:15-18) and the dedication of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). In each instance, the cloud signifies God's holiness, majesty, and the mystery of His divine presence, which is both awe-inspiring and fearsome to those who oppose Him.

The concept of the Cloud of Glory being dark to the enemies of Israel also finds resonance in the broader biblical narrative, where God's light is often associated with truth, righteousness, and salvation, while darkness is linked to judgment, sin, and separation from God. This duality serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of aligning oneself against God's purposes and the blessings of walking in His light.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 14:20
And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Following the Cloud.
... Night was falling, and the waters lay dark before them, but the angel ... came near and
looked toward the wilderness where the cloud stood, the glory of the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah's ... voices were heard shouting,
"Ichabod!""the glory is departed. ... hills were lighted up; and dark groups of ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... temple was not honored with the cloud of Jehovah's ... voices were heard shouting:
"Ichabod!""the glory is departed. ... hills were lighted up; and dark groups of ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Three Decisive Steps
... lamented after the Lord, without whose glory, shining between ... even though this is
a very dark state of ... I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three decisive steps.htm

Effectual Calling
... black vapours of sin, which cast a cloud upon God's ... What though glory did dwell in
our land, if grace ... Oh my brethren, when things are dark without, let all be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches, and ... Mediator, the Off-streaming
of God's glory, and the ... Cloud nor image, emblem nor words, are interposed ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm

A Stanza of Deliverance
... Unless the Lord should suddenly come in his glory, we shall ... word to a great many
who were then under a cloud. ... If they are in the dark, we can strike a match as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/a stanza of deliverance.htm

God's People Delivered.
... They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of ... more glorious,
until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of ... more glorious,
until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... of eternal life to us while we were enemies, this second ... of being with me, and with
my Son in glory; I give ... and it also shows you how muddy, how dark those of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm