Topical Bible: Cloud of Glory was Designed to Defend Israel

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to as the "Shekinah Glory," is a significant manifestation of God's presence and protection over the nation of Israel, particularly during their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. This divine phenomenon is a central theme in the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, symbolizing God's guidance, protection, and covenantal faithfulness.

Biblical Description and Function

The Cloud of Glory first appears in the book of Exodus, where it is described as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This dual manifestation served multiple purposes: it provided guidance, protection, and a visible assurance of God's presence with His people. 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."

Protection and Defense

The Cloud of Glory was not merely a guide but also a divine protector. In Exodus 14, as the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army, the cloud moved from before them to behind them, creating a barrier between the Israelites and their enemies. Exodus 14:19-20 states: "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."

This strategic positioning of the cloud highlights its role as a divine defense mechanism, ensuring the safety of the Israelites and demonstrating God's sovereign control over the natural and supernatural realms.

Symbol of Divine Presence

Beyond its practical functions, the Cloud of Glory symbolized the abiding presence of God with His people. It was a constant reminder of His covenant with Israel and His commitment to lead them to the land He had promised to their forefathers. The cloud's presence over the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 40:34-38 , further emphasized this divine dwelling: "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."

Theological Significance

The Cloud of Glory is a profound testament to God's faithfulness and His protective care over His chosen people. It serves as a powerful symbol of His willingness to dwell among His people and to guide them through the uncertainties of life. The cloud's presence reassured the Israelites of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfill His promises.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Cloud of Glory foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence with humanity. Just as the cloud guided and protected Israel, so does Christ guide and protect His followers, leading them to eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 14:19
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... to hinder us of living in the full assurance of hope, as to being with God and with
Christ in glory: but here is a rebuke for such, 'Let Israel hope in the Lord ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... led them through the sea, and by the cloud, under the ... and command of God and if he
truly designed to work ... Because all those men that have seen my glory, and my ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... parents the robe of innocence, and the glory of paradise ... David go against the
Philistines, he designed that the ... power, are like the pillar of cloud; where that ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... and there it shall hang for ever, to the praise of the glory of his ... I said to her,
"How long is it since the cloud has broken away from ... Racy and designed to hit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... as the pretence was hypocritical, and designed merely to ... remnant became terrified,
and gave glory to the ... dispensation, are called "a great cloud of witnesses ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... whenever that is conducive to the divine glory or our ... that which we have already
said was designed for common ... back, blotting them out as a cloud, casting them ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

A Discourse
... beams and beams too, since it was designed for assaults ... against his people of Israel,
'as a cloud to cover ... God will get himself great glory by permitting the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... hand they were delivered; it was originally designed that they ... were the murderers
of the Lord of Glory, and that ... to point you to that great cloud of witnesses ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... the two parties, which accuse or gallantly defend us, by ... of the howling of the shepherds,
for their glory is spoiled ... done, who caused the house of Israel to err ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... adapted to a language for which it had not been designed. ... to bring them out of it
with glory, and three ... feet rose before me, like a thick cloud which darkens ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm