Topical Encyclopedia The "Cloud of Glory," often referred to as the Shekinah, represents the manifest presence of God dwelling among His people, particularly in the context of the Old Testament. This divine presence was most notably associated with the Mercy-Seat, the cover of the Ark of the Covenant, which resided in the Holy of Holies within the Tabernacle and later the Temple.Biblical Foundation The concept of the Cloud of Glory is rooted in several key passages of Scripture. In Exodus 25:22 , God promises His presence over the Mercy-Seat: "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites." This verse underscores the Mercy-Seat as the focal point of divine communication and presence. The Shekinah, though not a term found in the biblical text itself, is derived from the Hebrew root "shakan," meaning "to dwell." It signifies God's dwelling among His people, a theme that is vividly illustrated in the narrative of the Exodus. In Exodus 40:34-35 , the cloud covers the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD fills the Tabernacle: "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 over the Mercy-Seat symbolizes God's holiness, majesty, and accessibility to His covenant people. It serves as a visible assurance of His presence and guidance. The Mercy-Seat, flanked by cherubim, represents the throne of God on earth, where atonement is made for the sins of the people through the sacrificial system. Leviticus 16:2 highlights the sacredness of this space: "The LORD said to Moses: 'Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.'" The presence of the Shekinah was a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. It was both a source of comfort and a call to holiness, as the Israelites were to live in accordance with God's laws to maintain the sanctity of His presence among them. Historical Context Throughout Israel's history, the Cloud of Glory played a crucial role in guiding and protecting the nation. During the wilderness wanderings, the cloud led the Israelites by day and became a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22). This divine guidance was a testament to God's unceasing care and direction. In the dedication of Solomon's Temple, the Cloud of Glory once again filled the house of the LORD, signifying divine approval and presence (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." Christological Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of the Shekinah finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, the term "dwelling" echoes the idea of the Shekinah, as Christ embodies the presence of God among humanity. The Cloud of Glory, therefore, serves as a profound symbol of God's desire to be with His people, culminating in the incarnation of Christ, who provides the ultimate atonement and access to the Father. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:2And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... The True Tabernacle, and Its Glory of Grace and Peace What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Last visit. The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem A Soul Gazing on God Calvary Heaven's Nurse Children 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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