The concept of the glory of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing His majesty, holiness, and divine presence. One of the most profound exhibitions of God's glory is found in the encounter between God and Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the book of Exodus.

Biblical Context

The narrative of God's glory being revealed to Moses occurs after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Having led the people out of bondage, Moses ascends Mount Sinai to receive the Law from God. This event is pivotal, as it not only establishes the covenant between God and Israel but also provides a unique revelation of God's character and glory.

Exodus 33:18-23

In Exodus 33, Moses, seeking reassurance of God's presence with Israel, makes a bold request: "Please show me Your glory" (Exodus 33:18). God's response is both gracious and protective. He agrees to make His goodness pass before Moses and to proclaim His name, the LORD, but He also warns, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live" (Exodus 33:20). God instructs Moses to stand on a rock, where He will cover Moses with His hand as His glory passes by, allowing Moses to see only His back.

Exodus 34:5-7

The subsequent revelation of God's glory is described in Exodus 34:5-7. The LORD descends in a cloud, stands with Moses, and proclaims His name. This self-revelation emphasizes God's attributes: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished" (Exodus 34:6-7). This declaration highlights the balance of God's mercy and justice, central to His glory.

Theophany and Divine Presence

The encounter is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to a human. The glory of God, often associated with light and radiance, signifies His divine presence. For Moses, this experience is transformative. When he descends from the mountain, his face shines with the reflected glory of God, so much so that he must cover it with a veil when speaking to the Israelites (Exodus 34:29-35).

Theological Significance

The exhibition of God's glory to Moses underscores several theological truths. It affirms God's transcendence and holiness, as well as His immanence and willingness to engage with His creation. The revelation of God's name and attributes provides a foundational understanding of His character, emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness and moral perfection.

Implications for Israel

For the Israelites, the glory of God revealed to Moses serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and guidance. It reinforces the seriousness of the covenant and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. The event also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's grace and truth (John 1:14).

In summary, the exhibition of God's glory to Moses is a profound moment in biblical history, offering deep insights into the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. It remains a source of inspiration and awe for believers, pointing to the majesty and holiness of the Creator.Exodus 34:5-7
And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 33:18-23
And he said, I beseech you, show me your glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ...
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had been exhibited along with Him in the honour of His glory, and had ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the same conclusion supported.htm

On Heresies.
... heat of the sun; [3174] and had exhibited to them ... number of ten commandments; [3175]
"to whom God spake face ... Thou their offering." [3179] And the glory of God ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on heresies.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 1, "After Six Days Jesus ...
... "For the heavens declare the glory of God ... "When they heard this, they fell" to the
earth. See then in the Church is exhibited to us the Kingdom of God. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxviii on the words.htm

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... too, indeed was the united spirit exhibited by those ... followed, and have won surpassing
glory by their ... Heaven, [3454] the providence of God conducted Daniel to ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm

The First Part
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of the same temple "filled with smoke from the glory of God?" But what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
... After having in the flood exhibited His righteous judgment against sin, He calls
Abraham to be the father ... In losing the light of the glory of God, we have ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/fourth day holiness and revelation.htm

The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
... They exhibited a faint and general outline of the mediation and glory of ... Work of
MESSIAH , the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, the brightness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvi the ascension of.htm

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians the Creator the Father of ...
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veil, and Moses"nay, the ... Now since God's glory is, that so great a treasure ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi the second epistle to.htm

The New Covenant: a Covenant of Grace
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that the glory of grace ... he tells us of "the grace of God" exhibited in the ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiv the new covenant .htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... their wings, thereby concealing the view of God, not only ... prophets depict the Seraphim,
who are exhibited to us ... that the refulgence of the divine glory is so ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the heavens declare the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org

Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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