What does the Bible say about cloud of glory?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God’s cloud of glory visibly revealed his holy, faithful presence with his covenant people, guiding, protecting, and assuring them on their journey. In Exodus 13:20-22, the Lord went before Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, never leaving them. The cloud descended at the tent of meeting in Exodus 33:9-10, marking God’s gracious communion with Moses and Israel, while Exodus 34:5 records the Lord’s descent in the cloud to proclaim his name. Numbers 10:34 shows the cloud accompanying Israel’s travels. Above all, this glory points to humanity’s need for God himself: as Moses confessed in Exodus 33:14-15, God’s presence is what distinguishes and sustains his people.
Study outline
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- First manifestation of Exodus 13:20; Exodus 13:21
- Called
- The cloud Exodus 34:5
- Pillar of cloud and pillar of fire Exodus 13:22
- Cloudy pillar Exodus 33:9; Exodus 33:10
- Cloud of the Lord Numbers 10:34
- The presence of God Exodus 33:14; Exodus 33:15
- God’s glory manifested in Exodus 16:10; Exodus 40:35
- God came down in Exodus 34:5; Numbers 11:25
- God spoke from Exodus 24:16; Psalms 99:7
- Was designed to
- Regulate the movements of Israel Exodus 40:36; Exodus 40:37; Numbers 9:17-23
- Guide Israel Exodus 13:21; Nehemiah 9:19
- Show light to Israel Psalms 105:39
- Defend Israel Exodus 14:19; Psalms 105:39
- Cover the tabernacle Exodus 40:34; Numbers 9:15
- Was dark to the enemies of Israel Exodus 14:20
- Was the Shekinah over the mercy-seat Leviticus 16:2
- Continued during the journeyings of Israel Exodus 13:22; Exodus 40:38
- Manifested in the temple of Solomon 1 Kings 8:10; 1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 5:13; Ezekiel 10:4
- Special appearances of
- At the murmuring for bread Exodus 16:10
- At giving of the law Exodus 19:9; Exodus 19:16; Exodus 24:16-18
- At sedition of Aaron and Miriam Numbers 12:5
- At the murmuring of Israel on the report of the spies Numbers 14:10
- At the rebellion of Korah &c Numbers 16:19
- At the murmuring of Israel on account of Korah’s death Numbers 16:42
- At Christ’s transfiguration Matthew 17:5
- At Christ’s ascension Acts 1:9
- Our Lord shall make his second appearance in Luke 21:27; Acts 1:11
- Illustrative of
- The glory of Christ Revelation 10:1
- The protection of the church Isaiah 4:5
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