The glory of God represents His presence, holiness, and covenant relationship with His people. From its dwelling in the Old Testament temple to its departure due to Israel’s rebellion, God’s glory finds its complete realization in Jesus Christ and ends in the eternal hope of the New Jerusalem. This journey reflects God’s unchanging desire to dwell among His people and His redemptive plan for humanity.
The Glory in the Temple
In the Old Testament, God’s glory visibly dwelled among His people, first in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon’s temple. These sacred spaces were symbolic of His presence and His covenant with Israel.
“Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34-35)
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.” (1 Kings 8:10-11)
These manifestations affirmed God’s desire to be with His people and His approval of the temple as His earthly dwelling.
The Departure of God’s Glory
Israel’s persistent rebellion and idolatry led to the departure of God’s glory from the temple. The prophet Ezekiel describes this event in a vision, showing the gradual withdrawal of God’s presence from the temple and the city of Jerusalem.
“Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.” (Ezekiel 10:18-19)
“And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.” (Ezekiel 11:23)
This departure signified the withdrawal of God’s protective presence and judgment upon Israel. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, the promise of restoration remained.
The Promise of Restoration
The prophets foretold a future when God’s glory would return, not confined to a structure but revealed in a way that would transform His people forever. Isaiah declared:
“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 40:5)
This vision pointed to a universal unveiling of God’s glory, restoring the relationship between God and humanity. Isaiah further described a day when God Himself would be the light of His people:
“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” (Isaiah 60:19)
These promises pointed toward a greater fulfillment, where God’s presence would illuminate creation and bring eternal peace.
Fulfillment in Christ
The return of God’s glory is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, bringing the fullness of God’s presence to humanity.
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person…” (Hebrews 1:3)
In Him, the glory of God shines forth, restoring His presence among His people:
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the promise of redemption and entered into His glory:
“Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26)
His resurrection was not only a victory over death but also the ultimate restoration of God’s presence among His people, ensuring that His glory would never depart again.
Eternal Restoration
The New Jerusalem represents the ultimate manifestation of God’s glory. The Apostle John describes this eternal vision:
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:23)
In this eternal state, God’s glory will shine forever, and His presence will be fully restored. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is the everlasting light, fulfilling His own declaration:
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Here, Christ is revealed as the tangible expression of the one true God, the radiance of divine glory, and the eternal source of light in the new creation, fulfilling the prophetic hope declared by Isaiah(Isaiah 60:19).
The Eternal Light of God’s Glory
From the temple to eternity, the journey of God’s glory reveals His unchanging desire to dwell with His people. In Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s glory is revealed, for in Him, the light of God shines forth, bringing the revelation of His grace to humanity.
As John 1:14 declares:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This journey climaxes in the eternal restoration of God’s presence, where His glory will dwell forever among His people. It is the fulfillment of God’s promise and the ultimate hope for all who believe.
As Revelation 21:3-4 declares:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
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