Glory of God

The glory of God is the visible weight and splendour of his presence: the overwhelming reality of who he is, made perceptible to creatures. When Yahweh’s glory fills the tabernacle in Exodus 40, Moses cannot enter. When it fills the temple in 1 Kings 8, the priests cannot stand to minister. The glory of God is not merely bright light; it is the full presence of the holy God, which created things cannot absorb without being overcome.

The glory of God is also the aim of all creation and redemption. Isaiah 43:7 says that Yahweh created mankind for his glory. Psalm 19 declares that the heavens tell the glory of God. Habakkuk 2:14 looks forward to the day when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh as the waters cover the sea.” Everything Yahweh does in redemptive history is aimed at the display of his glory: his deliverance of Israel displays his power and faithfulness; his judgment displays his justice; his mercy displays the riches of his grace.

The New Testament declares that the glory of God has been made visible in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). The incarnation is not a concealment of the divine glory but its definitive revelation: the Word became flesh and “we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The articles below trace the glory of God through several of the passages where it appears most directly.

Primary focus

David walking outside his palace at night beneath the moon and stars Psalm 8

Also covers this theme

Exodus 33: Yahweh's Presence, Israel's Sin, and a Mediator Exodus 33 Exodus 34: Covenant Renewal, Yahweh's Character, and the Mediator Exodus 34 Exodus 40: The Tabernacle and Yahweh Dwells Among His People Exodus 40 David approaching the illuminated tabernacle through the wilderness at dawn Psalm 27