The glory of God is a profound and central theme in the Bible, encompassing His divine presence, majesty, and holiness. To truly understand God’s glory, exploring His attributes—particularly His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence is essential. These characteristics define the essence of who God is and how He interacts with His creation. This article delves into the glory of God, His divine attributes, and how they are revealed through His interactions with humanity.
The Glory of God: An Overview
The term “glory” in the Bible often refers to the awe-inspiring, visible manifestation of God’s presence and power. It is derived from the Hebrew word “kabob,” meaning weight or heaviness, and the Greek word “doxa,” meaning splendor, brightness, or honor. God’s glory is His intrinsic worth and the outward display of His attributes. It is not merely an attribute of God but rather the sum of all His attributes, including His holiness, love, justice, and mercy.
God’s Omnipresence: His Presence Everywhere
God’s omnipresence means that He exists in all places simultaneously. His glory represents this divine presence that permeates the entire creation. Psalm 139:7–10 beautifully illustrates God’s omnipresence:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there, your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.”
This attribute sets God apart from all other beings. No other creature, including Satan, can possess the unique ability to be present everywhere at once. God’s omnipresence underscores His sovereignty and intimate involvement in His creation’s affairs, highlighting the exclusivity and specialness of His attributes.
The Manifestation of God’s Glory
God’s glory is often associated with physical manifestations such as light, fire, thunder, and lightning. These manifestations emphasize His power and holiness, distinguishing Him from all creation.
In the wilderness, God led the Israelites by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21–22). This visible manifestation of God’s glory provided guidance and protection.
Thunder, lightning, and a substantial cloud accompanied God’s glory at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16–18).
“On the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain and a loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was smoke-covered because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed from it like a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.”
Witnesses of God’s Glory
Throughout the Bible, several individuals were privileged to witness God’s glory. These encounters often marked significant moments in their lives, and God’s redemptive plan unfolded, transforming them and inspiring hope in others.
Moses and the Elders of Israel
Moses had multiple encounters with God’s glory. When he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God, his face shone with the glory of God, causing the Israelites to fear and request that he cover his face (Exodus 34:29–35).
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was unaware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them, so Aaron and all the community leaders came back to him, and he spoke to them. Afterward, all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking to them, he covered his face. But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, they saw his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord.”
Isaiah
The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God’s glory in the temple (Isaiah 6:1–4):
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings, they covered their faces; with two, they covered their feet; and with two, they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.’ The doorposts and thresholds shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.”
Ezekiel
Ezekiel also saw visions of God’s glory. Ezekiel 1:28 describes one of his visions:
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”
Simeon
In the New Testament, Simeon recognized the glory of God in the infant Jesus. Luke 2:25–32 records this encounter:
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit clarified that he wouldn’t pass away before seeing the Lord’s Messiah. He entered the temple courts after feeling the Spirit’s move. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’”
Paul
The Apostle Paul encountered God’s glory in the person of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. This experience led to his temporary blindness and subsequent conversion (Acts 9:3–9).
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground but could see nothing when he opened his eyes. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days, he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.”
God’s Omnipotence: His All-Powerful Nature
God’s omnipotence refers to His all-powerful nature. He possesses unlimited power and can accomplish anything according to His will. This attribute is evident throughout the Bible, from the world’s creation to the miracles performed by Jesus.
Jeremiah 32:17 declares God’s omnipotence:
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates God’s omnipotence through His miracles, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39–41).
“He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then, the wind died down, and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’
God’s Omniscience: His All-Knowing Nature
God’s omniscience means He knows everything—past, present, and future. He possesses complete knowledge and understanding of all things. This attribute assures us that nothing is hidden from God, and He is fully aware of our circumstances and needs.
Psalm 147:5 proclaims God’s omniscience:
“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.”
In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates God’s omniscience in His interaction with Nathanael (John 1:47–49):
“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.’”
The Meaning of Witnessing God’s Glory
Witnessing God’s glory is a transformative experience. It involves encountering the divine presence in a way that leaves an indelible mark on one’s life. This encounter often raises awareness of God’s holiness, majesty, and sovereignty, leading to more profound reverence and worship.
To see God’s glory is to glimpse His divine nature and power. This often results in a profound sense of awe and humility.
