"Glory"
Summary
Divine glory has two inseparable dimensions: the moral and spiritual attributes of God’s character, and the visible Spirit-light that accompanies his presence. This chapter traces both through Moses’s experience at Sinai and the tabernacle, then shows how Paul’s treatment of the veiled face of Moses reveals the contrast between the fading glory of the old covenant and the transforming, unveiled glory of the new.
The Psalms celebrate God's glory by calling on heavenly beings to declare it: "Give to Yahweh, O mighty ones, give to Yahweh glory and strength. Give to Yahweh the glory due to his name." (Psalm 29:1–2)[1] But what is this "glory"? The Psalmist asks God to act "for your name's sake... for the glory of your name." (Psalm 79:9)[2] Glory, here, is not merely brightness — it is the reputation and character of God made visible.
The visible dimension of divine glory accompanied every major encounter between God and Israel. When the tabernacle was completed, "the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34)[3] When Korah's rebellion broke out, "the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the congregation." (Numbers 16:42)[4] The manifestation was real, physical, terrifying — Spirit-light condensed into visible radiance.
Moses himself was transformed by his encounters with God. After spending forty days on the mountain receiving the Law, his face shone so brightly that the Israelites were afraid. He put a veil over his face when speaking to the people. (Exodus 34:33–35)[5]
Paul takes up this veil as a profound symbol. The glory on Moses's face was real but fading — it was the glory of a covenant that was passing away. The new covenant, by contrast, is a "ministry of the Spirit" and a "ministry of righteousness" that far exceeds the old in glory. (2 Corinthians 3:7–9)[6] Those who turn to the Lord have the veil removed, and "with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)[7]
Moses foreshadowed Christ in this, too. Deuteronomy had promised: "Yahweh your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear." (Deuteronomy 18:15)[8] Where Moses bore a fading reflection of God's glory, Christ bears it in its fullness and permanence — and will impart it to all who are transformed into his likeness.