The Glory of God in the Bible: Exploring Rare Examples

Throughout the Bible, the concept of God's glory is frequently referenced. Even rare figures like Lucifer and the Virgin Mary embody aspects of God's glory in unique ways. In this article, we will delve into the descriptions of God's glory as depicted through these figures and explore why they are significant.

The Description of Lucifer's Glory

Lets look at the description of Lucifer from the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 28:12-15 provides a vivid and detailed account of this once glorious being. The text reads:

Ezekiel 28:12-15 (Amplified Bible, CA ??i 1917)
12 You were in Eden, the Garden of God; every precious stone was your covering-- emerald, sapphire, diamond,beryl, chrysoprase, topaz, carbuncle, sardius, gabar, luison, and alabaster.
13 With settings, gold of Ophir, and the best of gold; from the day you were created, until the day in which you were filled with violence, you were consecrated.
14 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.
15 By the abundance of your trade You were filled with violence, and you have sinned. Therefore I cast you as profane out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

This description paints a picture of a creature so radiant and glorious that it was described as the covering cherub, surrounded by the finest materials. According to the text, his perfection was unmarred until iniquity was found in him. This indicates a period of lesser glory before his fall from grace.

Virgin Mary's Divine Will

Contrasting with the fall of Lucifer, we have the Virgin Mary, a unique figure without sin and completely aligned with the Divine Will. Luke 1:35 is often cited in discussions about her sinless nature and her alignment with God's plans. The text states:

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore also the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

As a result of this divine intervention, Mary was sanctified and became a vessel for the birth of Jesus Christ, who would himself be the ultimate manifestation of God's glory. Mary's role in the incarnation and her sinless life highlight God's manifestation of glory in human form, emphasizing the perfect alignment of human with divine desires.

Understanding the Duality of God's Glory

These two figures exemplify the duality of God's glory. Lucifer, once a glorious being, fell from grace, illustrating the potential for both rebellion and restoration. On the other hand, the Virgin Mary demonstrates the true essence of God's will through her sinless life and cooperation with divine plans.

Significance and Lessons

The stories of Lucifer and Mary offer critical insights into the nature of God and his glory. Lucifer's fall reminds us of the constant temptation and the necessity of steadfast faith. Meanwhile, Mary's purity and alignment with divine will teach us about the importance of cooperation with God's plans.

Further Reading and Resources

For those who wish to delve deeper into these topics, I recommend reading scholarly articles and commentaries on the Bible, especially those focusing on the books of Ezekiel and Luke. Understanding these texts can provide a deeper appreciation of the complex themes of God's glory and divine will.

In conclusion, the concepts of Lucifer and the Virgin Mary offer profound insights into the nature of God's glory in the Bible. Each story provides its unique lessons, contributing to a richer understanding of the relationship between humans and the divine.