In the Old Testament, oftentimes the glory of God was concealed and feared. God’s glory was hidden in clouds, fire, the tabernacle, the temple, and in shrouded theophanies. It was feared as the “devouring fire,” the judgment against sin, and no man could look upon His holiness without dying. But for those who knew God, their mission was to praise the God of glory and see His glory through all of creation. God’s glory was manifested through His work, salvation, victory, and presence with His people. 

There were also glimpses of a future glory that God was preparing to unleash. A glory of salvation, victory, God’s presence with “all nations” that would “fill the earth.” Many Jewish leaders speculated what this glory would look like in battle: God destroying Greece, Persia, or Rome, and taking vengeance on the earth.