Is there such a thing as a glory cloud? Are so-called glory clouds biblical?

TL;DR:

A glory cloud is a sensationalized part of worship that some charismatic churches promote. God’s glory is displayed from a cloud in the Bible but not in the way that these churches refer to a so-called glory cloud.

what does the bible say?

Within the last one hundred years, people around the world have reported a glittery cloud that sometimes appears in worship services—from house churches in Brazil to mega-churches in California. The cloud is described as a glittering swarm of gold-like particles which settles downward on people, then vanishes upward. It cannot be wiped off, but comes and goes as it pleases. Others describe the substances as more like jewels or more like feathers. Some pastors have said the cloud sometimes is so thick around them as they preach they had trouble seeing through it. Though there are references in the Old Testament of God appearing in a cloud or leading His people by a pillar of a cloud, there is no reference to this so-called "glory cloud" in the Bible.

from the old testament

The term “glory cloud” is not used in the Bible.
When the people of God were freed from Egyptian slavery, God guided them "in a pillar of cloud" (Exodus 13:21). Later, God filled the tabernacle in the form of a cloud (Exodus 40:34–35), but no person, including Moses, was able to even approach the cloud, much less be touched by it or be engulfed by it. There is no mention of a glittery aspect, or of gold.
In other encounters with God, Old Testament prophets and others universally were struck with fear or awe and could hardly stand the encounter (Ezekiel 1:28; 44:4; Isaiah 6:5; 2 Chronicles 5:14; 7:3). Those who describe "glory cloud" encounters today seem to greet the appearance with shouting, dancing, singing, and basking in the glitter. Such a response is not consistent with the biblical accounts of times when God's presence was manifest in a cloud.

from the new testament

A glory cloud does not appear in the New Testament.
At the transfiguration, the disciples and Jesus are overshadowed by a cloud, and they respond in terror. From the cloud, God commands them to listen to Jesus: “As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!’” (Luke 9:34–35).
Mark 13:26 foretells of when Jesus comes back in judgment, describing Him as coming in clouds: “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.”
Jesus is taken up to heaven by a cloud forty days after His resurrection (Acts 1:9).
Revelation 14:14–16 tells us of Jesus sitting on the clouds with a sickle, ready to reap and judge those who did not accept Him as Savior. The cloud in the New Testament mostly refers to Jesus’ appearance in judgment.

implications for today

It's essential to prioritize God's Word over sensationalized experiences such as the “glory cloud.” The Old Testament depicts clouds as symbols of God's presence, guidance, and communication, emphasizing reverence and obedience rather than spectacle. The New Testament uses clouds to reveal Christ’s return in judgment. In our pursuit of spiritual growth and worship, we should seek after God's glory by faithfully studying and applying His Word. We should live according to the Spirit, who dwells in all believers, not chasing after sensationalized experiences. This involves cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer, Scripture study, and obedience to His commands. By staying grounded in biblical truth and seeking genuine relationship with God, we can honor Him authentically and avoid the distractions of sensationalism, focusing instead on glorifying God in all aspects of our lives.

understand

The term "glory cloud" isn't found in the Bible.
Biblical clouds symbolize God's presence with fear and awe, not glitter or gold.
In the Old Testament, the cloud revealed God's guidance, protection, glory, and means of communication with His people. In the New Testament, it is most often connected with His return in judgment.

reflect

How can you prioritize obedience to God's Word over seeking sensational experiences in your worship?
What do you learn about God’s character in relation to His presence in clouds in the Bible?
How do biblical accounts of God's presence in clouds help you discern between genuine manifestations of God's glory and sensationalized experiences?

engage

Reports of a glory cloud usually always come from Charismatic or Pentecostal churches. These Christians attribute it to God's presence anointing the preacher or congregation for worship and preaching. They use passages such as 2 Chronicles 5:14, 1 Kings 8:11, Ezekiel 10:4, and Exodus 40:35 for support.
What risks come with emphasizing supernatural signs in our worship and spiritual practices?
How can we cultivate a focus on honoring God through biblical truth and spiritual maturity, rather than seeking after sensational or unverifiable experiences?