GOD allowed Moses to experience something of His glory (Exodus 33:12–23). The Hebrew term most often translated “glory” (kabod) means “weight, importance, or significance” and does not connote something light and ephemeral as does the English word “glory.” The word is sometimes applied to persons, indicating their excellence, or to things, describing their perfect functioning.

In Scripture, however, glory is most often used to indicate God’s presence and power (Deuteronomy 5:24). Sometimes it occurs as a synonym of the Hebrew word qodesh, indicating holiness. Sometimes it is associated with fire, as when He revealed Himself on Sinai (Exodus 24:16-17), or with cloud or smoke, as when the tabernacle was dedicated (Exodus 40:34) or when Isaiah had his vision (Isaiah 6:3-4).

In these cases, the awful reality of God is being emphasized. Compared to this, humanity is but a wisp of smoke or a blade of grass. It is in this context that God’s determination to share His glory with us becomes the more astounding. In place of our frailty, He offers us His reality (John 1:14, 32, 34; Romans 9:23; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary