This word in the abstract, properly speaking belongs only to God; for there can be glory in no other. Hence the prophet speaks to the church, "Thy God thy glory." (Isaiah 60:19) So that JEHOVAH, in his threefold character of person, is truly and strictly glory. Hence, when the Lord is speaking of the great works of creation, in creating the heavens and stretching them out, and spreading forth the earth; and also of the wonders of redemption by his Son; he confirms the oneness in nature, work, and design of Christ, and the adoration due to him as one with himself; and saith, "I am the Lord, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:5-8.) Where by the way, it may be observed, here is the highest confirmation of the GODHEAD of Christ. For in the same moment that JEHOVAH declares his jealousy of his name and glory, and that he will not give his glory to another, neither his praise to graven images, he commands both praise and glory to be given to his dear Son, whom he gives as a covenant to the people, that he may have all the praise and glory of redemption. A plain proof that in JEHOVAH'S esteem Christ is one with the Father, "over all, God blessed for ever." Amen. (Romans 9:5) The glory of JEHOVAH, though, no doubt, existing personally in the essence of the GODHEAD, can only be known by his creatures in the manifestation of it. "He dwells in that light, or glory, which no man can approach unto." So that all we can know or conceive of his glory, must result from such manifestations as he hath been pleased to make of himself in his works. Thus when Moses desired, that the Lord would shew him his glory, the Lord said, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee; and I will proclaim the name of the Lord." (Exodus 33:18-19) His name, which is his person, therefore is, in the abstract; glory; and the manifestation of it is in his ways and winks. Hence the church is said to be his glory, inasmuch as the Lord is glorified in her salvation. For as the glorious Head of his body the church in his mediatorial character, "is the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person;" so the brethren, the messengers of the churches, are said to be the glory of Christ, 2 Corinthians 8:23. And the Lord promiseth to be to the church, not only "a wall of fire to defend round about, but the glory in the midst." (Zechariah 2:5)
Names are sometimes given by the vanity of men to creatures concerning glory, but the holy Scriptures express their total disapprobation of it. Thus the Lord, speaking of the pride of the king of Assyria, (Isaiah 8:7) declares, that all his glory shall come to nought. And the Lord Jesus speaking of Solomon's glory, describes it as nothing compared to the humblest lilies of the field. (Matthew 6:28-29) And hence that gracious precept of the Lord by the prophet: "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
I cannot forbear requesting the reader's attention, under this article, to a sweet and interesting feature of Christ, as the Glory-man Christ Jesus. I say, as the Glory-man; for I would beg to be understood, that this name is peculiarly belonging to our Jesus, and to him only. His people in him, and through him, will hereafter be brought to glory, and will be, we are told, in point of glory as the angels. (Matthew 22:30) But though glorious from a derived glory from Christ, yet not glory, in the abstract, in themselves. This is peculiarly and personally his; so that Jesus is the Glory-man, as the God-man Mediator. If the reader would wish to see the Scripture authority for this name, he will find it John 17:5 where the glory Jesus then speaks of as Mediator, was unquestionably the glory in which he stood up at the call of God when "the Lord possessed him in the beginning of his ways before his works of old, and when his delights were with the sons of men." (See Proverbs 8:22-31)
I would only beg to add one thought more upon this subject, and to observe to the true believer in Jesus the blessedness the heart of that man feels, who, to such views of the divine glory, can set to his seal the truth of it in his own personal experience, when with the apostle he can say, "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)