What Is It?
The word glory appears 225 times in 214 King James Old Testament verses. It is also recorded 177 times in 157 KJV New Testament verses. The last appearance of glory in the Bible reveals that all those who accept God's offer of salvation will be allowed to enter the new Jerusalem.
And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it (Revelation 21:26, KJV).
When the Bible speaks of glory, it generally refers to how a being or a person appears. It can also reference the abundance, riches, reputation, dignity or splendor possessed by someone. Scripture records several people, including groups, seeing and experiencing this aspect of God's existence.
Israel Witnessed It
The Israelites got to witness God's glory when he personally spoke to them, from Mount Sinai, in order to give them the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). After they agreed to keep his law, He arranged for a covenant meal between him, Moses, Aaron, Aaron's two sons and seventy of Israel's elders (Exodus 24). It was at this meal that God's presence was seen by these seventy-four men.
The average Israelite was able to view the majesty of God not only on Sinai but also later at the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 24:16, 40:35, Leviticus 9:23, Numbers 16:42).
Moses made his own unique request to view the glory of God. He asked if he could view what the Lord actually looked like up close. His requested was granted but he was only able to view his "back parts" as he walked by (Exodus 33:18 - 23).
The Eternal had to make another copy of his commandments after the first one was broken due to the people's sin of idolatry (Exodus 32:19). Moses' face, after spending forty days on the mount receiving it, was luminous from what he saw. His face shone so brightly after coming down from Sinai that they Israelites could not look at him (Exodus 34:29 - 35, 2Corinthians 3:7)! His shining face was so bright that it required him to wear a vail over his face any time he spoke to the people.
Ezekiel Sees God
Ezekiel, in visions, saw God and his glory several times.
And, behold! The glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain (Ezekiel 8:4, HBFV throughout).
And the glory of the LORD went from the threshold of the temple, and stood over the cherubim (Ezekiel 10:18).
And the cherubim lifted up their wings, and the wheels beside them. And the glory of the God of Israel was over them above (Ezekiel 11:22).
And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters. And the earth shined with His glory (Ezekiel 43:2).
David Sees the Lord
King David, in the Psalms, wrote many times about the Lord's glory.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they reveal knowledge (Psalm 19:1 - 2).
To the LORD, O you sons of the mighty, give to the LORD glory and strength. Give to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:1 - 2, see also Psalms 57, 79, 84 and 108).
Sharing Holiness
The Apostle Paul, in 1Corinthians 15, states that resurrected Christians will bear the image of (appear like) our spiritual elder brother Jesus Christ. This means that someday those who are converted will be made to shine with glory given them as a reward from the Lord!
As is the one made of dust (Adam), so also are all those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly one (Jesus Christ), so also are all those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the one made of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly One (1Corinthians 15:48 - 49).
The prophet Daniel confirms this encouraging promise of receiving some of God's glory when he states the following.
And they who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament [heavens], and they who turn many to righteousness (by preaching the gospel, etc.) shall shine as the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:2 - 3).