Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

genesis24_17

(Gen. 24:17) "Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a burning fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the children of Israel." Surely the appearance of the glory of the Lord looked like a burning fire because it both enlightens the hearts of the elect with the gift of heavenly knowledge and inflames them with the fire of His charity. Consequently, the glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud, in darkness, and in fire: in a cloud, because it protects us from the heat of temptations; in darkness, because the power of His majesty can be wholly comprehended by no creature, for 'the peace of God surpasses all understanding;' and in burning fire, because it both illumines the minds of the faithful with the knowledge of supernal blessings and enkindles them with hope and love. Bede: On the Tabernacle (Liverpool Univ. Press)