What is “shekinah glory”?

“Shekinah glory” is a term that is used to refer to the visible manifestation of God’s presence and glory. It is derived from the Hebrew word “shakan,” which means “to dwell” or “to reside.” In the Bible, the term “shekinah glory” is often used to describe the visible presence of God in the form of a light or a cloud, as well as the accompanying sense of awe and holiness that is associated with His presence.

Shekinah Glory in the Old Testament

The concept of shekinah glory is most prominently associated with the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament. In the book of Exodus, for example, we read about the construction of the tabernacle, which was a portable tent that served as the center of worship for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness.

According to Exodus 40:34-35, when the tabernacle was completed and the Ark of the Covenant was placed inside, “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” This passage describes the shekinah glory of God as a cloud that filled the tabernacle, indicating His presence and His holiness.

The concept of shekinah glory is also associated with the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of worship for the Israelites during the time of the kings. In 1 Kings 8:10-11, we read that “when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.” This passage describes the shekinah glory of God as a cloud that filled the temple, indicating His presence and His holiness.

Shekinah Glory in the New Testament

In addition to the tabernacle and the temple, the concept of shekinah glory is also associated with the person of Jesus in the New Testament. In John 1:14, for example, we read that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This passage describes Jesus as the embodiment of the shekinah glory of God, and it suggests that His life and ministry were a visible manifestation of God’s presence and His glory.

In the New Testament, the concept of shekinah glory is closely tied to the person of Jesus, who is described as the embodiment of God’s presence and His glory. This suggests that through Jesus, God is not just present with His people, but that He is present in a more intimate and personal way. It also suggests that through Jesus, God’s presence and His glory are available to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Shekinah Glory Significance

The significance of the shekinah glory in the Bible is closely tied to the idea of God’s holiness and His presence with His people. Throughout the Old Testament, the shekinah glory is associated with the sense of awe and reverence that is due to God, and it is often described as a cloud or a light that surrounds and fills the tabernacle or the temple. This imagery suggests that God is not just present with His people, but that His presence is overwhelming and all-encompassing, and that it fills every aspect of their lives.

In Conclusion

Overall, the concept of shekinah glory in the Bible is a powerful reminder of the presence and the holiness of God, and of His desire to be with His people. It serves as a reminder that God is not distant or removed from His people, but rather that He is active in the lives of His children.