In the Bible, “Shekinah” refers to the divine presence of God, often manifested as a radiant light or glory. It symbolizes God’s dwelling among His people, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple (Exodus 40:34-38).
Scripture
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
35 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.
36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out.
37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.
38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
Meaning of Shekinah in the Bible
The concept of Shekinah encapsulates the divine presence and glory of God among His people, serving as a bridge between the transcendent and immanent God. This term, though not directly found in the Hebrew Scriptures, conveys the essence of God’s nearness and involvement in human affairs, highlighted during pivotal moments in biblical history. For example, in Exodus 40:34-38, the Shekinah appears as a cloud filling the Tabernacle, symbolizing God’s acceptance of the dwelling place built by His people. This cloud offered not only guidance—leading the Israelites through the wilderness—but also a tangible assurance of God’s presence, reinforcing the communal bond between God and His people. The glory of the Lord, or Shekinah glory, would later be seen in the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), signifying that God’s dwelling place was not restricted to a physical location but rather indicated His desire to reside among humanity.
In a broader theological context, the Shekinah is seen as an archetype for God’s relational nature and His covenantal commitment to Israel. As expressed in Psalm 132:13-14, God chose Zion as His dwelling place, demonstrating His intimate connection with His chosen people. The continued assurance of presence extends even into the New Testament, where the Shekinah can be understood as fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, highlighted in John 1:14 where it states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” This presence, ultimately manifested through the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), emphasizes God’s desire not only to reside within the sacred spaces of the past but to dwell in the hearts of believers today, reflecting an ongoing relationship that transcends time and space.
The Shekinah, often interpreted through the lens of divine glory, represents a profound theological concept rooted in the narrative of God’s interaction with His creation. Another significant reference to the idea of Shekinah can be found in the vision of Ezekiel, where the prophet sees the glory of the Lord departing from the Temple, emphasizing the gravity of God’s withdrawal due to the unfaithfulness of His people. This poignant image of the Shekinah serves as a reminder that God’s presence is not to be taken for granted and can be removed if His covenant is violated. As the Israelites faced exile, the Shekinah became a symbol of longing—a hope for restoration and the eventual return of God’s glory as promised in the prophetic expectations of the future.
Moreover, in rabbinic literature, the Shekinah is often personified as a feminine aspect of God’s presence, reinforcing the notion that Shekinah is not merely an abstract concept but has relational qualities. This understanding illuminates the communal and personal dimensions of God’s presence, echoing throughout the ages in Jewish and Christian thought. The anticipation of the Shekinah’s ultimate return is woven throughout the prophetic texts, symbolizing not only the hope for Israel’s national restoration but also pointing towards the eschatological vision of the new heavens and new earth, where God will dwell with humanity forever. This interconnectedness of the Shekinah with themes of repentance, presence, and redemption serves as a vital thread in the tapestry of the biblical narrative, encompassing a universal call to recognize and seek the divine presence in our lives, reflecting a continual invitation to engage with the sacred.
Divine Presence and Glory
The term “Shekinah” is often associated with the tangible presence of God among His people. It signifies a manifestation of divine glory that transcends the ordinary, illustrating how God interacts with humanity. This presence is not merely a distant or abstract concept; rather, it embodies the idea that God dwells among His creation, providing guidance, protection, and a sense of belonging. The Shekinah serves as a reminder of God’s immanence, emphasizing that He is actively involved in the lives of His followers.
Symbol of Covenant Relationship
Shekinah also represents the covenant relationship between God and His people. It signifies the commitment and faithfulness of God to His promises, as well as the expectation of loyalty and devotion from His followers. This relationship is characterized by mutual presence—God’s presence among His people and their response through worship and obedience. The Shekinah thus becomes a symbol of the sacred bond that exists between the divine and humanity, highlighting the importance of community and shared faith.
Transformation and Renewal
In a broader theological context, the Shekinah can be seen as a symbol of transformation and renewal. The presence of God, as represented by the Shekinah, has the power to change lives, heal wounds, and restore hope. This transformative aspect emphasizes the idea that encountering the divine can lead to profound personal and communal change. The Shekinah invites believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, encouraging them to embrace the transformative power of His presence in their lives.
How to Embrace Divine Presence for Spiritual Growth
Embracing the divine presence in your life is a transformative journey that can significantly enhance your spiritual growth. Start by cultivating a habit of quiet reflection and prayer, allowing yourself to be still and listen for God’s voice amidst the noise of daily life. This sacred time can deepen your relationship with Him, helping you to recognize His presence in both the joyful and challenging moments. Engage with Scripture regularly, as it serves as a powerful tool to understand God’s character and His desires for you. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you in your faith journey, sharing insights and experiences that can illuminate your path. Remember, spiritual growth is not a destination but a continuous process; be patient with yourself and open to the ways God is working in your life. As you intentionally seek His presence, you will find that your faith deepens, your heart expands, and your life begins to reflect His love more profoundly.
Bible References to the Shekinah Glory:
1 Kings 8:10-13: 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord,
11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.
13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.”
2 Chronicles 5:13-14: 13 and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud,
14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
Ezekiel 43:1-5: 1 Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east.
2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
3 And it was like the appearance of the vision that I saw, like the vision that I saw when he came to destroy the city, and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my face.
4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east,
5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Exodus 24:15-18: 15 Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.
16 The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.
18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Leviticus 16:2-4: 2 and the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.
3 But in this way Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a bull from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
4 He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water and then put them on.
Numbers 9:15-23: On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning.
16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled, there the people of Israel camped.
18 At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
19 And when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not set out.
20 Sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted, they set out.
21 And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted, they set out.
22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.
23 At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses.
Isaiah 6:1-4: 1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.
2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke.
Revelation 21:22-23: 22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
John 1:14-18: 14 And 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.
15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)
16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.