Shekinah glory refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God’s presence among His people. Although the term “Shekinah” itself does not appear in the Bible, it comes from the Hebrew root word shakan (שָׁכַן), meaning “to dwell” or “to abide.” Jewish scholars coined the term to describe God’s dwelling presence, particularly in the context of the tabernacle, temple, and significant moments in Israel’s history where God visibly revealed His glory.
Biblical Descriptions of the Shekinah Glory
1. God’s Presence in the Tabernacle
The Shekinah glory was evident when God’s presence filled the tabernacle after its construction.
- Exodus 40:34-35 (NIV):
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” - Exodus 25:8 (NIV):
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
The glory of the Lord symbolized His presence and approval, dwelling among the Israelites in a visible form.
2. God’s Presence in the Temple
The Shekinah glory also filled Solomon’s Temple during its dedication.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (NIV):
“When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the 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 manifestation affirmed that God’s presence was with His people in the temple.
3. The Pillar of Cloud and Fire
The Shekinah glory guided the Israelites during their wilderness journey as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
- Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV):
“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”
This visible guidance demonstrated God’s continual presence and care for His people.
4. Mount Sinai
God’s Shekinah glory was revealed in a dramatic way on Mount Sinai when He gave the Law to Moses.
- Exodus 24:16-17 (NIV):
“And the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
This event emphasized God’s holiness and majesty.
5. Departure of the Shekinah Glory
Ezekiel describes the tragic departure of God’s glory from the temple due to the sin and rebellion of Israel.
- Ezekiel 10:18-19 (NIV):
“Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim. While I watched, the cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground, and as they went, the wheels went with them.”
This departure signified God’s judgment and the loss of His dwelling among His people.
6. The Shekinah Glory in Jesus Christ
In the New Testament, the Shekinah glory is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is described as the embodiment of God’s presence.
- John 1:14 (NIV):
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The Greek word for “dwelling” in this verse literally means “tabernacled,” linking Jesus to the Shekinah glory of the Old Testament.
- Hebrews 1:3 (NIV):
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
7. The Shekinah Glory and the Holy Spirit
After Jesus’ ascension, the Shekinah glory was manifested through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- Acts 2:3-4 (NIV):
“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
The presence of the Holy Spirit continues to represent God dwelling within believers.
8. The Shekinah Glory in the New Jerusalem
The Shekinah glory will be fully revealed in the eternal state, where God’s presence will dwell with His people forever.
- Revelation 21:23 (NIV):
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” - Revelation 21:3 (NIV):
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'”
Theological Significance of the Shekinah Glory
- God’s Presence Among His People
The Shekinah glory signifies that God desires to dwell among His people and have a relationship with them. - God’s Holiness
The visible manifestations of God’s glory emphasize His holiness and majesty, inspiring reverence and awe. - God’s Guidance and Protection
The pillar of cloud and fire demonstrates God’s commitment to lead, protect, and sustain His people. - Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
The Shekinah glory is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, through whom God dwells with humanity and offers salvation. - Eternal Hope
The Shekinah glory points forward to the ultimate restoration of God’s presence with His people in the new creation.
Conclusion
The Shekinah glory represents God’s visible, powerful presence dwelling with His people, from the tabernacle and temple to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the eternal kingdom. It is a reminder of God’s holiness, His desire for relationship with humanity, and His faithfulness to guide, protect, and redeem His people.
- Psalm 26:8 (NIV):
“Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.”