Brief Answer
The Shekinah glory refers to the visible manifestation of God’s presence dwelling among His people. While the term “Shekinah” is not found in the Bible, it comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to dwell” or “to abide” and is used to describe God’s radiant presence, often depicted as light, fire, or a cloud. The Shekinah glory signifies God’s holiness, power, and His desire to be near His people.
Understanding the Shekinah Glory from a Biblical Perspective
The Shekinah glory is a way of describing moments when God’s presence was visibly demonstrated to His people. Throughout Scripture, these appearances symbolize God’s covenant relationship and His holiness.
Key Examples of the Shekinah Glory
- The Pillar of Cloud and Fire:
- As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God’s presence was seen in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud…and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light” (Exodus 13:21).
- The Tabernacle and Temple:
- God’s glory filled the Tabernacle after its construction: “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34-35).
- Similarly, when Solomon dedicated the Temple, God’s glory filled the structure so powerfully that the priests could not enter (1 Kings 8:10-11).
- Mount Sinai:
- God’s presence descended on Mount Sinai in a dense cloud, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and fire. “The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain” (Exodus 24:16-17).
- The Transfiguration:
- In the New Testament, the glory of God surrounded Jesus during the Transfiguration. “His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2).
Historical Context
The concept of Shekinah developed in Jewish tradition to explain the tangible expressions of God’s presence. Although the word itself does not appear in Scripture, it became a way for rabbis and theologians to discuss God’s glory as seen in biblical events.
God’s Presence with His People
The Shekinah glory is tied to God’s covenant relationship with Israel. His visible presence in the Tabernacle and later the Temple signified that He was their God and they were His people (Exodus 29:45-46). However, when Israel turned to idolatry, the glory of God departed from the Temple, as described in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 10:18-19).
Practical Implications
The Shekinah glory emphasizes several truths about God and His relationship with His people:
- God’s Desire to Dwell with Us:
- From the Tabernacle to Jesus’ incarnation, God has always desired to be near His people.
- Reverence and Holiness:
- The overwhelming power of God’s glory reminds us of His holiness and the need to approach Him with reverence.
- Guidance and Comfort:
- Just as the Israelites were led by the cloud and fire, God’s presence continues to guide and comfort His people today.
Theological Depth and Insight
The Glory of God’s Holiness
The Shekinah glory reveals the holiness of God. His radiant presence is so overwhelming that it often left witnesses in awe or fear. When Isaiah saw God’s glory in a vision, he cried out, “Woe to me!… I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). This underscores humanity’s unworthiness in the presence of God’s perfection.
The Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of God’s glory. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son.” The Greek word for “dwelling” in this verse literally means “to tabernacle,” linking Jesus’ incarnation to the Shekinah glory in the Tabernacle and Temple.
Broader Biblical Themes
- God’s Faithfulness: The Shekinah glory reassured Israel of God’s presence and faithfulness during their journey and worship.
- God’s Holiness and Justice: His glory often revealed His judgment against sin, as seen when Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire and were consumed by His glory (Leviticus 10:1-2).
- God’s Redemption: The Shekinah glory points to the ultimate redemption when God’s presence will dwell with His people forever in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3, 23).
The Role of the Holy Spirit
After Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit became the way believers experience God’s presence. While the Shekinah glory appeared as physical manifestations in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, making their bodies temples of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Relevance for Today’s Christian
The Shekinah glory has practical meaning for Christians today:
- God’s Presence Is With Us: Though we may not see clouds or fire, God’s Spirit resides within us, providing guidance and comfort.
- Living as God’s Temple: Just as God’s glory filled the Tabernacle and Temple, believers are called to live in a way that reflects His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
- Hope for the Future: The Shekinah glory foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell with His people eternally.
Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love
The Shekinah glory culminates in Jesus Christ. He is God’s glory in human form, dwelling among us to reveal God’s love and redeem humanity. His sacrifice tore the veil of the Temple, granting believers direct access to God’s presence (Matthew 27:51).
In Revelation 21:23, we read that in the new heaven and earth, there will be no need for the sun or moon because “the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” This eternal glory reflects God’s love and desire to be with His people forever.
Bible Characters
- Moses: Witnessed God’s glory on Mount Sinai and in the Tabernacle, often returning with his face radiant (Exodus 34:29-35).
- Solomon: Dedicated the Temple where God’s Shekinah glory filled the holy place (1 Kings 8:10-11).
- Ezekiel: Saw the departure of God’s glory due to Israel’s sin but also prophesied its return in the future (Ezekiel 43:2-5).
- Jesus: The ultimate expression of God’s glory, bringing the presence of God into the lives of all who believe (John 1:14).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the Shekinah glory help you understand God’s holiness and majesty?
- In what ways do you experience God’s presence in your daily life?
- How does knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Shekinah glory shape your relationship with Him?
- How can you live in a way that reflects God’s glory to those around you?
The Shekinah glory is a powerful reminder of God’s holiness, faithfulness, and love. It points us to Jesus Christ, who brought God’s presence to humanity in a personal and transformative way. As believers, we are called to live as vessels of His glory, reflecting His light in a world longing for His presence.