02/25/2025
Shekinah:
The Hebrew root "shakan," meaning "to dwell" or "to settle." It is used in Jewish and Christian theology to describe the manifest presence of God, particularly His dwelling among His people.
The concept of Shekinah is also linked to the Temple in Jerusalem. When Solomon dedicated the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:10-11: "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."
The Shekinah was understood as a visible manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud. This presence was a source of guidance, protection, and blessing for the Israelites.
The Shekinah is also reflected in the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a continuation of the Shekinah, signifying God's ongoing presence with His people.
The Shekinah also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people in the new creation, as described in Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"
GLORY:
Derived from the Hebrew word "kavod" and the Greek word "doxa." In its most basic sense, glory refers to the weightiness, splendor, and majesty of God. It encompasses the honor, praise, and worship due to Him, as well as the manifestation of His divine presence
Biblical Usage and Themes:
reflecting both the character of God and His actions in the world. God's holiness, power, and divine nature.
1. God's Glory in Creation:
The heavens and the earth declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1
2. The Glory of God in the Tabernacle and Temple- His glory visibly manifested in the temple in Exodus 40:34-35
3. The Glory of God in Jesus Christ-John 1:14
4. The Glory of God in Salvation- Ephesians 1:12-14
5. The Glory of God in the Church:
The church is called to reflect God's glory. Ephesians 3:21 states, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The church, as the body of Christ, is to manifest His glory through unity, love, and holiness.
6. The Future Glory:
Believers look forward to the future revelation of God's glory. Romans 8:18
Believers are called to live for the glory of God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." The pursuit of God's glory is the ultimate purpose of human existence, reflecting His worth and majesty in all aspects of life.
Reference: The Bible Hub