Understanding the Role of the Shekinah Glory in Worship
The term "Shekinah" is a Chaldee word meaning "resting-place" and is not found in the biblical text itself, but was used by later Jews to describe the visible symbol of God's presence [1]. Christians subsequently adopted this term [2]. It refers to the visible majesty of the divine Presence, particularly as it rested or dwelt between the cherubim on the mercy seat [2].
The concept of the Shekinah glory is closely associated with the "cloud of glory" that guided Israel after their exodus from Egypt [3]. This cloud was a visible manifestation of God's presence, leading them "in a pillar of a cloud" [1]. Scriptural references to this glory-cloud during the wilderness wanderings include Exodus 14:20, 40:34-38, Leviticus 9:23-24, and Numbers 14:10, 16:19, 42 [1]. It is believed that after Israel entered Canaan, this glory-cloud settled in the tabernacle upon the ark [1]. The prophet Isaiah refers to God as dwelling "between the cherubim," connecting this imagery to the Shekinah, which is derived from the Hebrew word shachan, meaning "to dwell" [7].
In the Old Testament, the Shekinah was understood as the glory of the Lord, as seen in 1 Kings 8:11, and was considered the glory of Israel (Psalm 106:20; Romans 1:23) [6]. The golden calf, for instance, was seen as a violation of the second commandment because it attempted to image the true God, contrasting with the true glory of the Shekinah [6].
In the New Testament, the concept of God's presence continues, though the visible manifestation changes. Stephen, in Acts 7:55, saw "the glory of God," which Adam Clarke interprets as the Shekinah, the splendor or manifestation of the Divine Majesty [8]. John Gill, in his commentary on Revelation 21:11, describes the church, the bride of Christ, as "Having the glory of God," indicating a spiritual manifestation of divine presence [9]. True worship, according to John 4:24, occurs "in spirit and in truth," where God's Spirit reveals God's truth to the worshiper [5]. This suggests a shift from a physical, visible manifestation to a spiritual indwelling and revelation. The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation, expressing God's life within the believer [4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Shechinah — A Chaldee word meaning resting-place, not found in Scripture, but used by the later Jews to designate the visible symbol of God's presence in the tabernacle, and afterwards in Solomon's temple. When the Lord led Israel out of Egypt, he went before them "in a pillar of a cloud." This was the symbol of his presence with his people. For references made to it during the wilderness wanderings, see Ex. 14:20; 40:34-38; Lev. 9:23, 24; Num. 14:10; 16:19, 42. It is probable that after the entrance into Canaan this glory-cloud settled in the tabernacle upon the ark”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Shechinah — (dwelling). This term is not found in the Bible. It was used by the later Jews, and borrowed by Christians from them, to express the visible majesty of the divine Presence especially when resting or dwelling between the cherubim on the mercyseat. In the tabernacle and in the temple of Solomon, but not in the second temple. The use of the term is first found in the Targums, where it forms a frequent periphrasis for God, considered its dwelling among the children of Israel. The idea which the different accounts in Scripture convey is that of a most brilliant”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Cloud of Glory — First manifestation of -- Ex 13:20,21. Called The cloud. -- Ex 34:5. Pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. -- Ex 13:22. Cloudy pillar. -- Ex 33:9,10. Cloud of the Lord. -- Nu 10:34. The presence of God. -- Ex 33:14,15. God's glory manifested in -- Ex 16:10; 40:35. God came down in -- Ex 34:5; Nu 11:25. God spoke from -- Ex 24:16; Ps 99:7. Was designed to Regulate the movements of Israel. -- Ex 40:36,37; Nu 9:17-23. Guide Israel. -- Ex 13:21; Ne 9:19. Show light to Israel. -- Ps 105:39. Defend Israel. -- Ex 14:19; Ps 105:39. Cover the tabernacle. -- Ex ”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 4:24: 4:24 in spirit and in truth: One Greek preposition governs both words (literally in spirit and truth) and makes them a single concept. True worship occurs as God’s Spirit reveals God’s truth and reality to the worshiper. Jesus Christ is the Truth (14:6; cp. 14:17; 15:26).”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 2:11: glory--Jehovah, the glory of Israel (Psa 106:20; Rom 1:23). The Shekinah, or cloud resting on the sanctuary, was the symbol of "the glory of the Lord" (Kg1 8:11; compare Rom 9:4). The golden calf was intended as an image of the true God (compare Exo 32:4-5), yet it is called an "idol" (Act 7:41). It (like Roman Catholic images) was a violation of the second commandment, as the heathen multiplying of gods is a violation of the first. not profit-- (Jer 2:8).”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 37:16: dwellest--the Shekinah, or fiery symbol of God's presence, dwelling in the temple with His people, is from shachan, "to dwell" (Exo 25:22; Psa 80:1; Psa 99:1). cherubim--derived by transposition from either a Hebrew root, rachab, to "ride"; or rather, barach, to "bless." They were formed out of the same mass of pure gold as the mercy seat itself (Exo 25:19, Margin). The phrase, "dwellest between the cherubim," arose from their position at each end of the mercy seat, while the Shekinah, and the awful name, JEHOVAH, in written letters, were in the int”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 7:55: Saw the glory of God - The Shekinah, the splendor or manifestation of the Divine Majesty. And Jesus standing on the right hand of God - In his official character, as Mediator between God and man. Stephen had this revelation while in the Sanhedrin; for as yet he had not been forced out of the city. See Act 7:58.”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 21:11: Having the glory of God,.... Not only upon their souls, which will lie in the glorious robe of Christ's righteousness, the bride's wedding garment being on them, in the perfect holiness which will be in them, and in that complete knowledge of all spiritual and heavenly things they will be possessed of, they will have a glory revealed in them; but upon their bodies also, for this city, the church, the bride of Christ, will consist only of risen and changed saints, whose bodies will be freed from all dishonour; deformity, diseases, and imperfections, and will be ma”