The Shekinah Glory of God

The Shekinah glory, a term derived from the Hebrew shakan meaning "to dwell" or "to settle," refers to the visible, radiant manifestation of God's presence in the midst of His people. In the Old Testament it appears as the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which guided Israel through the wilderness: "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light" (Exodus 13:21). This glory filled the tabernacle so completely that Moses could not enter: "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34-35). It likewise filled Solomon's temple at its dedication, so that the priests could not stand to minister (1 Kings 8:10-11). In the New Testament, this presence reaches its summit in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." In Christ, the Shekinah took on flesh; God came to dwell among men in a final and personal way, no longer veiled behind a cloud but revealed in a face. Today this presence continues in the believer through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19 affirms: "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you." The same glory that once filled the tabernacle now indwells the heart of everyone who receives the Lord, making each one a living sanctuary of the divine presence. The Shekinah is therefore not confined to a building of stone but rests upon a people made holy.