What is the Shekinah Glory?
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them (Exodus 25:8 KJV)
The word Shekinah may not appear in your Bible, but understanding its meaning could transform how you experience God’s presence! This ancient term encapsulates the powerful truth of God visibly dwelling among His people—from the cloud and fire in the wilderness to the person of Jesus Christ, and now, incredibly, within every believer. The Shekinah glory is not just a mystical concept but a living reality meant to shine through you today!
The term Shekinah comes from the Hebrew verb shakan, meaning “to dwell” or “to settle,” a concept found throughout Scripture. For instance, God commanded in Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell (shakan) among them.” (KJV). While Shekinah itself is not in the biblical text, it originated in early Jewish writings like the Targums and Rabbinic literature to describe God’s manifest presence. It illustrated God’s glory displayed through the cloud by day and fire by night in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21), highlighting His deep desire to dwell with His people—a truth ultimately revealed through Jesus and now through His Spirit in every believer.
So Shekinah encapsulates three key elements: God’s presence, His dwelling place, and visible manifestations. It is essentially God’s glorious presence made visible through physical forms like the cloud and fire.
The mystery of Shekinah deepens in the New Testament. John 1:14 says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory…).” The word dwelt mirrors shakan, revealing Jesus as the Shekinah glory of God—the visible expression of the invisible God. Unlike the Old Testament’s clouds and fire, this time, God’s presence was manifested through a human person. People saw God’s presence in Jesus and experienced His love, power, and wisdom through His character and interactions. What a profound shift!
Here’s the amazing part: Shekinah is still present today, not as fire or cloud but through God’s people. When you received Jesus, the Shekinah—the Holy Spirit, God’s very presence—came to dwell in you. Remember, the Israelites saw God’s presence externally as fire and shadow, but that glory never dwelt within them. Today, this same presence lives in you, making you the visible manifestation of God’s glory on earth. God wants the world to see His love, power, and wisdom through you—not just through supernatural signs(like fire, clouds, etc) but through your everyday life as the fullest expression of His divine nature.
How do you respond to such an honor? The more you know Him and what He has done, the more you will overflow with love and continual praise!
Meditate
What does Shekinah mean, and how does it relate to your identity in Christ today? How is God’s presence visible through your life?
Act on the Word
Embrace your role as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Walk daily with the awareness that you carry God’s manifest presence within you. Let His love, wisdom, and power be seen through you, so others may encounter Him.
Pray
Thank the Lord for the privilege of being a vessel of His glory. Ask Him to help you reflect His presence to the world around you.
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