The Shekinah glory refers to the visible manifestation of God’s presence with His people in the Bible. The word “Shekinah” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “to dwell,” and was used in the Bible in reference to God dwelling among His people.
The first reference to the Shekinah glory is in Exodus 24:15-18, when God’s presence settled on Mount Sinai in the sight of the Israelites. “Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.” The Shekinah glory appeared as a cloud or pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through the wilderness.
When the tabernacle was built, the Shekinah glory filled it: “Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34-35). The same happened with Solomon’s temple when it was completed (1 Kings 8:10-11). The Shekinah glory signified God’s presence with His people.
Throughout Israel’s history, the Shekinah glory appeared at pivotal moments. It filled Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-3), led Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:14), appeared in the burning bush to Moses (Exodus 3:2), and descended on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18). Ezekiel saw visions of God’s glory (Ezekiel 1, 8-11). The Shekinah glory departed from the temple before the Babylonian captivity (Ezekiel 10), showing that God had withdrawn His presence.
In the New Testament, the Shekinah glory is closely connected to Christ. When Jesus was born, the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds (Luke 2:9). Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s glory: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3). On the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples saw Jesus’ face shine like the sun and His clothes become white as light (Matthew 17:2). At His second coming, Christ will return in glory.
Though we no longer have a physical manifestation of God’s glory as the Israelites did, God’s presence still dwells with believers through the Holy Spirit. The Shekinah glory points to God’s redemptive plan to transform His people so they can reflect His glory. As Paul wrote, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). One day, we will dwell in the glorious presence of Christ forever.
In summary, the Shekinah glory refers to the visible manifestation of God’s presence and His special dwelling with His people. This glory appeared physically in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, guided Israel in the wilderness, and departed when God withdrew His presence due to Israel’s sin. In the New Testament, the Shekinah finds its ultimate fulfillment in the incarnation of Christ, the embodiment of God’s glory. Though we no longer have a physical glory cloud, God’s presence dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit, transforming us to reflect His glory more and more.
Old Testament References to the Shekinah Glory
The Glory Filled the Tabernacle
After the Israelites constructed the tabernacle according to God’s instructions, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:34-35)
This was a powerful display of God’s presence entering the tabernacle. The same happened when Solomon’s temple was completed.
And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. (1 Kings 8:10-11)
The Glory Appeared on Mount Sinai
When Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, the glory of the Lord settled on the mountain.
Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. (Exodus 24:15-16)
The sight of the glory was like a consuming fire in the eyes of the Israelites.
The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. (Exodus 24:17)
God spoke to Moses out of the midst of the glory over a forty day period (Exodus 24:18).
The Glory Filled Solomon’s Temple
After Solomon dedicated the temple he had built, the glory of the Lord filled it.
When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)
This demonstrated God’s approval of the temple and His presence dwelling in it.
The Glory Appeared in the Cloud by Day and Fire by Night
During Israel’s wilderness wanderings after the Exodus, God manifested His presence in a cloud by day and fiery pillar at night.
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. (Exodus 13:21-22)
This was the Shekinah glory guiding the people. It was a visible sign of God’s presence protecting and leading His people.
The Glory Departed from the Temple
In Ezekiel’s vision, the glory of the Lord departed from the temple, signaling God forsaking it due to Israel’s sin.
Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them. (Ezekiel 10:18-19)
The departure of the Shekinah glory showed the withdrawal of God’s presence and blessing.
New Testament Fulfillment in Christ
In the New Testament, the Shekinah glory finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Glory Surrounded Christ’s Birth
When Jesus was born, the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds in the field.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. (Luke 2:9)
This foreshadowed Christ bringing the glory of God in a greater way through His life, death, and resurrection.
Glory on the Mount of Transfiguration
When Jesus was transfigured, His face shone like the sun and clothes became radiantly white.
And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. (Matthew 17:2)
Peter equated this to the Messiah coming in His kingdom in power and glory (Matthew 16:28).
Christ Embodies the Glory of God
The New Testament says Jesus Christ is the embodiment and full revelation of God’s glory.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:3a)
Christ displays God’s glory perfectly. The disciples saw His glory at the transfiguration, and believers see God’s glory in Christ’s face through the Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:4-6).
Christ Will Return in Glory
When Jesus returns, He will come in the glory of the Father with an army of angels.
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels… (Matthew 16:27)
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)
This will be the ultimate manifestation of Christ’s glory.
The Glory in Believers Through the Spirit
Though God’s glory no longer dwells in a physical temple or pillar, His presence now dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit Imparts Glory
The Holy Spirit is at work in believers to transform us to reflect more of God’s glory.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
As we behold Christ by faith, the Spirit changes us from glory to glory.
Present Sufferings vs Future Glory
Present sufferings are not worth comparing to the eternal glory in Christ that the Spirit guarantees to believers.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)
Through the Spirit, we have assurance of resurrection into eternal glory.
The Spirit is the Guarantee
The Holy Spirit in our hearts is the guarantee and down payment of the full inheritance of glory with Christ for eternity.
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
The Spirit’s presence assures believers that we will one day participate in the glory of God forever.
Practical Applications
The Shekinah glory gives us several important practical applications:
Worship the Glorious God
We should be in awe of the glorious, almighty God who revealed His glory visibly to His people. His glory appearances should evoke reverence and worship.
Thank God for His Presence
We can be thankful that God does not abandon His people, but dwells closely with us by His Spirit. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Reflect God’s Glory
As the Spirit works within us, we should increasingly reflect God’s glory through Christlike character, good works, and bringing praise to God. Our lives should point people to the glory of God.
Look Forward to Christ’s Return
We can eagerly anticipate the day when Christ will return in power and great glory, bringing the fullness of His kingdom. Then we will dwell in God’s presence forever.
Focus on Eternal Glory
Current troubles and sufferings should not discourage us, because incomparable eternal glory awaits all believers in Christ. This future glory far outweighs present difficulties.