The Shekinah Glory is a term often used to describe the visible manifestation of God’s presence dwelling among His people. The word Shekinah itself does not appear in the Bible but is derived from a Hebrew root meaning “to dwell” or “to settle.” It captures the idea of God’s divine presence resting among His people in a way that is seen or felt. This presence is encountered throughout Scripture in powerful and awe-inspiring moments. Let’s explore the Shekinah Glory, its appearances in the Bible, and how it connects to pivotal moments like Moses’ encounter on Mount Sinai, Jesus’ transfiguration, and even the star of Bethlehem.
The Shekinah Glory and Moses’ Radiant Face
One of the clearest examples of the Shekinah Glory is seen in the life of Moses. In Exodus 34:29-35, after Moses spent forty days and nights with God on Mount Sinai receiving the tablets of the covenant, he descended from the mountain with his face glowing. This radiance was so intense that the Israelites could not look directly at him, and he had to cover his face with a veil. The glow of Moses’ face was not his own; it was a reflection of the Shekinah Glory he had encountered during his time in God’s direct presence.
This instance illustrates that the Shekinah Glory is not just a visual phenomenon but an encounter so profound that it affects those who come into close contact with it. The radiance that shone from Moses’ face symbolized God’s holiness and the transformative power of being in His presence.
The Mount of Transfiguration: Christ Revealed in Glory
The Shekinah Glory also plays a significant role in the New Testament, most notably during the Mount of Transfiguration. In Matthew 17:1-8, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them, and His face shines like the sun, while His clothes become as white as light. This moment is pivotal because it reveals Jesus’ divine nature and glory, showing that He is not just a man but God Himself, sharing in the same radiant presence as the Shekinah Glory seen in the Old Testament.
The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus underscores the continuity between the Law, the Prophets, and the Messiah. The bright cloud that envelops them and the voice from the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5) also echoes the Shekinah Glory that led Israel in the wilderness—a manifestation of God’s immediate and awe-inspiring presence.
The Shekinah Glory in the Tabernacle and Temple
The Shekinah Glory also manifested itself in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple built by Solomon. Exodus 40:34-35 describes how the cloud of God’s glory filled the Tabernacle after it was erected: “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.” This same overwhelming presence is recorded in 1 Kings 8:10-11 when the priests could not continue their service because the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. These accounts underscore that the Shekinah Glory is a tangible, overwhelming manifestation of God’s presence, signifying His dwelling among His people.
The Star of Bethlehem: Another Manifestation?
The question of whether the Star of Bethlehem is related to the Shekinah Glory is an intriguing one. While the Bible does not explicitly connect the star to the Shekinah, its unique nature invites speculation. Matthew 2:9 describes the star as guiding the wise men to the place where Jesus was born. Unlike a typical celestial body, this star moved and settled over the exact location of the Messiah’s birth. The guiding star, which announced the arrival of the King of Kings, could be seen as a sign of God’s glorious revelation and divine guidance, reminiscent of the Shekinah Glory that led Israel through the desert in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).
The Meaning and Significance of the Shekinah Glory
The Shekinah Glory serves as a reminder of God’s desire to dwell among His people, making His presence known in a real and personal way. It points to His holiness, majesty, and the transformative power of being in His presence. The glowing face of Moses, the Transfiguration of Christ, and even the guiding star of Bethlehem all point to the truth that God’s glory is not distant but comes close, touching the lives of His people and changing them forever.
The Shekinah Glory and Believers Today
While we may not see the physical manifestation of the Shekinah Glory in our time, its implications remain relevant. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This transformation points to the spiritual encounter believers have with God’s presence through the Holy Spirit, reflecting His glory to the world.
My Final Thoughts
The Shekinah Glory, whether in the glowing face of Moses, the transfigured Christ, or perhaps even the star that led the wise men, is a powerful symbol of God’s radiant presence. It serves as a reminder of His majesty and His desire to dwell with His people. As we post these moments, may we be inspired to seek God’s presence more deeply, knowing that, while we may not see the Shekinah with our eyes, we can experience His transforming glory in our hearts.
