EXODUS 40:34-35

³⁴ Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ 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.

Introduction

The word “Shekinah” does not appear directly in the Bible, but it is a Hebrew term derived from “shakan,” meaning “to dwell” or “to rest.”
It refers to the manifest presence of God — the visible, tangible glory that dwells among His people.

From the fiery cloud in the wilderness, to the glory that filled Solomon’s Temple, to the presence of Christ Himself — the Shekinah reveals God’s desire to dwell with His people.

Let’s explore this divine glory in three movements:

1. The Revelation of Shekinah Glory
2. The Rejection of Shekinah Glory
3. The Restoration of Shekinah Glory

1. The Revelation of Shekinah Glory (Exodus 13:21–22; 40:34–35)

In the wilderness, God’s people were not left alone.

• He appeared as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
• This was not just a sign — it was His very presence.
• When Moses finished the tabernacle, that same glory filled the tent, showing that God was pleased to dwell among His people.

Illustration:

Imagine traveling through a desert — no compass, no GPS. But every day, you look up and see the cloud of God’s presence leading you. You move when it moves. You stop when it rests. That’s how intimate and real God’s presence was to Israel.

Application:

The Shekinah reminds us that God desires to guide us, not from afar, but from within our journey.
The Holy Spirit is now our pillar — guiding, comforting, and empowering us every step of the way.

2. The Rejection of Shekinah Glory (Ezekiel 10:18–19)

Tragically, Israel turned from God to idols.
Ezekiel saw a heartbreaking vision — the glory of the Lord departed from the temple because of the nation’s sin.

“Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple…” (Ezekiel 10:18)

• The Shekinah that once filled the Holy of Holies left the temple.
• It shows that God’s presence cannot remain where sin is cherished and repentance is refused.

Illustration:

Think of a beautiful home — once full of warmth and laughter — now empty and dark because the owner moved out.
That’s what happened when God’s glory departed from Israel.

Application:

When we resist the Spirit, harbor sin, or seek self-glory, we drive away His manifest presence.
But when we humble ourselves, God draws near again.

James 4:8 — “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

3. The Restoration of Shekinah Glory (John 1:14; Acts 2:1–4)

The glory returned — not as a cloud, but as a Person.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us, and we beheld His glory…” (John 1:14)

• In Jesus, the Shekinah Glory took on human form.
• The same presence that filled the tabernacle now walked among people.
• And after Christ’s ascension, that glory came to dwell within believers through the Holy Spirit.

At Pentecost, tongues of fire appeared — the same divine fire that once hovered over the tabernacle now rested on each believer!

Application:

• God’s glory now lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
• Wherever you go, His glory goes with you — your workplace, your home, your ministry.

Conclusion

The Shekinah Glory is not just ancient history — it’s a living reality for every born again believer.
God’s presence is no longer confined to a building or a cloud.
He lives in His people.

Key Truths to Remember:

• God’s glory reveals His nearness.
• Sin drives away His presence.
• Christ restores His glory within us.

So, walk in that glory. Let your life radiate His presence so that others may see the light of Christ in you.

2 Corinthians 3:18 – “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…”

Closing Prayer

“Lord, we thank You for Your Shekinah Glory — the beauty of Your presence that dwells among and within us.
Forgive us for the times we have taken that presence for granted or allowed sin to dim Your light in us.
Fill this temple — our hearts — once again with Your glory.
Let our lives reflect Your holiness, Your love, and Your power, that the world may know You dwell among Your people.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!