Online Sermons
Lesson #13 - Shekinah
Series: One WordLESSON #13 – SHEKINAH
“Shekinah” (sometimes spelled Shechinah) is a word used to express the visible Divine presence.
While the word itself is not found in Scripture, it came to be used by Jews and Christians to speak of God’s living presence.
Shekinah is a Hebrew/Aramaic word for RESIDENCE.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) THE SHEKINAH IN THE TABERNACLE & TEMPLE
Within the tabernacle (later the temple) was the Holy Place and The Holy of Holies - - separated by “the veil” (Ex.26:33).
~ The central focus of The Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant (Ex.25:10).
~ The lid of the ark of the covenant was referred to as the mercy seat (Ex.25:17).
~ Standing atop the mercy seat (on each end) were two golden cherubim (Ex.25:18-20).
The cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing each other…
Between the cherubim was the shekinah (“cloud of light” in which Jehovah appeared). cf. Lev.16:2; Ex.33:9f & 1Tim.6:16
And there I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon
the ark of testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel. / Ex.25:22
2) THE SHEKINAH IN THE EXODUS AND WILDERNESS
Ex.10:21-23 / darkness fell upon Egypt, but all the sons of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Ex.13:21 / And THE LORD WAS GOING BEFORE THEM in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on their way,
and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they may travel by day and by night. cf. Ex.14:9 & 24-26
3) THE SHEKINAH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Some contend that THE STAR that led the Magi was the shekinah. – cf. Mt.2:2 & 9
At the birth of Jesus, Lk.2:9 notes regarding the shepherds:
And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE AROUND THEM…
The transfiguration of Jesus is described with similar language:
Mt.17:2 & 5 / His face shone like the sun…a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice
out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him.’
As Saul of Tarsus journeyed on the road to Damascus, Acts 9:3 notes, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around Him…
4) QUIZ QUESTIONS
What were the three things that were housed inside the ark of the covenant? cf. Heb.9:4b
____________________ + ____________________ + ____________________
Who was permitted to enter the holy of holies and how often and why? cf. Heb.9:7
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What is meant by Heb.9:8-9a? - The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has
not yet been disclosed, while the outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time.
