In the biblical context, "dwellingplaces" refers to locations where individuals or groups reside, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. The concept of dwellingplaces is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing not only the physical habitations of people but also the spiritual presence of God among His people.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, dwellingplaces often refer to the tents, homes, and cities where the Israelites and other peoples lived. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are frequently depicted as sojourners living in tents, highlighting their transient lifestyle and reliance on God's promises. Genesis 12:8 describes Abraham's journey: "From there Abram moved on to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD."

The concept of dwellingplaces extends to the tabernacle and later the temple, which served as the dwelling place of God among His people. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The tabernacle was a portable dwelling place for God during the Israelites' wilderness journey, symbolizing His presence and guidance.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the idea of dwellingplaces takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus speaks of eternal dwellingplaces in John 14:2 : "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" Here, Jesus assures His disciples of a future dwelling with Him in heaven, emphasizing the eternal security and fellowship with God.

The apostle Paul further develops the concept by describing believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 , he writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This indicates that the presence of God now resides within believers, making their bodies a spiritual dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

Symbolism and Theology

Dwellingplaces in the Bible symbolize God's desire to be with His people. From the Garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve, to the tabernacle and temple, and ultimately to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the theme of God dwelling with humanity is central to the biblical narrative. It reflects God's covenant relationship with His people and His promise of eternal fellowship.

The eschatological vision in Revelation culminates in the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Revelation 21:3 declares, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This final dwelling place signifies the restoration of perfect communion between God and humanity, free from sin and death.

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of dwellingplaces encourages a life of holiness and devotion, recognizing that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. It also offers hope and assurance of an eternal home with God, motivating them to live with an eternal perspective. The biblical teaching on dwellingplaces calls Christians to seek God's presence in their daily lives and to anticipate the fulfillment of His promises in the life to come.Dwellingplaces (5 Occurrences)

Jeremiah 30:18
Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.
(KJV)

Jeremiah 51:30
The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in their holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.
(KJV)

Ezekiel 6:6
In all your dwellingplaces the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished.
(KJV)

Ezekiel 37:23
Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
(KJV)

Habakkuk 1:6
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not their's.
(KJV)

Dwellingplaces (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dwellingplaces (5 Occurrences). Jeremiah 30:18 Thus
saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity ...
/d/dwellingplaces.htm - 8k

Dwelling-places (11 Occurrences)
Dwelling-places. Dwellingplaces, Dwelling-places. Dwellings . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV DBY JPS WBS). Dwellingplaces, Dwelling-places. Dwellings . ...
/d/dwelling-places.htm - 10k

Dwelling-place (38 Occurrences)
Dwelling-place. Dwellingplace, Dwelling-place. Dwellingplaces . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV JPS). Dwellingplace, Dwelling-place. Dwellingplaces . ...
/d/dwelling-place.htm - 17k

Their's (5 Occurrences)
... 1:6 For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall
march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are ...
/t/their's.htm - 8k

Builded (65 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 30:18 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of
Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be ...
/b/builded.htm - 27k

Heap (66 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 30:18 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of
Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be ...
/h/heap.htm - 33k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus