Topical Encyclopedia The term "House of God" is a significant concept in the Bible, representing a place where God's presence dwells and where His people gather to worship Him. This entry explores the various dimensions and references to the "House of God" throughout the Scriptures.Old Testament References 1. Bethel: The first mention of the "House of God" is found in Genesis 28:17-19, where Jacob names the place Bethel, meaning "House of God," after his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven. Jacob declares, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28:17). Bethel becomes a significant site for worship and remembrance of God's covenant. 2. Tabernacle: The Tabernacle, described in Exodus 25-27, serves as a portable "House of God" during Israel's wilderness journey. It is the place where God's presence dwells among His people, and where sacrifices and offerings are made. Exodus 25:8 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" . 3. Temple in Jerusalem: King Solomon builds the first permanent "House of God," the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in 1 Kings 6-8. This Temple becomes the central place of worship for Israel. In 1 Kings 8:10-11, the glory of the LORD fills the Temple, signifying God's presence: "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD" . New Testament Understanding 1. Jesus Christ: In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the true Temple, the ultimate "House of God." In John 2:19-21, Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and You will raise it up in three days?" But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body" . This indicates that Jesus embodies the presence of God among His people. 2. The Church: The concept of the "House of God" extends to the Church, the body of believers. In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul writes, "But if I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth" . The Church is seen as the spiritual "House of God," where believers gather to worship and serve. 3. Believers as Temples: The New Testament also teaches that individual believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own" . This emphasizes the indwelling presence of God in the lives of believers. Eschatological Vision In the book of Revelation, the ultimate "House of God" is depicted as the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people eternally. 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 vision reflects the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His presence is fully realized among His people. Throughout the Bible, the "House of God" serves as a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, providing a place for worship, communion, and the manifestation of His glory. Topical Bible Verses 2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Topicalbible.org Acts 20:28 James 5:16 Hebrews 10:25 James 5:14 1 Corinthians 3:11 Matthew 16:18 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Peter 4:17 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia House of GodHOUSE OF GOD In Genesis 28:17, 22 = BETHEL (which see). In Judges, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Psalms, etc. (beth ha-'elohim), a designation of the sanctuary = "house of Yahweh" (of the tabernacle, Judges 18:31; Judges 20:18, 26 the King James Version; of the temple, 1 Chronicles 9:11; 1 Chronicles 24:5 the King James Version; 2 Chronicles 5:14 Psalm 42:4 Isaiah 2:3, etc.; of the 2nd temple, Ezra 5:8, 15 Nehemiah 6:10; Nehemiah 13:11; compare Matthew 12:4). Spiritually, in the New Testament, the "house of God" (oikos theou) is the church or community of believers (1 Timothy 3:15 Hebrews 10:21 1 Peter 4:17; compare 1 Corinthians 3:9, 16, 17 1 Peter 2:5). Greek 2324. therapon -- an attendant ... like a friend serving in a tender, noble way (used only in Heb 3:5). Moses is called a faithful 2324 ("willing servant") of "the house (people) of God.". ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2324.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 1009. Beth Arebel -- "house of God's ambush," a place in Palestine... Beth Arebel. 1010 . "house of God's ambush," a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Beth Arebel Phonetic Spelling: (bayth ar-bale') Short Definition: Beth-arbel ... /hebrew/1009.htm - 6k 1008. Betheel -- "house of God," a city in Ephraim, also a place ... Library Prayer and the House of God The House of God. The House of God. House of God. A House for God. On Leaving the House of God. LM Anonymous. The House of God. Longing for the House of God. Delight in the House of God. Psalm 84 Longing for the House of God. Resources Should a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Potter's House Christian Fellowship? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org House: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics House of God: A Place of Prayer House: Architecture of Altars On House: Architecture of Battlements Required in Mosaic Law House: Architecture of Booths On House: Architecture of Ceiled and Plastered House: Architecture of Chambers House: Architecture of Chimneys of House: Architecture of Cornerstone House: Architecture of Dedicated House: Architecture of Figurative House: Architecture of Foundations of Stone House: Architecture of Guest Chamber House: Architecture of Inner Chamber House: Architecture of Lattice House: Architecture of Laws Regarding Sale of House: Architecture of Painted House: Architecture of Pillars House: Architecture of Porches House: Architecture of Prayer On House: Architecture of Roofs, Flat House: Architecture of Summer Apartment House: Architecture of Texts of Scripture on Doorposts of House: Architecture of Used As Dwelling Place House: Architecture of Used As Place to Sleep House: Architecture of Windows House: Architecture of With Courts Related Terms Treasure-house (6 Occurrences) Banqueting-house (1 Occurrence) Shearing-house (2 Occurrences) Side-chambers (10 Occurrences) |
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