The concept of the divine presence within the Church of Israel is a central theme throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting God's intimate relationship with His chosen people. This presence is often depicted as a tangible and transformative force, guiding, protecting, and sanctifying the nation of Israel.

The Tabernacle and the Temple

The divine presence was first manifested in the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary constructed during the Israelites' wilderness journey. In Exodus 25:8 , God commands, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The Tabernacle served as the dwelling place of God, where His glory was visibly present in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 40:34-38).

Later, the Temple in Jerusalem became the permanent dwelling place of God's presence. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, "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." This event underscored the Temple as the focal point of divine presence and worship in Israel.

The Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant, housed within the Most Holy Place of both the Tabernacle and the Temple, symbolized God's throne on earth. It was here that God promised to meet with Moses and the high priests, as stated in Exodus 25:22 : "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the Ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites."

Prophetic Assurance of God's Presence

Throughout Israel's history, prophets reassured the people of God's enduring presence. In Isaiah 41:10 , God declares, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." This promise of divine presence provided comfort and strength, especially during times of trial and exile.

The New Covenant and the Church

With the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the concept of divine presence expanded to include the Church, the body of believers. In Matthew 18:20 , Jesus assures His followers, "For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them." This promise signifies that God's presence is not confined to a physical structure but is accessible to all who gather in faith.

The Holy Spirit

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers further manifests God's presence within the Church. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This indwelling presence empowers, guides, and sanctifies the Church, continuing the legacy of divine presence that began with Israel.

Conclusion

The divine presence within the Church of Israel is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people. From the Tabernacle and Temple to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God's presence has been a source of guidance, comfort, and transformation, underscoring the sacred relationship between the Creator and His covenant community.Exodus 29:45,46
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 26:11,12
And I set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:10,11
And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The King 'Blessing' his People
... strongly before all thoughtful men the continuity of a nation or a Church, and the ...
Solomon understood the divine vocation of Israel, and had risen above ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church
... Oh, let us continue a prayerful church as we have hitherto been ... You know how the
children of Israel in the wilderness ... of this and of that: if they had the manna ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the real presence the great.htm

The Church and the World.
... Hence, when the church lowers itself to a worldly standard ... of them for crucifying
the "Holy One" of Israel. ... He had just stated that "they hated both him and his ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the church and the world.htm

The Siege of Jericho
... Joshua had spoken; God had spoken through him ... He was as truly with Israel when they
fought apparently ... is God.' The old fathers of the Christian Church were not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the siege of jericho.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... set themselves up for teachers in the church without a ... Witness the evils which came
upon Israel when they ... the ministry of the Levites whom God had appointed to ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Ebenezer!
... Israel had twenty years of deep and bitter sorrow. ... We have had our sorrows
as a Church. Shall I remind you of our black and dark day? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm

The Law and the Liberty of Presbyterian Worship.
... Throughout the successive periods of Israel's history, marked by ... to the Church which
they had been commissioned to ... Divine right, as an Apostolic Church, to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter i the law and.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... of fragrance, with the prayers of Israel, was daily ... The walls had the appearance
of massive gold, reflecting in ... foundation and the builder of the church of God ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... of fragrance, with the prayers of Israel, was daily ... The walls had the appearance
of massive gold, reflecting in ... foundation and the builder of the church of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

Preparation for Revival
... that as one of the designs of divine grace; but I ... Church will be a blessed Church;
a Church that is ... upon Mount Sinai, the children of Israel had to cleanse ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/preparation for revival.htm

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