His Presence: God's Divine Presence

The shekhinah (Biblical Hebrew: שכינה‎ šekīnah; also Romanized shekina(h), schechina(h), shechina(h)) is the English transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling" or "settling" and denotes the dwelling or settling of the divine presence of God. Presence of God The Scriptures often speak of God's presence in human history. The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim [yIn'P], which is also translated "face, " implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon [provswpon] has the same semantic range. The Greek preposition enopion [ejnwvpion] also commonly appears; several other Hebrew and Greek words occur only a few times. God's presence carries a wide range of meaning. It may be something people fear. Adam and Eve's sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden ( Gen 3:8 ). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness ( Isa 6:5 ). Many people who encountered God or his angel feared for their lives ( Judges 13:22 ; Luke 1:11-12 ; 2:9 ). Others tried unsuccessfully to escape his presence ( Jon 1:3 ). As God displays his presence through his great power, the whole earth trembles ( Judges 5:5 ; Psalm 68:8 ). False gods also become powerless before him ( Isa 19:1 ). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation ( Jer 5:22 ). God's presence provides comfort in times of trouble or anxiety ( Joshua 1:5 ). The downcast seek him and find encouragement and strength to praise him ( Psalm 42:5 ).