The Temple Of God -- By: Robert G. Zimmer

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 18:1 (Winter 1975)
Article: The Temple Of God
Author: Robert G. Zimmer


The Temple Of God

Robert G. Zimmer*

The figure of the Temple of God is not only well known; it is an integral part of the history of the People of God. And throughout their history, that which made the temple holy was the presence in it of the Living God.

God instructed His ancient people to “make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (Ex. 25:8). In obedience to His directions they built the tabernacle and tent of meeting with God’s assurance that, “there I will meet with the people of Israel and it shall be sanctified by my glory; I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar … and I wil dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them; I am the Lord their God” (Ex. 29:43–46).

At its dedication “the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud abode upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Ex. 40:34, 35). The Shekinah, the visible manifestation of the presence of God in the midst of His people was that which sanctified the tabernacle.

This traveling tent accompanied the twelve tribes throughout their years of wilderness wanderings and was, for several centuries, the central sanctuary of Israel during the interval between Joshua and Solomon.

During the reign of Solomon the first temple was built in Jerusalem. Even from its inception Solomon realized that this would not be the dwelling place of God, but simply the place of meeting.

The house which I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for Him, except as a place to burn incense before him? (II Chr. 2:5, 6).

The same thought was expressed in his prayer at the dedication of the temple.

But will God dwell indeed with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of thy servant and to his supplication, O Lord my God, hearkening to the cry and to the prayer which thy servant prays before thee; that thy eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where

*Pastor, Grace Missionary Church, Zion, Illinois 60099

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