Presence Of God

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

The Scriptures often speak of God's presence in human history. The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim [לִפְנָי לִפְנֵיפָּנֶה], which is also translated "face, " implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon [Πρόσωπον] has the same semantic range. The Greek preposition enopion [Ἐνώπιον] 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 ( Genesis 3:8 ). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness ( Isaiah 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 ( Jonah 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 ( Isaiah 19:1 ). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation ( Jeremiah 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 ).

Knowing God is present should keep our behavior respectful and humble, for God hears our every word and holds us accountable ( Ecclesiastes 5:2,6 ). He will not tolerate pride, and will bring our speech under his judgment ( Ezekiel 28:9 ). However, he will exalt those who humble themselves before him ( James 4:10 ).

God also displayed his presence at a place of worship. The Israelites brought their sacrifices to the tabernacle—and later the templebecause God chose to establish his name there ( Deuteronomy 14:23,26 ). Worshipers thus experienced a special closeness to the Lord in such a place. Inside the place of worship, the bread of the Presence reminded Israel of God's nearness ( 2 Chronicles 4:19 ). When Solomon dedicated the temple, the manifestation of God's glorious presence prevented priests from fulfilling their usual duties ( 1 Kings 8:10-11 ). Reverent and proper behavior was important, for disastrous consequences might result if people did not follow God's pattern for worship ( Leviticus 10:1-2 ).

God's presence also accompanied times of covenant renewal and other solemn occasions. Before Isaac died, he determined to bless his son "in the presence of the Lord" ( Genesis 27:7 ). Aaron was confirmed as high priest in God's presence ( Numbers 16:7;  17:9 ). As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, Moses told them they stood in God's presence ( Deuteronomy 29:15 ). God would guide them as they undertook the enormous task of conquering the land ( Numbers 32:29,32 ), and would provide Israel's leaders the strength they needed ( Joshua 1:9 ). The apostle Paul charged Timothy to remain faithful to the Lord, reminding his son in the faith of God's watchful presence as Timothy performed his ministry ( 1 Timothy 5:21;  2 Timothy 4:1 ).

The Bible describes heaven as a place filled with God's presence. Angels stand in God's presence and act on his authority as he directs them ( Luke 1:19 ). Satan came before the Lord when he sought permission to attack Job (1:6,12). The heavenly host rejoice before God when one sinner repents ( Luke 15:10 ). Christ completed his earthly ministry by entering "heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence" ( Hebrews 9:24 ). Since heaven is the highest, most exalted place of all, it is fitting that God display his presence there.

God's presence is a place where prayer is heard. David sought the Lord's presence when Israel faced a three-year famine ( 2 Samuel 21:1 ). God's spokesman called the nation to cry out to the Lord in the face of Jerusalem's destruction ( Lamentations 2:19 ). Paul constantly interceded for the Thessalonian church, bringing their name before the Father's presence ( 1 Thessalonians 1:3 ). Christians may approach the Lord with confidence because of Christ's finished work on our behalf ( Hebrews 4:15-16 ). Furthermore, God promises to hear and forgive those who come into his presence with humble repentance ( 2 Chronicles 7:14 ).

God's presence is also a place of judgment. The Lord cast his people from his presence ( Jeremiah 15:1;  52:3 ). The Scriptures describe this action as God hiding his face ( Isaiah 59:2;  Ezekiel 39:29 ). But God's presence for judgment also carries an eschatological dimension. The Lord will one day summon all nations before him; heaven and earth will flee his holy presence ( Revelation 20:11 ). Those who see this judgment coming will beg for deliverance, but to no avail ( Revelation 6:16 ). The most awful aspect of God's judgment is eternal separation from his presence ( 2 Thessalonians 1:9 ).

But God's presence is also a place of blessing. David counted it a joy to experience the Lord's presence ( Acts 2:25,28 ), and Peter described it as the source of blessing for all who place their faith in Christ ( Acts 3:19 ). To experience God's presence is to experience the shining of God's face ( Psalm 67:1 ). Believers always live in God's presence, and he notes all their deeds ( Malachi 3:16 ). He has promised to be with us until he comes again ( Matthew 28:20 ).

In the age to come, God's presence will be the ultimate blessing, for believers will see him face to face ( 1 John 3:2 ). His immediate presence will render a temple unnecessary ( Revelation 21:22 ). It is the anticipation of this presence that should motivate Christians to faithful service in this present age ( 1 Thessalonians 2:19;  2 Peter 3:10-11 ).

Bryan E. Beyer

See also Ark; Cloud Of The Lord Cloud; Glory; God; Tabernacle; Temple

Holman Bible Dictionary

Old Testament Usage During the patriarchal period, God used a variety of means of revelation to communicate with the people ( Genesis 15:1;  Genesis 32:24-30 ). These are often described as theophanies, appearances of God to humanity. Moses had a close relationship with God. He encountered God in the burning bush and knew God “face to face” ( Deuteronomy 34:10 ). The presence of God was also closely related to the tabernacle, the place for ancient Israel to encounter God in worship. The tabernacle was the place of the Lord's name or glory, a manifestation of God's presence and activity in the world ( Exodus 40:34 ,Exodus 40:34, 40:38 ). The cloud and fire symbolized the presence of God leading on the journey to Canaan.

Perhaps the primary tangible symbol of God's presence with the people was the ark of the covenant, the container for the tablet of the law and the seat of God's throne. It led the people in the journey to Canaan and into battle ( Joshua 3:1-6 ). The ark was associated with the sanctuary and eventually came to rest in the Temple, the place of the presence of God. Here Isaiah had a powerful vision of the holy God ( Isaiah 6:1 ).

God also manifested Himself in other ways: in fire ( 1 Kings 18:1 ) and in a still small voice ( 1 Kings 19:1 ), both to Elijah. The Psalms speak of God's presence with the worshiping community ( Psalm 139:1 ) and of the apparent absence of this present God ( Psalm 13:1 ). In either case, God is still addressed. Ezekiel spoke of the Exile in terms of the glory (presence) of God leaving ancient Israel but then returning at the end of the Exile in Babylon ( Ezekiel 43:1-5 ). Much of the Old Testament discussion of the presence of God centers on the fact that God is utterly free to be where God wills but constantly chooses to be with His people to give them life.

New Testament Usage The primary New Testament manifestation of the presence of God is in Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, “God with us” ( Matthew 1:23;  John 1:14;  Hebrews 1:1-3 ). This presence did not end with the death of Christ. The risen Christ appeared to the disciples ( John 21:1-14 ) and to Paul. Through the apostles, Paul and the disciples, Christ's work continued ( Acts 1:8;  Acts 26:12-18 ). The Holy Spirit is an important manifestation of the presence of God and continues the redemptive work of God. The return of Christ will bring permanence to the presence of God with His people.

The church is called to be a manifestation of God's presence. That community is fed by the presence of God found in communion between worshiper and God.

W. H. Bellinger, Jr.