Exodus 29:45
Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.
Then I will dwell
The Hebrew word for "dwell" is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which conveys the idea of settling down or residing permanently. This is not a temporary visitation but a promise of God's enduring presence. In the context of the tabernacle, this dwelling signifies God's desire to be intimately involved with His people. Theologically, this foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, where God dwells among humanity in a more profound way (John 1:14). The promise of God's dwelling is a source of comfort and assurance, emphasizing His commitment to His covenant people.

among the Israelites
The phrase "among the Israelites" highlights the communal aspect of God's relationship with His people. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are chosen to be a distinct nation through whom God would reveal His character and purposes. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship established at Sinai, where the Israelites were set apart as a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). This dwelling among them signifies God's intention to be accessible and involved in the daily lives of His people, guiding and protecting them.

and be their God
The declaration "and be their God" is a reaffirmation of the covenant relationship. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which denotes power, authority, and sovereignty. This phrase underscores God's role as the ultimate authority and protector of Israel. It is a relational term, indicating not just a deity to be worshiped, but a personal God who knows and cares for His people. Scripturally, this promise is echoed throughout the Bible, culminating in Revelation 21:3, where God dwells with His people eternally. This assurance of God's presence and lordship is a cornerstone of faith, encouraging believers to trust in His unchanging nature and promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God who desires to dwell among His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and presence.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are recipients of God's promises and His presence.

3. Tabernacle
The sacred tent where God chose to dwell among the Israelites, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the tabernacle and the priestly consecration.

5. Priestly Consecration
The event described in Exodus 29, where Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle.
Teaching Points
God's Desire for Relationship
God’s intention to dwell among the Israelites highlights His desire for a personal relationship with His people. This is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the incarnation of Christ.

Holiness and Presence
The tabernacle was a place of holiness where God’s presence was manifest. Believers today are called to be holy as God’s dwelling place, reflecting His character in their lives.

Covenant Faithfulness
God’s promise to dwell among the Israelites is a testament to His covenant faithfulness. Believers can trust in God’s promises and His unchanging nature.

The Role of Mediation
The consecration of priests in Exodus 29 points to the need for mediation between God and humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

Living as God’s People
As God dwelt among the Israelites, He called them to live distinctively as His people. Christians are called to live in a way that reflects God’s presence in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the promise of God dwelling among the Israelites in Exodus 29:45 reflect His character and desires for His people?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a foreshadowing of Christ’s incarnation and His dwelling among us?

3. How can understanding God’s covenant faithfulness in the Old Testament strengthen our faith in His promises today?

4. What does it mean for believers to be the temple of the living God, and how should this impact our daily lives?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives and communities, reflecting His holiness and love?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 26:11-12
This passage reiterates God's promise to dwell among His people, emphasizing His desire for a relationship with them.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, showing the fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity is seen in the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people eternally.

2 Corinthians 6:16
Paul reminds believers that they are the temple of the living God, echoing the promise of God's presence among His people.
The Divine Presence in the ChurchJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 29:38-46
Israel Sanctified by God's PresenceJ. Orr Exodus 29:43-46
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Dwell, Israelites, Living-place, Midst, Sons, Tabernacled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:45

     1110   God, present everywhere
     1513   Trinity, mission of

Exodus 29:29-46

     7745   ordination

Exodus 29:42-46

     8271   holiness, purpose

Exodus 29:44-45

     6606   access to God

Exodus 29:44-46

     5340   house

Exodus 29:45-46

     7922   fellowship, with God

Library
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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