The concept of God's presence being both glorious and demanding reverence is a central theme throughout the Bible. God's presence is often depicted as a manifestation of His holiness, majesty, and power, which evokes awe and worship from His people. This entry explores the biblical understanding of God's glorious presence and the appropriate human response of reverence.

The Glory of God's Presence

The glory of God's presence is frequently described in Scripture as a radiant and overwhelming experience. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "kavod" is often used to denote God's glory, signifying weightiness, honor, and splendor. One of the most vivid depictions of God's glorious presence is found in the account of Moses on Mount Sinai. Exodus 24:16-17 states, "And the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites."

The prophet Isaiah also encountered the glory of God's presence in a vision, where he saw the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, and the train of His robe filled the temple. The seraphim called out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). This vision underscores the holiness and majesty of God's presence, which is beyond human comprehension.

Reverence in Response to God's Presence

The appropriate response to God's glorious presence is reverence, characterized by awe, worship, and obedience. Reverence is a recognition of God's supreme authority and holiness, prompting a humble and submissive attitude. In the presence of God, individuals in the Bible often respond with fear and worship. When Isaiah saw the Lord's glory, he exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5), acknowledging his own sinfulness in contrast to God's holiness.

The Israelites were instructed to approach God's presence with reverence and fear. In Leviticus 19:30 , God commands, "You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD." This command highlights the importance of honoring God's dwelling place and observing His holy ordinances.

In the New Testament, the presence of God is made manifest through Jesus Christ, who is described as the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3). The disciples' encounters with Jesus often elicited reverence and worship. For instance, after Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples were filled with awe and said, "Who is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27).

The Tabernacle and Temple as Symbols of God's Presence

The Tabernacle and later the Temple served as physical symbols of God's presence among His people. The Tabernacle, described in detail in the book of Exodus, was the dwelling place of God's glory during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Exodus 40:34-35 recounts, "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Similarly, the dedication of Solomon's Temple was marked by a powerful manifestation of God's presence. 1 Kings 8:10-11 describes, "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, 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."

Reverence in Worship and Daily Life

Reverence for God's presence extends beyond formal worship settings to encompass all aspects of life. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God's holiness and reflects His glory. The apostle Paul exhorts Christians in 1 Corinthians 10:31 , "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This call to glorify God in every action underscores the pervasive nature of reverence in the life of a believer.

In summary, the Bible presents God's presence as a glorious reality that demands reverence from His people. Through awe, worship, and obedience, believers are called to honor the holiness and majesty of God, recognizing His supreme authority and responding with humble submission.