Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7382 house of God

7382 house of God

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7382 house of God

The place where God was seen to dwell with his people, initially the tabernacle and subsequently the temple at Jerusalem.

Early references to the house of God

Genesis 28:16-17 “house of God” was first used by Jacob to commemorate the place where he met with God ; Genesis 28:19 “Bethel” means “house of God”. See also Genesis 28:22

The tabernacle as the house of God

The tabernacle was referred to as such before its construction

Exodus 23:19 See also Exodus 34:26

In the wilderness God said he would dwell with his people in the tabernacle

Exodus 25:8-9

God's presence came and dwelt in the tabernacle when it was completed

Exodus 40:33-34 See also Exodus 40:35-38

The temple as the permanent house of God

David's desire to build the LORD a permanent house

2 Samuel 7:1-2

This was not the LORD's will for David

2 Samuel 7:5-7,12-13 See also Acts 7:45-47

Solomon builds the temple in Jersualem

1 Kings 5:4-5; Kings 6:1-2

God's presence dwelt there but was conditional upon the faithfulness of the people

1 Kings 8:10-13 pp 2 Chronicles 5:11-6:2 See also 1 Kings 9:6-9

Zerubbabel's temple referred to as the house of God

Ezra 1:5

The returning exiles begin rebuilding the temple:

Ezra 2:68; Ezra 3:8-9,11; Ezra 4:24; Ezra 5:2,13,16-17

Ezra's reforms:

Ezra 10:1,6,9 Nehemiah 6:10; Nehemiah 8:16; Nehemiah 10:32,34-38; Nehemiah 11:11,22; Nehemiah 12:40

Nehemiah's reforms:

Nehemiah 13:9,11,14

Other names given to the house of God

Sanctuary

Exodus 25:8

House of prayer

Matthew 21:13 pp Mark 11:17 pp Luke 19:46; Isaiah 56:7

God's dwelling-place

Acts 7:45-47

The need for due reverence in worship

Ecclesiastes 5:1

The house of God under the new covenant

In the hearts of God's people

1 Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 4:6 See also Acts 7:48; Acts 17:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 3:17

In the church, the body of Christ

Hebrews 3:6 See also Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-5