Respect for God's dwelling is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the reverence and honor due to places designated as holy. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God's presence sanctifies a location, making it worthy of special regard and conduct.

The Tabernacle and the Temple

The Tabernacle, described in the book of Exodus, was the first dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a portable sanctuary that accompanied them during their wilderness journey. God provided Moses with detailed instructions for its construction, underscoring the importance of precision and reverence in its creation. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you."

Later, the Temple in Jerusalem became the central place of worship. King Solomon built the Temple as a permanent dwelling for God, following the plans given by his father, David. The dedication of the Temple was marked by Solomon's prayer, acknowledging the sanctity of the place. In 1 Kings 8:27-30 , Solomon prays, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today."

Reverence in Worship

The Bible consistently calls for reverence in worship, particularly in God's dwelling. Leviticus 19:30 commands, "You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD." This reverence is not only about physical actions but also about the heart's posture towards God.

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God's dwelling. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple." This passage expands the concept of God's dwelling to include the believers themselves, highlighting the need for personal holiness and respect.

Jesus and the Temple

Jesus' actions in the Temple further illustrate the importance of respecting God's dwelling. In John 2:13-17 , Jesus cleanses the Temple, driving out those who were buying and selling. He declares, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!" His zeal for the sanctity of the Temple underscores the necessity of maintaining its holiness.

The Church as God's Dwelling

In the New Testament, the Church is often described as the body of Christ and the dwelling place of God. Ephesians 2:19-22 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

This passage emphasizes the collective nature of the Church as God's dwelling, calling for unity, holiness, and respect among believers.

Conclusion

Respect for God's dwelling is a profound biblical principle that calls for reverence, holiness, and honor towards places and people where God's presence resides. Whether in the physical structures of the Tabernacle and Temple or in the spiritual reality of the Church and individual believers, the call to respect God's dwelling remains a vital aspect of faith and worship.