Bible Dictionaries
Dwelling

Holman Bible Dictionary

A place where someone lives, in biblical times either a tent (Genesis 25:27 ), house (2 Samuel 7:2 ), or the territory in which one lives (Genesis 36:40 ,Genesis 36:40,36:43 ). The Old Testament repeatedly promises that those who keep the covenant will dwell in safety (Leviticus 25:18-19; Zechariah 2:10-11 ).

References to the dwelling place of God highlight both the imminence and transcendence of God. References which focus on God's drawing near to speak, listen, and fellowship include the following references to God's dwelling place: in the bush at Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:16 ); in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8; Exodus 29:45-46; 2 Samuel 7:2 ); at Shiloh (Psalm 78:60 ); in the land of Israel (Numbers 35:34 ); in the Temple (Psalm 26:8; Psalm 43:3; Psalm 135:2; Matthew 23:21 ); on Mount Zion (Psalm 9:11; Psalm 20:3; Psalm 132:14 ),; and in Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2; Psalm 135:21; Ezra 7:15 ). The Old Testament idea of God's dwelling with His people (Ezekiel 37:27 ) is developed in a variety of ways in the New Testament.

The Word become flesh dwelt among humankind (John 1:14 ). The church is the dwelling place of God (Ephesians 2:22 ). Christ dwells in believers' hearts (Ephesians 3:17 ). Believers are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16 ) and their bodies the temple of His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19 ). The New Testament closes with an echo of Ezekiel's hope of God's dwelling with His people in Revelation 21:3 .

References focusing on the transcendency of God include those in which God is said to dwell in clouds and thick darkness (1 Kings 8:12 ), in a high and holy place (Isaiah 57:15 ), or in light (1 Timothy 6:16 ). Though heaven is spoken of as God's dwelling (1Kings 8:30,1Kings 8:39,1Kings 8:43,1 Kings 8:49 ) even heaven cannot contain God (1 Kings 8:27 ).

Dwelling is used figuratively for the body. To dwell in a house of clay (Job 4:19 ) is to possess a mortal body. The heavenly dwelling of 2 Corinthians 5:2 is the resurrection body.

Chris Church