The Bible describes heaven as a place filled with God's presence. The apostle Paul charged Timothy to remain faithful to the Lord, reminding his son in the faith of God's watchful presence as Timothy performed his ministry ( 1 Tim 5:21 2 Tim 4:1 ). God would guide them as they undertook the enormous task of conquering the land ( Numbers 32:29 Numbers 32:32 ), and would provide Israel's leaders the strength they needed ( Joshua 1:9 ). As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, Moses told them they stood in God's presence ( Deut 29:15 ). Aaron was confirmed as high priest in God's presence ( Num 16:7 17:9 ). Before Isaac died, he determined to bless his son "in the presence of the Lord" ( Gen 27:7 ). God's presence also accompanied times of covenant renewal and other solemn occasions. Reverent and proper behavior was important, for disastrous consequences might result if people did not follow God's pattern for worship ( Lev 10:1-2 ). When Solomon dedicated the temple, the manifestation of God's glorious presence prevented priests from fulfilling their usual duties ( 1 Kings 8:10-11 ). Inside the place of worship, the bread of the Presence reminded Israel of God's nearness ( 2 Chron 4:19 ). Worshipers thus experienced a special closeness to the Lord in such a place. The Israelites brought their sacrifices to the tabernacle and later the temple because God chose to establish his name there ( Deuteronomy 14:23 Deuteronomy 14:26 ). God also displayed his presence at a place of worship. However, he will exalt those who humble themselves before him ( James 4:10 ). He will not tolerate pride, and will bring our speech under his judgment ( Eze 28:9 ). Knowing God is present should keep our behavior respectful and humble, for God hears our every word and holds us accountable ( Ecclesiastes 5:2 Ecclesiastes 5:6 ). The downcast seek him and find encouragement and strength to praise him ( Psalm 42:5 ). God's presence provides comfort in times of trouble or anxiety ( Joshua 1:5 ). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation ( Jer 5:22 ). False gods also become powerless before him ( Isa 19:1 ). As God displays his presence through his great power, the whole earth trembles ( Judges 5:5 Psalm 68:8 ). Others tried unsuccessfully to escape his presence ( Jon 1:3 ). Many people who encountered God or his angel feared for their lives ( Judges 13:22 Luke 1:11-12 2:9 ). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness ( Isa 6:5 ). Adam and Eve's sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden ( Gen 3:8 ). God's presence carries a wide range of meaning. The Greek preposition enopion also commonly appears several other Hebrew and Greek words occur only a few times. The Greek word prosopon has the same semantic range. The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim, which is also translated "face, " implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Scriptures often speak of God's presence in human history. Bible Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Presence of God Presence of God
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