Bible Dictionaries
Presence of God

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

The Scriptures often speak of God's presence in human history. The most common Hebrew term for "presence" is panim [ פָּנֶה , לִפְנָי , לִפְנֵי ], which is also translated "face, " implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. The Greek word prosopon [ πρόσωπον ] has the same semantic range. The Greek preposition enopion [ ἐνώπιον ] also commonly appears; several other Hebrew and Greek words occur only a few times.

God's presence carries a wide range of meaning. It may be something people fear. Adam and Eve's sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8 ). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5 ). Many people who encountered God or his angel feared for their lives (Judges 13:22; Luke 1:11-12; 2:9 ). Others tried unsuccessfully to escape his presence (Jonah 1:3 ). As God displays his presence through his great power, the whole earth trembles (Judges 5:5; Psalm 68:8 ). False gods also become powerless before him (Isaiah 19:1 ). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation (Jeremiah 5:22 ).

God's presence provides comfort in times of trouble or anxiety (Joshua 1:5 ). The downcast seek him and find encouragement and strength to praise him (Psalm 42:5 ).

Knowing God is present should keep our behavior respectful and humble, for God hears our every word and holds us accountable (Ecclesiastes 5:2,6 ). He will not tolerate pride, and will bring our speech under his judgment (Ezekiel 28:9 ). However, he will exalt those who humble themselves before him (James 4:10 ).

God also displayed his presence at a place of worship. The Israelites brought their sacrifices to the tabernacle—and later the templebecause God chose to establish his name there (Deuteronomy 14:23,26 ). Worshipers thus experienced a special closeness to the Lord in such a place. Inside the place of worship, the bread of the Presence reminded Israel of God's nearness (2 Chronicles 4:19 ). When Solomon dedicated the temple, the manifestation of God's glorious presence prevented priests from fulfilling their usual duties (1 Kings 8:10-11 ). Reverent and proper behavior was important, for disastrous consequences might result if people did not follow God's pattern for worship (Leviticus 10:1-2 ).

God's presence also accompanied times of covenant renewal and other solemn occasions. Before Isaac died, he determined to bless his son "in the presence of the Lord" (Genesis 27:7 ). Aaron was confirmed as high priest in God's presence (Numbers 16:7; 17:9 ). As the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, Moses told them they stood in God's presence (Deuteronomy 29:15 ). God would guide them as they undertook the enormous task of conquering the land (Numbers 32:29,32 ), and would provide Israel's leaders the strength they needed (Joshua 1:9 ). 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 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 4:1 ).

The Bible describes heaven as a place filled with God's presence. Angels stand in God's presence and act on his authority as he directs them (Luke 1:19 ). Satan came before the Lord when he sought permission to attack Job (1:6,12). The heavenly host rejoice before God when one sinner repents (Luke 15:10 ). Christ completed his earthly ministry by entering "heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence" (Hebrews 9:24 ). Since heaven is the highest, most exalted place of all, it is fitting that God display his presence there.

God's presence is a place where prayer is heard. David sought the Lord's presence when Israel faced a three-year famine (2 Samuel 21:1 ). God's spokesman called the nation to cry out to the Lord in the face of Jerusalem's destruction (Lamentations 2:19 ). Paul constantly interceded for the Thessalonian church, bringing their name before the Father's presence (1 Thessalonians 1:3 ). Christians may approach the Lord with confidence because of Christ's finished work on our behalf (Hebrews 4:15-16 ). Furthermore, God promises to hear and forgive those who come into his presence with humble repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14 ).

God's presence is also a place of judgment. The Lord cast his people from his presence (Jeremiah 15:1; 52:3 ). The Scriptures describe this action as God hiding his face (Isaiah 59:2; Ezekiel 39:29 ). But God's presence for judgment also carries an eschatological dimension. The Lord will one day summon all nations before him; heaven and earth will flee his holy presence (Revelation 20:11 ). Those who see this judgment coming will beg for deliverance, but to no avail (Revelation 6:16 ). The most awful aspect of God's judgment is eternal separation from his presence (2 Thessalonians 1:9 ).

But God's presence is also a place of blessing. David counted it a joy to experience the Lord's presence (Acts 2:25,28 ), and Peter described it as the source of blessing for all who place their faith in Christ (Acts 3:19 ). To experience God's presence is to experience the shining of God's face (Psalm 67:1 ). Believers always live in God's presence, and he notes all their deeds (Malachi 3:16 ). He has promised to be with us until he comes again (Matthew 28:20 ).

In the age to come, God's presence will be the ultimate blessing, for believers will see him face to face (1 John 3:2 ). His immediate presence will render a temple unnecessary (Revelation 21:22 ). It is the anticipation of this presence that should motivate Christians to faithful service in this present age (1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Peter 3:10-11 ).

Bryan E. Beyer

See also Ark; Cloud, Cloud of the Lord; Glory; God; Tabernacle; Temple

Bibliography Information
Elwell, Walter A. Entry for 'Presence of God'. Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​bed/​p/presence-of-god.html. 1996.