THE TABERNACLE OF THY GLORY

We have seen that the God who is “higher than the highest”, Eccl. 5. 8, and whom the “heaven of heavens cannot contain”, 1 Kings 8. 27, has an earthly dwelling place, “thy house, and the tabernacle of thy glory”, v. 8 R.V. marg. The godly man will always love such a place, and the spiritual Israelite who already knows that God created the nation for His glory, Isa. 43. 7, will seek the place of God’s glory. Although he sees God’s glory in the heavens, Psas. 8 & 19, and the earth, Psa. 24, he nevertheless wants to be in the place of the immediate presence of God.

In the presence of God, the state of heart of such a person is examined in this psalm. As far as he is aware, the psalmist’s way of life is one of integrity and trust. His confidence that his future life will be lived at the same high level is based solely on his trust in the Lord. Even though as far as he knows his conscience and heart are right with God, nevertheless he wants the benefit of divine examination.

His knowledge of the Word of God assures him of God’s lovingkindness, and brings him a knowledge of the truth of God, and like the man in Psalm 1, this knowledge reflects itself in his relationship with those who think otherwise. He does not spend time unnecessarily in their company, neither does he have close relationships with them.

His walk of sincerity and separation makes him suitable for the divine presence, “so will I compass thine altar, O Lord”, v. 6. This place of worship also becomes the place of publishing and telling the wondrous works of God. It is also the place of fellowship with the likeminded, as verse 12 says, “in the congregations will I bless the Lord”.

Just as the tabernacle was the place where God’s glory was seen, so too should the local church show forth His glory today; He has brought us out from the power of darkness into light, Col. 1. 13; Rom. 15. 6. The behaviour of individuals should be like David’s; not only should they know how to “behave themselves in the house of God”, 1 Tim. 3. 15, but should also have a good testimony outside, being epistles “known and read of all men”, 2 Cor. 3. 2. Our walk should be “in wisdom toward them that are without”, Col. 4. 5.