The term "dwelled" in the Bible often refers to the act of residing or living in a particular place. It is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to describe the presence of God among His people, the habitation of individuals, and the spiritual state of believers.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "dwelled" frequently describes God's presence with His people. For instance, in Exodus 25:8, God commands the Israelites to build a sanctuary so that He may dwell among them: "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This dwelling signifies God's desire to be intimately involved with His chosen people, Israel.

The concept of dwelling is also seen in the context of the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 12:10, God promises the Israelites rest and a place to dwell: "When you cross the Jordan and live in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and He gives you rest from all the enemies around you and you dwell in security."

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the idea of dwelling takes on a more spiritual dimension. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers is a central theme. In John 14:17, Jesus speaks of the Spirit of truth, "The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." This indwelling signifies a personal and transformative relationship between the believer and God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 8:9: "You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God dwells in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Here, dwelling is indicative of belonging and identity in Christ.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of dwelling underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, God's dwelling among the Israelites was a sign of His covenant faithfulness. In the New Testament, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a seal of the New Covenant, guaranteeing believers' inheritance in Christ.

Moreover, the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity is anticipated in Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This eschatological vision points to the consummation of God's redemptive plan, where He will dwell eternally with His people in the new heaven and new earth.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, dwelling often implied stability, security, and permanence. For the Israelites, dwelling in the land promised to their forefathers was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and provision. Similarly, the tabernacle and later the temple served as physical manifestations of God's dwelling among His people, central to their worship and communal life.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of dwelling is rich with meaning, encompassing God's presence, the believer's identity, and the hope of eternal communion with God. It reflects the overarching narrative of Scripture, where God seeks to dwell with His creation, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.(imp. & p. p.) of Dwell.

The Importance of a Choice
... And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of
Lot's cattle; and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... And Lot dwelled in Sodom. ... Abram moved then his tabernacle and dwelled in the valley
of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and set there his tabernacle. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

The History of Solomon
... Then came tofore him two women, of which that one said: I beseech thee my lord hear
me; this woman and I dwelled together in one house, and I was delivered of ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of solomon.htm

Chapter xlvii
... circumstances involved are these: in Canaan Jacob had had a fixed possession or
property as little as Isaac or Abraham; in Mesopotamia he had dwelled as a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvii.htm

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... To whom he answered: I know it well, and all the journeys I have oft walked and
have dwelled with Gabael our brother which dwelled in Rages the city of Medes ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

The History of David
... Then David took his two wives and all the men that were with him, every each
with his household, and dwelled in the towns of Hebron. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

His Past Work.
... this Name known to Moses. He was with Israel in the wilderness and dwelled
with them in the Glory cloud. He guided them, supplied ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm

"A Simple Creature Unlettered. --Which Creature Afore Desired ...
... [12] And all this last petition I asked without any condition. These two desires
aforesaid passed from my mind, but the third dwelled with me continually. ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter ii a simple creature.htm

The Life of St. Patrick
... is called England, and was learned at Rome and there flourished in virtues; and
after departed out of the parts of Italy, where he had long dwelled, and came ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of st patrick.htm

Of St. Austin that Brought Christendom to England
... And about that well they rested all that night, and they that dwelled thereby saw
all that night over that place a great light coming from heaven which covered ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/of st austin that brought.htm

Dwelled (5 Occurrences)
...Dwelled (5 Occurrences). ... (KJV). Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan,
and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. ...
/d/dwelled.htm - 7k

Pitched (101 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities
of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. (KJV DBY WBS NIV). ...
/p/pitched.htm - 33k

Dweller (13 Occurrences)

/d/dweller.htm - 10k

Journeyed (111 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward
the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. ...
/j/journeyed.htm - 33k

Sojourned (20 Occurrences)
... Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country,
and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. ...
/s/sojourned.htm - 12k

Thence (152 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Genesis 20:1 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward
the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. ...
/t/thence.htm - 37k

Dwell (474 Occurrences)

/d/dwell.htm - 42k

Herdmen (6 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the
herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in ...
/h/herdmen.htm - 8k

Cattle (277 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the
herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in ...
/c/cattle.htm - 52k

Who were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any special meaning/symbolism to owls in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Abrahamic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org

Dwelled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus