Topical Bible: Seeking God in his House

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The concept of seeking God in His house is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of worship, prayer, and communion with God within designated sacred spaces. Throughout Scripture, the "house of God" is depicted as a place where believers can encounter the divine presence, offer sacrifices, and seek guidance and fellowship with the Almighty.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem served as the primary locations where the Israelites sought God. The Tabernacle, described in detail in the book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was here that God promised to dwell among His people: "And I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God" (Exodus 29:45).

King Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure built in Jerusalem, became the central place of worship for the Israelites. Solomon's dedication prayer highlights the Temple's role as a place for seeking God: "May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place" (1 Kings 8:29).

The Psalms and Seeking God

The Psalms frequently express the longing to seek God in His house. Psalm 27:4 captures this desire: "One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple." The psalmist's yearning reflects a deep spiritual hunger to be in God's presence and to experience His beauty and guidance.

Psalm 84 further illustrates the blessedness of dwelling in God's house: "How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts! My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84:1-2). This psalm underscores the joy and fulfillment found in seeking God within His sacred space.

New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, the concept of God's house expands beyond physical structures to include the community of believers. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, emphasized the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, as seen in His conversation with the Samaritan woman: "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23).

The early Christian church gathered in homes and other locations, yet they understood themselves as the spiritual house of God. The Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). This teaching highlights the indwelling presence of God among His people, making the community of believers a living temple where God is sought and worshiped.

Practical Implications

Seeking God in His house involves both individual and corporate dimensions. Believers are encouraged to participate in communal worship, prayer, and the sacraments, recognizing these as means of grace through which God is encountered. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, seeking God in His house is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in biblical tradition and carried forward into the life of the church. It encompasses the longing for God's presence, the joy of communal worship, and the recognition of the church as the living temple of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 12:5
But to the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even to his habitation shall you seek, and thither you shall come:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 27:4
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ...
... XXVII."Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign ... giving, hospitality,
[4604] and the love of God? ... to deprive their neighbour of his own; cajoling ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii christs reprehension of the.htm

The Merchantmen in the Temple
... God does His works from His own pure love, and he who is joined to the Lord
will work from love also, not seeking anything for himself. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xvi the merchantmen in.htm

What God Hath Cleansed
... God leads seeking souls by His own wonderful ways; and we may leave all such in
His hand, assured that no heart ever hungered after righteousness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/what god hath cleansed.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
... embracing the promises afar off, and seeking his country, even ... in the wilderness
and house of his pilgrimage, and ... of pleasures, which are at God's right hand ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv but seek ye.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract
the ... Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

Go Forth, O Ye Daughters of Zion, and Behold King Solomon with the ...
... and spiritual, then, we must begin by seeking God within, by ... by passing through beyond
self in order to reach God. ... he is not obliged to retrace his steps, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/11 go forth o ye.htm

Consolation for Penitence.
... Shepherd was so faithful never, Seeking sheep that go astray; Couldest thou God's
heart see ever ... God the good not only loveth Who in His house ever dwell ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/consolation for penitence.htm

A Poor but Happy Boy.
... 5. Thus he continued seeking after the knowledge of God, till the sickness came
into the house, with which he was smitten. At his first sickening the poor ...
/.../wesley/stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/a poor but happy boy.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," in
opposition to the Gentiles seeking of many things. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

Prayer Concerns Three.
... for those who would become skilled in helping God win His ... the meaning here that He
departs from His usual habit ... She is seeking to get the judge to join with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/prayer concerns three.htm