The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place. (Psalm 68:17)
In Judaism, there is a strong thematic connection between Mount Sinai and Mount Moriah — one that speaks of God’s desire to dwell among His people as their King. It was at Sinai that God first met with Israel as a congregation; His Presence on the top of the mountain was observed by the people, albeit, concealed by a thick dark cloud. From Sinai, God led the people through the wilderness and into the land of promise. Centuries later, when Solomon dedicated the Temple on Mount Moriah, God’s Presence was once again observed in the form of a cloud that filled the house and caused the priests to prostrate themselves before the Almighty.
It was at Sinai that God delivered His Law to the people, written upon stone tablets. Those tablets were enshrined in the Ark of the Covenant which in turn rested in the Most Holy Place. As the people journeyed through the wilderness, the Ark went before them as evidence of God’s Presence among them, leading them to the place He ordained as their permanent abode. Later that same Ark, still containing the tablets of the Law, was placed in its’ permanent abode, the Holy of Holies on Mount Moriah, thus amplifying this fascinating connection between the two mountains.
Much has happened in the world since those incredible events unfolded, chief among them, as it relates to our topic, is the destruction of the Temple, the concealment of the Ark and the scattering of the Jewish people throughout the world. Yet even in their exile, Israel continues to look toward Jerusalem yearning for the rebuilding of the Temple, the regathering of God’s people and the return of God’s Presence to the Holy mountain. And though our perspective is slightly different, as believers in Yeshua, we join with them in this yearning because we know that this will culminate with the return of the King!
As of now, God’s people are scattered throughout the earth — in the wilderness in a manner of speaking — but soon, we will be gathered unto Him. The call will go forth and the people of the Lord will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King of Kings in His holy mountain. In that day, the glory of God will be evident in a manner not seen upon this earth since the day He descended upon Sinai in fire. As David said, “The Lord is among them as in Sinai, in the Holy Place.” In that day, Messiah will rule the nations from Jerusalem and we, His people, will dwell with Him in peace and happiness, no longer required to wander and toil. As it is written:
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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