If Jacob captured the spiritual concept of the “House of God”, and Isaiah heard the angels singing about it – the Psalmist David clearly reveals his passion for this place. And his passion for the house is inextricably linked with the presence of the owner! Truly for David “The House” is the place of his presence! For instance in one place David cries – “Lord, I have loved the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells.” (Psalm 26:8 NKJV). Again it appears that David is not talking exclusively of literal Temple or house, for, as we will see later, the Temple had not yet been built! So what concept did David have of God’s House?
In an earlier Psalm David writes – “Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house: with deepest respect I will worship at your Temple” (Psalm 5:7 – NLT). While David’s reference to the “House” and “Temple” here may also relate to the tented structure known as the Tabernacle, it is also obvious that David, as Jacob before him, saw the house of God as primarily a spiritual reality! This becomes even clearer in another Psalm when David writes – “The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when trouble comes: he will hide me in his sanctuary.” (Psalm 27: 4&5 – NLT) And, his longing expressed in Psalm 23, that he might – “live in the house of the Lord forever” – is conclusive proof of the spiritual concept of the “House” and “Temple” in David’s mind.
David’s overwhelming passion was therefore for the spiritual House of God – the place where he could rest, shelter and wonder in the presence of his loving Father. It was there in the invisible but tangible realm of Father’s House that he felt secure, was nourished, and longed to spend every moment of his life and eternity.
To be continued ..
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