Original Word: מִשְׁכַּן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mishkan
Pronunciation: mish-KAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (mish-kan')
KJV: habitation
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H4908 (מִשׁכָּן - tabernacle)]

1. residence

habitation

(Aramaic) corresponding to mishkan; residence -- habitation.

see HEBREW mishkan

[מִשְׁכַּן] noun [masculine] abode, of God; — suffix מִשְׁכְּנֵהּ Ezra 7:15, of Jerusalem.

Biblical Setting of מִשְׁכַּן in Ezra 7:15

The single occurrence of this noun appears in Artaxerxes’ decree authorizing Ezra to transport offerings “to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:15). Written about 458 B.C., the decree recognizes that the God of Israel resides—not in Persia, but in the restored Temple at Jerusalem. The term therefore functions as a covenantal affirmation that the exiles’ God has taken up residence among His redeemed people.

The Concept of Divine Dwelling

Throughout Scripture the presence of God with His people marks out their identity and secures their blessing. The word employed in Ezra harkens back to the wilderness sanctuary (“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them,” Exodus 25:8) and anticipates the eschatological hope of Revelation 21:3 (“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man”). In each era, the dwelling of God is both the goal of redemption and the ground of worship.

Historical Development: From Desert Tent to Post-Exilic Temple

1. The Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38): a mobile dwelling where glory guided and guarded Israel.
2. Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8:10-13): a permanent house in the promised land.
3. The Second Temple (Ezra 6:15-18): rebuilt after exile; Artaxerxes’ gifts in Ezra 7 underscore royal recognition of its sanctity.
4. The Eschatological Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-27): envisioned as an everlasting dwelling in a renewed covenant.

Theological Significance

• Covenant Presence: God’s dwelling confirms His oath, “I will be their God, and they will be My people” (Ezekiel 37:27).
• Holiness: The location of divine dwelling must be holy; thus Ezra’s mission includes purification (Ezra 8:21).
• Mediation: Sacrifices are brought to the place where God dwells, teaching substitutionary atonement and foreshadowing Christ.

Ministry Significance for the Post-Exilic Community

Ezra interprets Persian generosity as God’s providence, encouraging renewed worship and covenant fidelity (Ezra 7:27-28). The reference to God’s dwelling reminds returnees that true security depends on reverence, not political power (Ezra 8:22).

Fulfillment in Christ and the Church

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Jesus embodies the ultimate מִשְׁכַּן, uniting divine presence and human nature. Through His death and resurrection believers become “a temple of the living God” (2 Corinthians 6:16), carrying the presence worldwide.

Eschatological Consummation

History moves toward the proclamation, “The dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3). The temporary structures—tabernacle, First and Second Temples—yield to the perfect, eternal fellowship of God with His redeemed.

Practical Implications for Contemporary Believers

• Pursue holiness, for God indwells His people (1 Peter 1:15-16).
• Engage in corporate worship that centers on the presence of God (Hebrews 10:25).
• Live missionally, displaying the character of the indwelling Lord (Matthew 28:19-20).

Key References

Exodus 25:8; Exodus 40:34-38

1 Kings 8:10-13

Ezekiel 37:26-27

Ezra 7:15

John 1:14

2 Corinthians 6:16

Revelation 21:3

מִשְׁכְּנֵֽהּ׃ משכנה׃ miš·kə·nêh mishkeNeh miškənêhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts