The Temple
Timothy Brindle
The Temple: A Journey Through God's Dwelling with Humanity
Timothy Brindle's song "The Temple" is a profound exploration of the biblical theme of God's presence dwelling with His people. The lyrics trace this theme from the Garden of Eden to the ultimate fulfillment in the New Earth, highlighting the continuity and development of God's plan throughout Scripture. Brindle begins by depicting Eden as the first temple where God walked with Adam, who was given the task of expanding God's presence. This sets the stage for the recurring motif of God's desire to dwell among His people, despite human disobedience and exile.
The song delves into the covenantal relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the role of Adam as a priestly figure and the consequences of his failure. Brindle references various biblical passages to illustrate how God's temple-presence was manifested in different forms, such as the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem. He also points out the prophetic promises of a future temple that would surpass the glory of Solomon's temple, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christ is portrayed as the true temple, the embodiment of God's presence, and the one who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Brindle's lyrics also address the role of the Church as the current earthly temple, where God's Spirit dwells within believers. He calls for Christians to actively participate in God's mission, continuing the work of expanding His presence and glory throughout the world. The song concludes with a vision of the New Earth, where God's presence will be fully realized, and His glory will fill the entire creation. This eschatological hope ties together the various threads of the song, offering a comprehensive and theologically rich narrative of God's redemptive plan.