New International Version Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud; New Living Translation Then Solomon prayed, “O LORD, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness. English Standard Version Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. Berean Standard Bible Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. Berean Literal Bible Then spoke Solomon: “YHWH has said He would dwell in the dark cloud. King James Bible Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. New King James Version Then Solomon spoke: “The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud. New American Standard Bible Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. NASB 1995 Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. NASB 1977 Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. Legacy Standard Bible Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has said that He would dwell in the cloud of dense gloom. Amplified Bible Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness [of the cloud]. Berean Annotated Bible Then Solomon (peace) declared: “The LORD [The Lord has set the sun in the heavens, but] has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. Christian Standard Bible Then Solomon said: The LORD said that he would dwell in total darkness. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Solomon said: The LORD said that He would dwell in thick darkness. American Standard Version Then spake Solomon, Jehovah hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. Contemporary English Version Then Solomon prayed: "Our LORD, you said that you would live in a dark cloud. English Revised Version Then spake Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Solomon said, "The LORD said he would live in a dark cloud. Good News Translation Then Solomon prayed: "You, LORD, have placed the sun in the sky, yet you have chosen to live in clouds and darkness. International Standard Version Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he lives shrouded in darkness. NET Bible Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he lives in thick darkness. New Heart English Bible Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in the thick cloud. Webster's Bible Translation Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. World English Bible Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen Solomon said, “YHWH has said [He is] to dwell in thick darkness; Berean Literal Bible Then spoke Solomon: “YHWH has said He would dwell in the dark cloud. Young's Literal Translation Then said Solomon, 'Jehovah hath said to dwell in thick darkness; Smith's Literal Translation Then said Solomon, Jehovah spake to dwell in thick clouds. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Solomon said: The Lord said that he would dwell in a cloud. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Solomon said: “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a cloud. New American Bible Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud; New Revised Standard Version Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Solomon said, O LORD, thou hast said that thou wouldst dwell in the thick darkness. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Then Solomon said: “LORD JEHOVAH, you have said to dwell in darkness. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then spoke Solomon: The LORD hath said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Solomon Praises the LORD12Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. 13I have indeed built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.”… Cross References Then Solomon declared: 2 Chronicles 6:1 Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. 2 Chronicles 5:13 The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud Exodus 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. “The LORD has said Deuteronomy 5:22 The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice to your whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain; He added nothing more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and gave them to me. Exodus 34:5 And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. Exodus 24:16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. that He would dwell Exodus 25:8 And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. Exodus 29:45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. Leviticus 26:11-12 And I will make My dwelling place among you, and My soul will not despise you. / I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people. in the thick cloud. Exodus 19:9 The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.” And Moses relayed to the LORD what the people had said. Exodus 20:21 And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. Deuteronomy 4:11 You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat. Psalm 18:11 He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him. Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. Isaiah 45:15 Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior. Treasury of Scripture Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. The lord Deuteronomy 4:11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. 2 Chronicles 6:1,2 Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness… Psalm 18:8-11 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it… the thick Exodus 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Leviticus 16:2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. Deuteronomy 5:22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. Jump to Previous Cloud Dark Darkness Dwell Heaven Heavens Living-Place Solomon Sun ThickJump to Next Cloud Dark Darkness Dwell Heaven Heavens Living-Place Solomon Sun Thick1 Kings 8 1. The feast of the temple12. Solomon's blessing 22. Solomon's prayer 54. Solomon's blessing 62. His sacrifice of peace offerings Then Solomon declared: At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon addressed Israel after the glory of the LORD filled the house. As David’s son and Israel’s king, he recognized that the completed Temple fulfilled God’s purpose for a permanent sanctuary in Jerusalem. 2Ch 6:1 Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said”… “The LORD has said Solomon acknowledged that the events of the dedication rested on God’s own word and covenant faithfulness. The Temple was not merely a royal project but the place God had chosen for His name. Deu 5:22 The LORD spoke these commandments in a loud voice… that He would dwell God made His presence known among His covenant people through the sanctuary, though His presence could not be contained by any building. The Temple became Israel’s appointed center of worship, sacrifice, prayer, and national devotion. Exo 25:8 And they are to make a sanctuary for Me,… in the thick cloud. The cloud revealed God’s holy presence while concealing His full glory from human sight. Its appearance in the Temple confirmed that the LORD had accepted the house Solomon built. Exo 19:9 The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, he was responsible for building the First Temple in Jerusalem, where this verse takes place. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant name of God used in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises. 3. The Temple in Jerusalem The central place of worship for the Israelites, built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. 4. The Thick Cloud A symbol of God's presence and glory, often associated with His divine majesty and mystery. It recalls the cloud that led the Israelites in the wilderness and covered Mount Sinai. 5. The Dedication of the Temple A significant event where Solomon dedicated the newly built Temple to the LORD, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's religious history. Teaching Points God's Presence in WorshipThe thick cloud symbolizes God's presence, reminding us that true worship invites and acknowledges God's holy presence. We should approach worship with reverence and awe. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people in the Temple encourages us to trust in His faithfulness to His promises today. The Mystery of God The thick cloud represents the mystery and majesty of God. While we may not fully understand His ways, we are called to trust and revere Him. The Importance of Dedication Just as Solomon dedicated the Temple, we are called to dedicate our lives and our places of worship to God, ensuring they are set apart for His glory. God's Dwelling Among His People The Temple was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 8:12?2. How does 1 Kings 8:12 reflect God's presence in the temple? 3. What does Solomon's statement about darkness reveal about God's nature? 4. How does 1 Kings 8:12 connect to Exodus 20:21 regarding God's dwelling? 5. How can we invite God's presence into our lives like Solomon did? 6. What role does reverence play in worship, as seen in 1 Kings 8:12? 7. What does Solomon's statement in 1 Kings 8:12 reveal about God's presence in darkness? 8. How does 1 Kings 8:12 align with the concept of God's omnipresence? 9. Why does Solomon mention darkness in 1 Kings 8:12 during the temple dedication? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 8? (12) The Lord said . . .--The words of Solomon, though--as is natural in a moment of mingled awe and thankfulness--somewhat broken and abrupt, are clear enough in their general meaning and connection. He refers to the frequent declarations made in old time that the cloud is the symbol of God's indwelling presence (such as Exodus 19:9, and Leviticus 16:2); he recognises in the appearance of the cloud the sign that the Divine presence is granted to the Temple; and accordingly he exults in the proof that his foreordained work is accomplished by the building of a house, a "settled habitation" for the Lord. The description of the cloud as "thick darkness," in no way contradicts the idea of the glory shining through it; for human eyes are easily "darkened by excess of light." This mingled light and darkness symbolises--perhaps more strikingly than even the literal darkness of the Most Holy Place--the mystery which veils the presence of God, known to be, and to be infinitely glorious, but in its nature incomprehensible. Thenius, from a single Chaldee version, suggests for "thick darkness" the correction "Jerusalem;" dwelling on the closer harmony of the reading with 1Kings 8:16, quoting the promise of Psalm 132:13-14 (closely connected there with the great promise of David), and urging the likelihood of the citation of this promise by Solomon, and the greater simplicity thus given to his whole utterance. The suggestion is ingenious; but it lacks authority, both external and internal. The LXX., in the Alexandrine MS. (for the Vatican MS. omits the whole), and the Vulg. agree with the Hebrew text; and Josephus, though he gives a verbose paraphrase of the prayer, evidently had our reading before him, for he contrasts the mystery and ubiquity of the Divine presence with the material shrine. Nor is it easy to conceive how from a passage so simple and prosaic, as this would be with the reading "Jerusalem," the more difficult, but far more striking, reading of the present text could have arisen. Verse 12. - Then spake Solomon [in a transport of emotion at the sight. The cloud and the glory proved that his pious work was accepted. These blessed tokens assured him that "the Lord was there" (Ezekiel 48:35); that the incomprehensible Godhead had entered the earthly shrine he had prepared, and would dwell there], The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. [Heb. עֲרָפֶל, lit., darkness of clouds. When did God speak of dwelling in dark cloud? The reference, probably, is to Exodus 19:9; Exodus 20:21, Deuteronomy 4:11; Exodus 5:22 (note that, in the three last cited passages, this same word is used, and in the last two in connexion with cloud, which would appear to be a practically synonymous term), but especially to Leviticus 16:2, "I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." Solomon had thus every warrant for connecting a theophany with the thick dark cloud. Cf. Psalm 18:11; Psalm 97:2. The words cannot refer to "the holy of holies not lighted by windows" (Wordsworth). 1 Kings 8:12 captures Solomon’s joyful recognition that the God who once shrouded Himself at Sinai now takes up residence in the temple. Every phrase underscores reliability: Solomon’s public proclamation, God’s spoken promise, His intent to dwell continually, and the cloud that manifests holy presence. The verse teaches that God is faithful to His word, desires to live among His covenant people, and graciously mediates His glory so they may draw near in reverent worship.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Thenאָ֖ז (’āz) Adverb Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore Solomon שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה (šə·lō·mōh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne said: אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “The LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has said אָמַ֔ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say that He would dwell לִשְׁכֹּ֖ן (liš·kōn) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7931: To settle down, abide, dwell in the thick cloud. בָּעֲרָפֶֽל׃ (bā·‘ă·rā·p̄el) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6205: Cloud, heavy cloud Additonal Resources 1 Kings 8:12 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 8:12 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 8:12 Bible.com 1 Kings 8:12 NIV |
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