1 Kings 8:12

“And then spake Solomon, etc.] Perceiving by this symbol that the Lord was come into his house, to take up his dwelling in it, and seeing the priests and people in consternation at it, spake the following words to their comfort: the Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness; and now was fulfilling his promise, and therefore to be considered not as a token of his displeasure, but of his gracious presence; this was done for the greater awe of the divine Majesty, and to denote the darkness of the former dispensation; reference may be had to (<031602>Leviticus 16:2) or rather this was now said by the Lord, that is, it appeared to be his resolution and determination to dwell in this…”

“SOLOMON'S BLESSING. (Kg1 8:12-21) Then spake Solomon--For the reassurance of the priests and people, the king reminded them that the cloud, instead of being a sign ominous of evil, was a token of approval. The Lord said--not in express terms, but by a continuous course of action (Exo 13:21; Exo 24:16; Num 9:15).”

“Rather, “The Lord spake of dwelling in the thick darkness” (margin reference). Solomon sees in the cloud the visible symbol of God’s presence, and accepts the token as a proof that He has taken possession of the house built for Him, and will thenceforth dwell there 1 Kings 8:13. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Then spake - Perceiving both priests and people struck with wonder at this darkness, he minds them, that this was no sign of God's disfavour, as some might possibly imagine; but a token of his approbation, and special presence among them. Said - He hath declared, that he would manifest his presence with, and dwelling among his people, by a dark cloud, in which he would appear. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 8:14”

“8:12-21 Solomon began with prayer (8:12-13), then blessed the people while praising God for fulfilling his promises (8:14-21). As in many praise psalms, Solomon elevated God, subordinated himself, and testified to God’s great goodness. 8:12-13 thick cloud of darkness: Solomon recognized the cloud filling the inner sanctuary as a manifestation of God’s presence, but he also understood that God could not be contained in a man-made Temple (see 8:27). Solomon fulfilled his commission to build the Temple (8:19; 1 Chr 28:10), believing the promises that God would dwell in the sanctuary (see Exod 15:17).”

“The Lord: Deu 4:11; Ch2 6:1, Ch2 6:2-11; Psa 18:8-11, Psa 97:2 the thick: Exo 20:21; Lev 16:2; Deu 5:22; Isa 45:15; Heb 12:18 3 Kings (1 Kings) 8:13”