2 Chronicles 5:13

KJV

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

KJV (with Strong's)

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters {H2690}{H2690} and singers {H7891} were as one {H259}, to make one {H259} sound {H6963} to be heard {H8085} in praising {H1984} and thanking {H3034} the LORD {H3068}; and when they lifted up {H7311} their voice {H6963} with the trumpets {H2689} and cymbals {H4700} and instruments {H3627} of musick {H7892}, and praised {H1984} the LORD {H3068}, saying, For he is good {H2896}; for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}: that then the house {H1004} was filled {H4390} with a cloud {H6051}, even the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068};

Complete Jewish Bible

then, when the trumpeters and singers were playing in concord, to be heard harmoniously praising and thanking ADONAI, and they lifted their voices together with the trumpets, cymbals and other musical instruments to praise ADONAI: "for he is good, for his grace continues forever"- then, the house, the house of ADONAI, was filled with a cloud;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Jehovah; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Jehovah, saying, For he is good; for his lovingkindness endureth for ever; that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 5:13 vividly portrays the climactic moment of the Temple's dedication, where the unified praise and thanksgiving of the Levite musicians and singers elicited a profound divine response. As their voices and instruments harmonized in declaring God's eternal goodness and steadfast mercy, the very presence of the LORD, symbolized by a glorious cloud, completely filled the newly consecrated sanctuary, signifying His acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place among His people. This awe-inspiring event underscored the transformative power of corporate worship and the tangible reality of God's indwelling presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the powerful culmination of the Temple's dedication narrative, immediately following the installation of the ark of the covenant into the Most Holy Place, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 5:7-10](/2_chronicles/5-7-10 "2 Chronicles 5:7-10 - The Ark Placed in the Temple"). The preceding verses meticulously describe the purification and preparation of the priests and Levites, emphasizing their readiness for this sacred service. The narrative highlights the precise organization of the Levites, who were designated as musicians, dressed in fine linen, and strategically positioned with cymbals, harps, and lyres, alongside 120 trumpeters from the priestly lineage, as recounted in [2 Chronicles 5:12](/2_chronicles/5-12 "2 Chronicles 5:12 - Levites and Priests as Musicians"). This meticulous detail underscores the intentionality, reverence, and scale surrounding the act of worship, setting the stage for the dramatic manifestation of God's glory in response to their unified praise. The filling of the Temple with the cloud is the divine affirmation of the entire construction and dedication process, validating Solomon's efforts and God's covenant faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of Solomon's Temple marked a monumental epoch in Israelite history, fulfilling King David's fervent vision for a permanent dwelling place for the LORD in Jerusalem, as promised in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David"). This event solidified Jerusalem's status as the religious and political capital of the united monarchy. The Temple itself was a marvel of ancient architecture, constructed over seven years with immense resources and skilled craftsmanship, symbolizing Israel's national identity and unique covenant relationship with God. Music played a central and highly organized role in Israelite worship, particularly within the Temple cult, with specific roles assigned to the Levites as hereditary musicians and singers. The use of trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments was customary in grand ceremonial occasions, designed to create an atmosphere of awe and reverence, amplifying the collective voice of the people in praise. The concept of God's presence filling a sanctuary was not new, echoing the cloud that filled the Tabernacle at its dedication in the wilderness, as described in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle").
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several foundational themes. **Unity in worship** is paramount, emphasized by the phrase "as one, to make one sound," illustrating spiritual and musical harmony as a prerequisite for profound divine encounter. This collective purpose signifies a unified heart directed entirely towards God, demonstrating that corporate worship, when offered in genuine accord, is profoundly pleasing to the LORD. **Praise and thanksgiving** form the core of their expression, centered on the ancient, enduring creed: "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." This declaration, frequently found in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy")), articulates Israel's foundational understanding of God's unchanging character—His inherent goodness and His steadfast, covenantal lovingkindness (*hesed*). Finally, the **divine presence**, specifically the *Shekinah* glory symbolized by the cloud, is the unmistakable sign of God's acceptance and indwelling. This tangible manifestation of God's glory, so overwhelming that the priests could not stand to minister ([2 Chronicles 5:14](/2_chronicles/5-14 "2 Chronicles 5:14 - Priests Cannot Stand to Minister")), echoes earlier divine encounters and signifies that God had indeed taken up residence among His people in their newly consecrated sanctuary, affirming His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** Properly, united, i.e., one. In this context, it emphasizes absolute unity and singularity of purpose among the diverse group of musicians and singers. It speaks not merely to musical harmony but to a spiritual alignment, a collective heart and voice directed entirely towards God. This unity is presented as a prerequisite or catalyst for the dramatic divine manifestation that follows.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** Good in the widest sense. Here, it refers to God's inherent nature and character, encompassing His benevolence, righteousness, and perfection. When the people declare "For he is good," they are affirming His essential moral and relational excellence, acknowledging that everything He is and does flows from His perfect nature.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** Kindness; by implication (towards God) piety. This is the rich Hebrew term *hesed*, often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant faithfulness." It denotes God's loyal, enduring, and compassionate commitment to His covenant people. It's not just pity, but an active, unwavering love that upholds His promises and demonstrates His faithfulness through generations. The declaration that His *hesed* "endureth for ever" underscores its eternal, unchanging nature.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** To fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively). This word emphasizes the complete saturation and overwhelming nature of God's presence within the Temple. It signifies that the divine glory was not just present, but it permeated every part of the structure, making it impossible for human activity to continue in its immediate presence.
* **Cloud (Hebrew, _ʻânân'_):** A cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud. In this context, the cloud is the visible, tangible manifestation of God's *Shekinah* glory, signifying His immediate and overwhelming presence. It serves as a physical sign of God's acceptance and indwelling, echoing previous divine encounters.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** A house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.). Here, it refers specifically to the Temple, the physical structure built for God's dwelling. The repetition of "the house...even the house of the LORD" emphasizes that the divine presence completely permeated the newly consecrated Temple, affirming God's acceptance of it as His dwelling place and validating the entire dedication ceremony.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD;":** This opening clause sets the stage for the divine manifestation, highlighting the extraordinary unity and singular focus of the worship leaders. The phrase "as one, to make one sound" is a powerful descriptor of their collective spiritual and musical harmony. Their purpose was explicitly "praising and thanking the LORD," indicating that their worship was intentional, directed, and centered on God's character and actions, a prerequisite for the glory to follow.
* **"and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever:":** This section details the specific elements of their worship: fervent vocal praise ("lifted up their voice") combined with a full orchestra of instruments ("trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick"). The content of their praise is explicitly stated as a foundational creed of Israel: "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." This declaration, a litany often repeated in Temple worship (e.g., [Psalm 136](/psalms/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy")), serves as the theological bedrock of their adoration, grounding their praise in the eternal, unchanging attributes of God.
* **"that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;":** This is the climactic and awe-inspiring consequence of their unified and heartfelt worship. The "cloud" is the visible, tangible manifestation of God's *Shekinah* glory, signifying His immediate, overwhelming, and sanctifying presence. The emphatic repetition "the house...even the house of the LORD" underscores that the divine presence completely permeated the newly consecrated Temple, affirming God's acceptance of it as His dwelling place and validating the entire dedication ceremony.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 5:13 is rich with **Repetition** and **Symbolism**. The phrase "as one, to make one sound" is a powerful instance of repetition, emphasizing the profound unity and singular purpose of the worshipers. This is further reinforced by the repeated declaration, "For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever," a liturgical refrain that underscores the unchanging nature of God's character and the enduring truth of His covenantal love. The entire scene is steeped in **Symbolism**. The musical instruments—trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments of music—symbolize the full and joyful expression of human praise, offered with skill and devotion. The "cloud" is the most potent symbol, representing the *Shekinah* glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence and acceptance. Its filling of the Temple symbolizes God's tangible indwelling among His people, mirroring the cloud that filled the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The Temple itself is a central symbol, representing God's chosen dwelling place on earth and the center of Israelite worship and national identity. The verse also employs **Climax**, building from the meticulously organized and unified worship to the overwhelming, tangible manifestation of God's glory, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring narrative peak.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates the dynamic relationship between human worship and divine response. It teaches that when God's people unite in sincere praise and thanksgiving, focusing on His inherent goodness and eternal faithfulness, His presence is powerfully manifested. The filling of the Temple with the cloud is not merely a historical event but a profound theological statement: God delights to dwell among His people, and genuine, unified worship creates an atmosphere conducive to experiencing His palpable presence. This passage establishes a pattern for corporate worship, emphasizing that a collective heart, voice, and purpose in adoration can invite a unique outpouring of God's glory, transforming the worship space into a sanctuary filled with His divine reality. It highlights the enduring truth that God's character—His goodness and steadfast mercy—is the unchanging foundation for all true worship, inviting His glorious presence.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Mercy Endures Forever")
* [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Gather")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 5:13 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today, challenging us to consider the quality and unity of our corporate worship. When we gather, are we truly "as one," laying aside personal preferences, divisions, and distractions to make "one sound" in praising and thanking the LORD? This unity is not merely about musical harmony or synchronized movements, but about a spiritual alignment—a shared heart and mind wholly focused on God's glory. Our praise should be deeply rooted in the unchanging truth of God's character: His inherent goodness and His enduring, covenantal mercy, which are the bedrock of our faith. When our worship is authentic, unified, and centered on who God is, it creates an environment where His presence can be powerfully manifested, just as the cloud filled the Temple. This passage encourages us to pursue a deeper, more intentional, and unified corporate worship experience, trusting that God delights to meet us when we honor Him with our whole hearts. It reminds us that the ultimate goal of worship is not merely an emotional experience or a performance, but an encounter with the living God, inviting His transformative presence into our lives and gatherings, leading to renewed awe and spiritual vitality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can believers today cultivate the "as one" unity described in [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - The Cloud Fills the Temple") in their corporate worship?**
* **How does intentionally focusing on God's goodness and enduring mercy transform our personal and corporate expressions of praise and thanksgiving?**
* **What might it look like for God's "cloud" or tangible presence to fill our gatherings today, and what might hinder such a manifestation?**
* **How can we move beyond mere performance or routine in worship to a genuine, heartfelt expression that truly invites and honors divine response?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cloud" filling the Temple?**

Answer: The cloud filling the Temple in [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - The Cloud Fills the Temple") is a powerful symbol of God's *Shekinah* glory, His tangible, visible presence. It echoes similar manifestations at the dedication of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle") and at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24:15-18](/exodus/24-15-18 "Exodus 24:15-18 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). This cloud signified God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place, His approval of the worship offered, and His commitment to be present among His people. It was an overwhelming, holy presence that even prevented the priests from ministering ([2 Chronicles 5:14](/2_chronicles/5-14 "2 Chronicles 5:14 - Priests Cannot Stand to Minister")).

**Why is the phrase "as one, to make one sound" so important?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the critical role of unity in worship. It's not just about musical harmony, but about spiritual accord and a collective heart among the worshipers. When the trumpeters and singers were "as one," it signified a singular purpose and devotion to God, transcending individual differences and personal agendas. This unified offering of praise and thanksgiving was the catalyst for the powerful manifestation of God's presence. It suggests that corporate worship, when truly unified in spirit and purpose, holds a special power to invite and honor the divine, creating an environment where God's glory can be revealed.

**How does this event relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - The Cloud Fills the Temple") provides a timeless model and aspiration for Christian worship. It underscores that God delights in unified praise that is centered on His character ("He is good; His mercy endures forever"). While we no longer worship in a physical Temple filled with a visible cloud, the New Testament teaches that believers are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")) and that God dwells among His gathered people ([Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Gather")). Therefore, when Christians worship together in unity, focusing on Christ and His redemptive work, the presence of God's Spirit is real and active, bringing conviction, comfort, and transformation, making our gatherings places where God's glory is truly experienced.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedication of Solomon's Temple and the filling of it with God's glory in [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - The Cloud Fills the Temple") finds its ultimate and infinitely greater fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, magnificent as it was, served as a shadow and a pointer to the true dwelling place of God. Jesus Himself declared that He was the ultimate Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His own body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). In Christ, God's presence is not confined to a building made with human hands but is fully and perfectly embodied in a divine person. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, believers are reconciled to God and become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" individually ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and are built together into a spiritual house for God's dwelling by the Spirit, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built into a Holy Temple")). The unified praise in [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - The Cloud Fills the Temple") foreshadows the unified worship of the redeemed from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, gathered eternally around the Lamb, declaring His worthiness and the unending goodness and mercy of God ([Revelation 5:9-14](/revelation/5-9-14 "Revelation 5:9-14 - The Lamb Receives Praise")). The cloud of glory, once filling a physical building, now indwells the corporate body of Christ, the Church, and empowers individual believers, making the promise of God's intimate presence profoundly personal and universally accessible through the New Covenant established in Jesus' blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 3:11

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because [he is] good, for his mercy [endureth] for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

2 Chronicles 7:3

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Jeremiah 33:11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD [is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: [and] of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

Revelation 5:8

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Isaiah 52:8

Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.