TRV
Translation
King James Version
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,
World English Bible Messianic
when 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 shofars and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!” then the house was filled with a cloud, even the LORD’s house,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they were as one, blowing trumpets, and singing, and made one sounde to bee heard in praysing and thanking the Lord, and when they lift vp their voyce with trumpets and with cymbales, and with instruments of musicke, and when they praysed the Lord, singing, For he is good, because his mercie lasteth for euer) then the house, euen the house of the Lord was filled with a cloude,
Young's Literal Translation
yea, it cometh to pass, as one are trumpeters and singers, to sound--one voice--to praise and to give thanks to Jehovah, and at the lifting up of the sound with trumpets, and with cymbals, and with instruments of song, and at giving praise to Jehovah, for good, for to the age is His kindness, that the house is filled with a cloud--the house of Jehovah,
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In the KJVVerse 11,282 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5 verses 11–14
11 ¶ And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course:
12 Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)
13 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;
14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
Solomon, and the elders of Israel, had done what they could to grace the solemnity of the introduction of the ark; but God, by testifying his acceptance of what they did, put the greatest honour upon it. The cloud of glory that filled the house beautified it more than all the gold with which it was overlaid or the precious stones with which it was garnished; and yet that was no glory in comparison with the glory of the gospel dispensation, Co2 3:8-10. Observe,
I. How God took possession of the temple: He filled it with a cloud, Ch2 5:13. 1. Thus he signified his acceptance of this temple to be the same to him that the tabernacle of Moses was, and assured them that he would be the same in it; for it was by a cloud that he made his public entry into that, Exo 40:34. 2. Thus he considered the weakness and infirmity of those to whom he manifested himself, who could not bear the dazzling lustre of the divine light: it would have overpowered them; he therefore spread his cloud upon it, Job 26:9. Christ revealed things unto his disciples as they were able to bear them, and in parables, which wrapped up divine things as in a cloud. 3. Thus he would affect all that worshipped in his courts with holy reverence and fear. Christ's disciples were afraid when they entered into a cloud, Luk 9:34. 4. Thus he would intimate the darkness of that dispensation, by reason of which they could not stedfastly look to the end of those things which were now abolished, Co2 3:13.
II. When he took possession of it. 1. When the priests had come out of the holy place, Ch2 5:11. This is the way of giving possession. All must come out, that the rightful owner may come in. Would we have God dwell in our hearts? We must leave room for him; let every thing else give way. We are here told that upon this occasion the whole family of the priests attended, and not any one particular course: All the priests that were present were sanctified (Ch2 5:11), because there was work enough for them all, when such a multitude of sacrifices were to be offered, and because it was fit that they should all be eye-witnesses of this solemnity and receive the impressions of it. 2. When the singers and musicians praised God, then the house was filled with a cloud. This is very observable; it was not when they offered sacrifices, but when they sang the praises of God, that God gave them this token of his favour; for the sacrifice of praise pleaseth the Lord better than that of an ox or bullock, Psa 69:31. All the singers and musicians were employed, those of all the three families; and, to complete the concert, 120 priests, with their trumpets, joined with them, all standing at the east end of the altar, on that side of the court which lay outmost towards the people, Ch2 5:12. And, when this part of the service began, the glory of God appeared. Observe, (1.) It was when they were unanimous, when they were as one, to make one sound. The Holy God descended on the apostles when they met with one accord, Act 2:1-4. Where unity is the Lord commands the blessing. (2.) It was when they were lively and hearty, and lifted up their voice to praise the Lord. Then we serve God acceptably when we are fervent in spirit serving him. (3.) It was when they were, in their praises, celebrating the everlasting mercy and goodness of God. As there is one saying oftener repeated in scripture than this, his mercy endureth for ever (twenty-six times in one psalm, Ps. 136, and often elsewhere), so there is none more signally owned from heaven; for it was not the expression of some rapturous flights that the priests were singing when the glory of God appeared, but this plain song, He is good, and his mercy endureth for ever. God's goodness is his glory, and he is pleased when we give him the glory of it.
III. What was the effect of it. The priests themselves could not stand to minister, by reason of the cloud (Ch2 5:14), which, as it was an evidence that the law made men priests that had infirmity, so (as bishop Patrick observes) it was a plain intimation that the Levitical priesthood should cease, and stand no longer to minister, when the Messiah should come, in whom the fulness of the godhead should dwell bodily. In him the glory of God dwelt among us, but covered with a cloud. The Word was made flesh; and when he comes to his temple, like a refiner's fire, who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? Mal 3:1, Mal 3:2.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–14. Public domain.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
FAQ
What is the significance of the "cloud" filling the Temple?
Answer: The cloud filling the Temple in 2 Chronicles 5:13 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 and at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:15-18). 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).
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 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) and that God dwells among His gathered people (Matthew 18:20). 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 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). 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) 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). The unified praise in 2 Chronicles 5:13 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). 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).