2 Chronicles 5:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that the priests {H3548} could {H3201} not stand {H5975} to minister {H8334} by reason {H6440} of the cloud {H6051}: for the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} had filled {H4390} the house {H1004} of God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that because of the cloud, the cohanim could not stand up to perform their service; for the glory of ADONAI filled the house of God.

Berean Standard Bible

so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.

American Standard Version

so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of Jehovah filled the house of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 5:14 powerfully culminates the dedication of Solomon's Temple, portraying an overwhelming manifestation of God's presence. Following the unified praise and worship of the Levites and priests, a thick cloud, the tangible symbol of divine glory, completely filled the sanctuary. This profound display rendered the officiating priests physically unable to continue their sacred duties, serving as an undeniable testament to God's acceptance of the Temple and His awe-inspiring, unapproachable holiness, which transcends human capacity to stand or minister in its immediate, unveiled presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic moment of the Temple's dedication, meticulously detailed in 2 Chronicles 5. It immediately follows the solemn procession of the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place, and critically, the subsequent unified, harmonious worship of the Levites and priests. [2 Chronicles 5:12-13](/2_chronicles/5-12-13 "2 Chronicles 5:12-13 - Levites and Priests Praise God") explicitly describes the Levites, arrayed in fine linen, standing with trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, joining with 120 priests sounding trumpets, all praising the LORD with one voice, declaring, "for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." It is precisely at this peak of corporate, obedient, and heartfelt worship that the cloud, a tangible sign of God's presence, descends and fills the house. Verse 14 then details the immediate and profound effect of this divine manifestation on the officiating priests, paralleling the account found in [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - Glory Fills the Temple"). This narrative sequence underscores a key theological point for the Chronicler: God's manifest presence and acceptance are a direct, sovereign response to faithful and unified worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, fulfilling King David's fervent desire and King Solomon's commission to establish a permanent dwelling place for Yahweh among His people, thereby replacing the portable Tabernacle. This pivotal event occurred around the mid-10th century BCE, marking a significant transition in Israelite worship from a nomadic, tent-based system to a grand, stationary edifice in Jerusalem, solidifying the city's role as the spiritual center. The "cloud" (Hebrew: _'anan_) and "glory" (Hebrew: _kavod_) were deeply embedded symbols of God's presence within Israelite history, notably appearing at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law ([Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - Cloud on Mount Sinai")) and filling the Tabernacle upon its completion ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - Glory Fills the Tabernacle")). The priests' inability to stand was not a sign of divine displeasure or judgment, but rather an overwhelming, unapproachable holiness of God, a common reaction to profound divine encounters throughout biblical narrative, signifying that the sacred space was fully consecrated and permeated by God's majestic presence, rendering human activity secondary to divine manifestation.
* **Key Themes:** The foremost theme is the **Divine Presence and Glory** of Yahweh. The cloud and glory serve as visible, tangible manifestations of God's majestic, weighty, and holy being, signifying His tangible acceptance and inhabitation of the Temple. This event powerfully affirms God's covenant faithfulness to dwell among His people, fulfilling His promises. Another crucial theme is **Holiness and Awe**. The priests' inability to minister underscores the unapproachable, overwhelming holiness of God, evoking a sense of profound reverence, humility, and even fear. It reminds humanity of God's incomparable greatness and the sacredness of His presence, before which no human can casually stand. Finally, the verse highlights **God's Acceptance of Worship and Covenant Faithfulness**. The filling of the Temple with God's glory was the ultimate sign that He had accepted the building, the Ark within it, and the worship offered by His people. This powerful affirmation of His covenant with Israel and His delight in their unified praise, as vividly depicted in [2 Chronicles 5:13](/2_chronicles/5-13 "2 Chronicles 5:13 - Unified Worship"), validates Solomon's monumental efforts and assures Israel of God's continued presence among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, this term refers to those consecrated and set apart to officiate in sacred duties, mediating between God and His people. Their inability to "stand to minister" highlights the cessation of their divinely appointed function in the face of a direct, overwhelming divine presence. It underscores that even those specially authorized to approach God could not endure His unmediated glory.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this word primarily means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it denotes the substantial, weighty, and visible manifestation of God's splendor, majesty, honor, and power. When God's _kâbôwd_ fills a space, it signifies His full, powerful, and undeniable presence, often with an overwhelming effect on those who witness it, as seen in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory Fills the Tabernacle").
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, this primitive root signifies to "fill" or "be full of" in a comprehensive and pervasive sense. In this context, it emphasizes that God's glory was not merely present but completely saturated the entire "house of God" (Temple), leaving no space untouched. This indicates a complete divine occupation and consecration of the sanctuary, confirming its status as God's chosen dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud":** This clause describes the immediate and profound impact of God's manifest presence. The priests, who were consecrated to perform specific liturgical functions within the Temple, were physically incapacitated. Their inability to "stand to minister" (Hebrew: _'âmad l'shârath_, literally "to stand to serve") was not a sign of fear or punishment, but rather an overwhelming sense of awe and the sheer intensity of the divine presence. It signifies that the holiness of God was so absolute and consuming that even those specially appointed to mediate His presence could not maintain their functional roles. Their normal routines of service were suspended by the extraordinary reality of God's direct and potent manifestation.
* **"for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God":** This explanatory clause provides the profound theological reason for the priests' incapacitation. The "cloud" was the visible sign, but the underlying reality was the _kâbôwd_—the weighty, majestic, and holy presence—of Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh). The phrase "filled the house of God" (H1004, bayith; H430, 'ĕlôhîym) indicates a complete and pervasive saturation of the entire sanctuary, from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place, with God's glory. This was the ultimate sign of divine acceptance and inhabitation, confirming that the Temple was indeed God's chosen dwelling place among His people, a fulfillment of His promise and a validation of Solomon's monumental effort.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message and evoke a sense of divine majesty. **Theophany** is central, as the "cloud" and "glory of the LORD" constitute a visible, tangible manifestation of God's presence, making the divine immediate and overwhelming. This **Symbolism** of the cloud as God's veiled yet potent presence is consistent throughout Scripture, evoking both mystery and majesty, while the "glory" symbolizes His inherent splendor. The phrase "could not stand to minister" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and overwhelming nature of God's glory; it implies not just physical inability but a complete cessation of human activity and agency in the face of divine majesty. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the filling of the house with God's glory (the cause) to the priests' inability to minister (the effect), thereby powerfully underscoring the irresistible power and unapproachable holiness of God's presence. The overall effect is one of profound **Awe** and **Reverence**, compelling the reader to contemplate the incomparable greatness of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The overwhelming manifestation of God's glory in Solomon's Temple at its dedication serves as a powerful theological statement about God's immanence and transcendence. It affirms His willingness to dwell intimately among His people, yet simultaneously highlights His unapproachable holiness, infinite majesty, and utter otherness. This event establishes a profound pattern throughout biblical history: God's presence is often accompanied by signs that evoke awe, humility, and even fear, reminding humanity that His being is utterly distinct and superior to all creation. It underscores that true worship is not merely ritualistic performance but a profound response to the living God, whose presence can be so consuming as to suspend all human activity, demanding absolute reverence and submission. This moment in Israel's history was a tangible assurance of God's covenant faithfulness, His commitment to His chosen dwelling place, and His sovereign delight in the worship of His people.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1-5 "Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory in the Temple")
* [Revelation 15:8](/revelation/15-8 "The Temple Filled with Smoke from God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 5:14 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers today. While we no longer worship in a physical temple where God's glory visibly descends in a cloud, the principle of His overwhelming, sanctifying presence remains eternally true. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our reverence in worship, both individually and corporately. Do we approach God with the awe and humility that His infinite holiness demands, recognizing that every act of worship is an entry into His sacred presence? Or do we treat worship as a mere routine, a performance, or a casual gathering? The priests' inability to stand reminds us that God's presence is not something to be managed, controlled, or even fully comprehended by human effort, but something before which we are utterly humbled, transformed, and compelled to surrender. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of profound reverence, recognizing that when we gather in His name, or when we encounter Him in personal devotion through His Word and Spirit, we are indeed entering into the presence of the Almighty God, whose glory is beyond measure. This encounter should lead to a cessation of our own agendas, a silencing of our self-importance, and a complete surrender to His divine majesty, allowing His presence to fill and transform us from the inside out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the priests' inability to minister teach us about the nature of God's holiness and glory, and how should this understanding shape our approach to worship?**
* **How does the concept of God's "glory filling the house" translate into our understanding of God's presence in the church today, or in our personal lives as believers, who are now temples of the Holy Spirit?**
* **In what ways might we, like the priests, need to "stand down" from our own efforts, expectations, or agendas to truly experience and acknowledge God's overwhelming presence in our lives and ministries?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cloud" and "glory of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: The "cloud" and "glory of the LORD" are consistent biblical symbols of God's tangible, manifest presence, representing His divine unveiling. In this context, the cloud (Hebrew: _'anan_) represents God's veiled presence, often associated with mystery, power, and guidance, as seen when the [pillar of cloud guided Israel in the wilderness](/exodus/13-21 "Pillar of Cloud") or covered [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24-16 "Cloud on Mount Sinai") during the giving of the Law. The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kavod_) signifies the weighty, majestic, and awe-inspiring splendor of God Himself, His inherent radiance and substantial reality. When the glory filled the Temple, it was the ultimate, undeniable sign of God's acceptance and inhabitation of the sanctuary, confirming His covenant faithfulness and His delight in dwelling among His people. It was a visible, overwhelming affirmation that the Temple was now consecrated as His chosen dwelling place, rendering human effort secondary to divine manifestation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 5:14 vividly describes God's glory filling a physical temple, its ultimate and profound fulfillment is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal Temple of God. The Apostle John declares that [Jesus is the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth"](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). In Christ, the invisible God became perfectly visible, and His glory was not merely a cloud or a transient light, but the very person of God incarnate, embodying divine majesty in human form. Just as the priests could not stand in the overwhelming presence of the Temple's glory, so too does the presence of Christ evoke ultimate reverence, humility, and surrender from all who encounter Him. Furthermore, through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying direct access to God's presence. Believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making their bodies a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit") and collectively forming a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House") in which God dwells. This means that the overwhelming, sanctifying presence of God is no longer confined to a single physical location but resides within His people, empowering them for service and calling them to live lives of profound awe and holiness, anticipating the glorious day when the [new Jerusalem will have no need of a temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb Are the Temple").

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

Exodus 40:35

And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

1 Kings 8:11

So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:4

And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.

2 Chronicles 7:2

And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house.

Revelation 15:8

And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Ezekiel 10:4

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, [and stood] over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.