TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 6:1–11.
It is of great consequence, in all our religious actions, that we design well, and that our eye be single. If Solomon had built this temple in the pride of his heart, as Ahasuerus made his feast, only to show the riches of his kingdom and the honour of his majesty, it would not have turned at all to his account. But here he declares upon what inducements he undertook it, and they are such as not only justify, but magnify, the undertaking. 1. He did it for the glory and honour of God; this was his highest and ultimate end in it. It was for the name of the Lord God of Israel (Ch2 6:10), to be a house of habitation for him, Ch2 6:2. He has indeed, as to us, made darkness his pavilion (Ch2 6:1), but let this house be the residence of that darkness; for it is in the upper world that he dwells in light, such as no eye can approach. 2. He did it in compliance with the choice God had been pleased to make of Jerusalem, to be the city in which he would record his name (Ch2 6:6): I have chosen Jerusalem. A great many stately buildings there were in Jerusalem for the king, his princes, and the royal family. If God chooses that place, it is fit that there be a building for him which may excel all the rest. If men were thus honoured there, let God be thus honoured. 3. He did it in pursuance of his father's good intentions, which he never had an opportunity to put into execution: "It was in the heart of David my father to build a house for God;" the project was his, be it known, to his honour (Ch2 6:7), and God approved of it, though he permitted him not to put it in execution (Ch2 6:8), Thou didst well that it was in thy heart. Temple-work is often thus done; one sows and another reaps (Joh 4:37, Joh 4:38), one age begins that which the next brings to perfection. And let not the wisest of men think it any disparagement to them to pursue the good designs which those that went before them have laid, and to build upon their foundation. Every good piece is not an original. 4. He did it in performance of the word which God had spoken. God had said, Thy son shall build the house for my name; and now he had done it, Ch2 6:9, Ch2 6:10. The service was appointed him, and the honour of it designed him, by the divine promise; so that he did not do it of his own head, but was called of God to do it. It is fit that he who appoints the work should have the appointing of the workmen; and those may go on in their work with great satisfaction who see their call to it clear.
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 6:1 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
At the momentous dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem, immediately following the overwhelming manifestation of God's glory filling the sanctuary, King Solomon articulates a profound theological truth: the LORD had previously declared His intention to dwell in "thick darkness." This statement masterfully encapsulates the paradox of divine immanence and transcendence, simultaneously affirming God's tangible, covenantal presence among His people while underscoring His unapproachable majesty and the mysterious, awe-inspiring nature of His being, echoing foundational encounters like those on Mount Sinai.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as Solomon's immediate and authoritative theological interpretation of the climactic event described in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, where the Ark of the Covenant has been placed in the Most Holy Place, and the overwhelming glory of the LORD, manifested as a cloud, fills the newly completed Temple, preventing the priests from ministering. Solomon's declaration in 2 Chronicles 6:1 is his initial verbal response to this divine display, directly preceding his extended and pivotal prayer of dedication for the Temple found in 2 Chronicles 6:14-42. By linking the current manifestation of God's glory to prior divine pronouncements and patterns of revelation, Solomon establishes a crucial theological continuity between the portable Tabernacle and the newly established, permanent Temple.
Historical & Cultural Context
The dedication of the Temple was an unparalleled event in Israelite history, representing the fulfillment of King David's vision and the culmination of Solomon's ambitious building endeavor. Unlike the mobile Tabernacle, the Jerusalem Temple was conceived as a permanent, central sanctuary, intended to be the primary locus of worship and the designated "dwelling place" for God's name among His people. The imagery of God dwelling in "thick darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') directly references the foundational experiences at Mount Sinai, where God descended in a dense cloud, fire, and darkness to deliver the Law to Israel (e.g., Exodus 19:9, Exodus 20:21, Deuteronomy 4:11). While similar imagery of veiled deities appeared in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, for Israel, the "thick darkness" uniquely emphasized Yahweh's unparalleled holiness, His transcendence, and His utterly distinct nature, which, though choosing to reside among His people, remained beyond human comprehension or direct sight.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several foundational theological themes within the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the presence of God (often referred to as the Shekinah glory), affirming His unwavering commitment to dwell among His chosen people, a central tenet of the covenant relationship established with Israel. Secondly, it underscores the profound mystery and transcendence of the divine, portraying God's presence as awe-inspiring, unapproachable, and veiled in darkness, which serves both to protect humanity from His overwhelming glory and to signify His majestic otherness. This inherent paradox of God being simultaneously near and far, immanent yet transcendent, is a recurring theological motif woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. Finally, the verse intrinsically links the Temple's dedication to God's historical pattern of revelation, particularly referencing the Sinai covenant, thereby establishing a crucial continuity in divine-human encounters and reinforcing the understanding that God's dwelling place is not merely a physical structure but the sacred locus of His revealed presence and transformative power.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H559, אָמַר) is a primitive root meaning "to say" with broad applications, including to declare, command, promise, or speak. In this context, Solomon's use of "said" (twice in the verse) for both himself and the LORD emphasizes authoritative declaration. When applied to the LORD, it signifies a divine, authoritative pronouncement, indicating a pre-existing, established truth or promise from God Himself, not a new revelation.
This primitive root (H7931, שָׁכַן) means to reside, permanently stay, or have habitation, literally or figuratively. It is the root from which the later rabbinic term "Shekinah" (dwelling of the divine presence) is derived. Its use here signifies God's deliberate and intentional act of establishing His presence among His people, a covenantal promise of intimacy and accessibility, even if the manner of His dwelling remains mysterious and veiled.
This term (H6205, עֲרָפֶל) denotes a dense, impenetrable cloud, deep gloom, or gross darkness. It is consistently used in the Old Testament to describe the environment of God's most powerful and awe-inspiring manifestations (theophanies), particularly at Mount Sinai. It signifies not a negative or evil darkness, but rather a profound, unapproachable mystery that veils the divine glory from human eyes, emphasizing God's transcendence, holiness, and the sheer power of His presence that cannot be directly perceived without overwhelming destruction. It conveys both majesty and a holy terror, inspiring reverence and humility.
Verse Breakdown
"Then said Solomon,"
This phrase marks Solomon's immediate verbal response to the awe-inspiring manifestation of God's glory filling the Temple (as described in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14). As the king and the architect of the Temple, his words carry immense theological weight, serving as an authoritative interpretation of the divine event for the assembled congregation. It establishes his role not merely as a builder but as a theological interpreter of God's actions and presence.
"The LORD hath said"
Solomon's declaration is presented not as a personal reflection or interpretation, but as a confident assertion rooted in a prior, authoritative divine revelation. This phrase underscores the continuity of God's character and promises, directly linking the current overwhelming event to God's established pattern of interaction with His people, particularly His covenantal commitment to dwell among them. It emphasizes that God's actions are consistent with His revealed word.
"that he would dwell"
The verb "dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan) is highly significant, being the root of the concept of the "Shekinah," the rabbinic term for the indwelling or settling of the divine presence. This clause affirms God's desire and deliberate intention to establish a tangible, albeit unique, presence among His people. It signifies a profound covenantal promise of intimacy and accessibility, even as the specific manner of His dwelling remains veiled in mystery.
"in the thick darkness."
This is the core theological statement of the verse, describing the specific nature of God's dwelling. As elucidated in the "Key Word Analysis," this "thick darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') is not an absence of light but a veil of impenetrable glory. It signifies God's absolute transcendence, His unapproachable holiness, and the profound mystery of His being. It powerfully echoes the foundational Sinai experience, setting a tone of profound awe and reverence for God's presence within the Temple.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Theophany is central, as Solomon's statement directly interprets the visible manifestation of God's glory, which has just filled the Temple as a cloud. This Symbolism of the cloud and "thick darkness" is a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, consistently representing the veiled, majestic, and sometimes terrifying presence of God. It functions as a protective barrier, preventing direct human perception of divine glory while simultaneously signaling its overwhelming power and holiness. The verse also utilizes Allusion to earlier biblical narratives, particularly the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, where God appeared in a similar cloud and darkness. This allusion establishes a crucial theological continuity, demonstrating that the God who now dwells in the Temple is the same covenant-making God who revealed Himself at Sinai. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of Paradox in the idea of God "dwelling" (immanence) in "thick darkness" (transcendence), highlighting the tension between God's desire for proximity with humanity and His utterly distinct, holy, and incomprehensible nature.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Solomon's declaration in 2 Chronicles 6:1 encapsulates a profound paradox at the very heart of biblical theology: God's fervent desire for intimate dwelling among His people (immanence) coexisting with His absolute otherness and unapproachable majesty (transcendence). The "thick darkness" signifies not an absence of light, but rather an intensity of divine glory so overwhelming that it must be veiled from human perception, thus shrouded in mystery. This concept is foundational to understanding the nature of God's presence throughout the Old Testament, where His holiness demands both proximity and a respectful separation. The Temple, therefore, becomes a sacred space where the divine and human realms intersect, yet the divine retains its ultimate sovereignty and inscrutability, demanding profound reverence and humility from all who approach. This understanding of God's veiled presence profoundly shapes the anticipation for later, more complete revelations of God's nature.
Reflection and Application
The image of God dwelling in "thick darkness" profoundly challenges our often-simplistic or overly familiar views of the divine. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God truly desires to be known and to draw near to us, He remains infinitely mysterious, utterly transcendent, and ultimately beyond our full comprehension. This divine mystery is not a barrier to relationship but rather an profound invitation to humility, awe, and perpetual worship. In our fervent pursuit of intimacy with God, we must never lose sight of His holy otherness and unsearchable depths. This verse calls us to approach God with profound reverence, recognizing that even in His most tangible manifestations, there is an ungraspable, glorious depth to His being. It encourages us to embrace the elements of faith that remain beyond our rational grasp, trusting implicitly in the God who, though veiled in overwhelming glory, has graciously chosen to reveal Himself to us and to dwell among us. Our worship, therefore, should reflect both the profound joy of His nearness and the trembling awe of His majestic, holy presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why would God choose to dwell in "thick darkness" rather than in light or clear visibility?
The "thick darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') associated with God's dwelling is not an absence of light or a sign of malevolence, but rather a profound theological statement about His nature. It signifies the overwhelming intensity of His glory and holiness, which is far too brilliant for human eyes to behold directly without being consumed (Exodus 33:20). This darkness functions as a divine veil, protecting humanity while simultaneously emphasizing God's absolute transcendence, His unapproachable majesty, and the infinite mystery of His being. It inspires profound awe and reverence, reminding us that God is utterly distinct from His creation and beyond full human comprehension. It is, paradoxically, a darkness born of light's superabundance—a holy obscurity that underscores His divine otherness and power, as powerfully seen in His manifestations at Mount Sinai and within the Tabernacle.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The "thick darkness" in which God chose to dwell in the Old Testament Temple finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant veiled God's overwhelming glory in a cloud and impenetrable darkness, the New Covenant reveals Him fully and perfectly in the incarnate Son. Jesus is explicitly described as the very radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3), the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). The profound mystery of God, once shrouded in impenetrable darkness and accessible only to a select few, is now made fully accessible and comprehensible in the light of Christ. The Apostle John powerfully proclaims that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory (John 1:14), utilizing the same root idea of "dwelling" (σκηνόω, skēnoō, to tabernacle) that points directly back to God's presence in the Tabernacle and Temple. Through Christ, the unapproachable God, who once dwelt in thick darkness, has drawn near in human form, making Himself fully known and intimately approachable, yet still retaining His unblemished divine majesty. Moreover, through Christ, believers themselves are transformed into the new Temple, a holy temple in the Lord where God's Spirit now dwells (Ephesians 2:21-22). Thus, the veiled presence in Solomon's Temple powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate unveiling of God's glory and His permanent dwelling among humanity through the person and work of Jesus Christ.