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.

And the priests {H3548} could {H3201} not enter {H935} into the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, because the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} had filled {H4390} the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004}.

so that the cohanim could not enter the house of ADONAI; because the glory of ADONAI filled ADONAI's house.

The priests were unable to enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled it.

And the priests could not enter into the house of Jehovah, because the glory of Jehovah filled Jehovah’s house.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 7:2 describes a moment of profound divine manifestation during the dedication of Solomon's Temple. This verse emphasizes the overwhelming nature of God's presence, so intense that even the consecrated priests, who were ordained to minister before the Lord, were unable to enter the newly dedicated sanctuary.

Context

This verse immediately follows 2 Chronicles 7:1, where fire descended from heaven to consume the offerings and sacrifices, and the "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: kavod Yahweh) filled the house. This dramatic display signified God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place and His approval of King Solomon's efforts and the people's worship. The scene is a powerful echo of the dedication of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, where a similar manifestation of divine glory prevented Moses from entering.

Key Themes

  • The Manifest Presence of God: The filling of the Temple with the "glory of the LORD" is a tangible sign of God's actual, active presence among His people. It was a visible and palpable experience of His majesty and the divine acceptance of the Temple.
  • The Holiness of God: The inability of the priests to enter underscores God's absolute holiness. His presence is so pure and powerful that human beings, even those set apart for sacred service, cannot approach without specific divine allowance or until the intensity subsides. This highlights the vast chasm between finite humanity and an infinite, holy God.
  • Divine Approval and Acceptance: This glorious visitation served as God's public affirmation of the Temple and the covenant He had made with Israel. It was a moment of immense reassurance and joy for the nation, confirming that their worship was accepted.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "glory of the LORD" translates the Hebrew kavod Yahweh. Kavod literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in this theological context, it refers to the visible manifestation of God's honor, splendor, and majesty. It represents the very essence of God's being made apparent, demonstrating His weighty significance and power.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament often portrays God's glory as unapproachable due to His overwhelming holiness, the New Testament reveals how God's glory has dwelt among us in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, believers now have bold access to God's throne of grace, not because our own holiness permits it, but because of Christ's perfect sacrifice. This verse reminds us to approach God with profound reverence and awe for His immense holiness, but also with gratitude for the intimate access we now have through the new covenant.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:14

    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.

  • Exodus 24:17

    And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

  • Isaiah 6:5

    ¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
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