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2 Chronicles 5:14

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 5:14 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of King Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the overwhelming presence of God.

Context

This verse immediately follows the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the newly constructed Temple and the joyful praise and worship offered by the Levites and priests. The scene depicted in 2 Chronicles 5:13 sets the stage: "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... that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD." Verse 14 is the powerful consequence of this divine manifestation, a parallel account also found in 1 Kings 8:10-11. This event signifies God's tangible acceptance and inhabitation of the Temple built for Him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Glory: The "cloud" and "glory of the LORD" are visible manifestations of God's majestic and holy presence. This echoes similar appearances in the Old Testament, such as the cloud that covered Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16) and filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35). It signifies God's approval and His commitment to dwell among His people.
  • Holiness and Awe: The fact that the priests "could not stand to minister" underscores the overwhelming holiness of God. Even those consecrated for service were unable to perform their duties in the face of such divine majesty. It evokes a sense of profound reverence and humility, reminding humanity of God's incomparable greatness.
  • God's Acceptance of Worship: The filling of the Temple with God's glory was the ultimate sign that He had accepted the building and the worship offered within it. It was a powerful affirmation of His covenant with Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "glory" here is kavod (כָּבוֹד), which literally means "heaviness" or "weight." In this context, it conveys the immense weight, significance, and visible manifestation of God's majesty, honor, and power. The "cloud" (עָנָן, anan) is a consistent biblical symbol of God's veiled presence, often associated with His glory, protection, and guidance.

Practical Application

This verse provides a powerful reminder of God's awesome nature. While God no longer dwells in a physical temple in the same way, His presence is still real and powerful. For believers today, the Holy Spirit indwells them, making their bodies a temple of the Holy Spirit. This calls for a similar sense of reverence and humility in our personal lives and corporate worship. We are to approach God with awe, recognizing His holiness and majesty, and allowing His presence to transform us rather than merely going through religious motions.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Exodus 40:35 (20 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (15 votes)

    ¶ 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 (15 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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.