CINXE.COM
1 Kings 8:12 Then Solomon declared: "The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 8:12 Then Solomon declared: "The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/8-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/11_1Ki_08_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 8:12 - Solomon Praises the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Solomon declared: The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/8-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/8-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/8-11.htm" title="1 Kings 8:11">◄</a> 1 Kings 8:12 <a href="/1_kings/8-13.htm" title="1 Kings 8:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in a dark cloud;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Solomon prayed, “O LORD, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon spoke: “The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has said that He would dwell in the <i>cloud of</i> dense gloom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness [of the cloud].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said: The LORD said that he would dwell in total darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said: The LORD said that He would dwell in thick darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then spake Solomon, Jehovah hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon prayed: "Our LORD, you said that you would live in a dark cloud. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then spake Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, "The LORD said he would live in a dark cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Solomon prayed: "You, LORD, have placed the sun in the sky, yet you have chosen to live in clouds and darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he lives shrouded in darkness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: ?The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he lives in thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, "The LORD has said that he would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “Yahweh has said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “YHWH has said [He is] to dwell in thick darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Then said Solomon, 'Jehovah hath said to dwell in thick darkness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then said Solomon, Jehovah spake to dwell in thick clouds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said: The Lord said that he would dwell in a cloud. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said: “The Lord has said that he would dwell in a cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD intends to dwell in the dark cloud; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Solomon said, O LORD, thou hast said that thou wouldst dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then Solomon said: “LORD JEHOVAH, you have said to dwell in darkness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then spoke Solomon: The LORD hath said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/8-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=2934" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/8.htm">Solomon Praises the LORD</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/8010.htm" title="8010: šə·lō·mōh (N-proper-ms) -- David's son and successor to his throne. From shalowm; peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor.">Solomon</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">declared:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">has said</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: liš·kōn (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">that He would dwell</a> <a href="/hebrew/6205.htm" title="6205: bā·‘ă·rā·p̄el (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Cloud, heavy cloud. Probably from araph; gloom.">in the thick cloud.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>I have indeed built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-34.htm">Exodus 40:34-35</a></span><br />Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Psalm 18:11</a></span><br />He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-15.htm">Isaiah 45:15</a></span><br />Truly You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/10-3.htm">Ezekiel 10:3-4</a></span><br />Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. / Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-7.htm">Mark 9:7</a></span><br />Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-34.htm">Luke 9:34-35</a></span><br />While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. / And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-36.htm">John 12:36</a></span><br />While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9</a></span><br />After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Acts 7:48-49</a></span><br />However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.</p><p class="hdg">The lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11</a></b></br> And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1,2</a></b></br> Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Psalm 18:8-11</a></b></br> There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it… </p><p class="hdg">the thick</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a></b></br> And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God <i>was</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy <i>place</i> within the vail before the mercy seat, which <i>is</i> upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-22.htm">Deuteronomy 5:22</a></b></br> These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/8-11.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-29.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-29.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-8.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-14.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-5.htm">Living-Place</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-5.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-4.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-46.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/18-44.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-13.htm">Dwell</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-22.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-22.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-30.htm">Living-Place</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-22.htm">Solomon</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-36.htm">Sun</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-45.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/8-1.htm">The feast of the temple</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">Solomon's blessing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/8-22.htm">Solomon's prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">54. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/8-54.htm">Solomon's blessing</a></span><br><span class="reftext">62. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/8-62.htm">His sacrifice of peace offerings</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Solomon declared:</b><br>Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel, is speaking during the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This event marks a significant moment in Israel's history, as the Temple becomes the central place of worship. Solomon's role as king and builder of the Temple fulfills the promise God made to David regarding his lineage and the establishment of a house for God's name (<a href="/2_samuel/7-12.htm">2 Samuel 7:12-13</a>).<p><b>The LORD has said:</b><br>This phrase indicates that Solomon is referencing a divine promise or statement. It reflects the importance of God's word and His faithfulness to His promises. Throughout the Old Testament, God communicates His will and intentions through prophets and leaders, emphasizing the authority and reliability of His word (<a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a>).<p><b>that He would dwell:</b><br>The concept of God dwelling among His people is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the physical manifestation of God's presence. This dwelling is not limited to a physical structure but signifies God's desire to be in communion with His people (<a href="/exodus/25-8.htm">Exodus 25:8</a>).<p><b>in the thick cloud:</b><br>The thick cloud symbolizes God's glory and presence, often associated with divine revelation and protection. In <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a>, God descends on Mount Sinai in a thick cloud to speak with Moses, signifying His holiness and the mystery of His presence. The cloud also represents God's guidance and protection during the Israelites' journey in the wilderness (<a href="/exodus/13-21.htm">Exodus 13:21-22</a>). This imagery foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God dwelling among humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described as the light of the world (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>, <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, he was responsible for building the First Temple in Jerusalem, where this verse takes place.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God used in the Old Testament, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple_in_jerusalem.htm">The Temple in Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central place of worship for the Israelites, built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_thick_cloud.htm">The Thick Cloud</a></b><br>A symbol of God's presence and glory, often associated with His divine majesty and mystery. It recalls the cloud that led the Israelites in the wilderness and covered Mount Sinai.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dedication_of_the_temple.htm">The Dedication of the Temple</a></b><br>A significant event where Solomon dedicated the newly built Temple to the LORD, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's religious history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_worship.htm">God's Presence in Worship</a></b><br>The thick cloud symbolizes God's presence, reminding us that true worship invites and acknowledges God's holy presence. We should approach worship with reverence and awe.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a></b><br>The fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people in the Temple encourages us to trust in His faithfulness to His promises today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god.htm">The Mystery of God</a></b><br>The thick cloud represents the mystery and majesty of God. While we may not fully understand His ways, we are called to trust and revere Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_dedication.htm">The Importance of Dedication</a></b><br>Just as Solomon dedicated the Temple, we are called to dedicate our lives and our places of worship to God, ensuring they are set apart for His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_dwelling_among_his_people.htm">God's Dwelling Among His People</a></b><br>The Temple was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promise_restoration_if_judgment_remains.htm">Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_god's_presence_in_jerusalem_seen.htm">Zechariah 2:10 - If God promised to 'live among' the people, why does history not reflect a direct, physical divine presence in Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_high_places_in_the_bible.htm">What are high places in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">The Lord said . . .</span>--The words of Solomon, though--as is natural in a moment of mingled awe and thankfulness--somewhat broken and abrupt, are clear enough in their general meaning and connection. He refers to the frequent declarations made in old time that the cloud is the symbol of God's indwelling presence (such as <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, See, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever. And Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.">Exodus 19:9</a>, and <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm" title="And the LORD said to Moses, Speak to Aaron your brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is on the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.">Leviticus 16:2</a>);<p>he recognises in the appearance of the cloud the sign that the Divine presence is granted to the Temple; and accordingly he exults in the proof that his foreordained work is accomplished by the building of a house, a "settled habitation" for the Lord. The description of the cloud as "thick darkness," in no way contradicts the idea of the glory shining through it; for human eyes are easily "darkened by excess of light." This mingled light and darkness symbolises--perhaps more strikingly than even the literal darkness of the Most Holy Place--the mystery which veils the presence of God, known to be, and to be infinitely glorious, but in its nature incomprehensible.<p>Thenius, from a single Chaldee version, suggests for "thick darkness" the correction "Jerusalem;" dwelling on the closer harmony of the reading with <a href="/1_kings/8-16.htm" title="Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.">1Kings 8:16</a>, quoting the promise of <a href="/context/psalms/132-13.htm" title="For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation.">Psalm 132:13-14</a> (closely connected there with the great promise of David), and urging the likelihood of the citation of this promise by Solomon, and the greater simplicity thus given to his whole utterance. The suggestion is ingenious; but it lacks authority, both external and internal. The LXX., in the Alexandrine MS. (for the Vatican MS. omits the whole), and the Vulg. agree with the Hebrew text; and Josephus, though he gives a verbose paraphrase of the prayer, evidently had our reading before him, for he contrasts the mystery and ubiquity of the Divine presence with the material shrine. Nor is it easy to conceive how from a passage so simple and prosaic, as this would be with the reading "Jerusalem," the more difficult, but far more striking, reading of the present text could have arisen.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then</span> <span class="cmt_word">spake Solomon</span> [in a transport of emotion at the sight. The cloud and the glory proved that his pious work was accepted. These blessed tokens assured him that "the Lord was there" (<a href="/ezekiel/48-35.htm">Ezekiel 48:35</a>); that the incomprehensible Godhead had entered the earthly shrine he had prepared, and would dwell there], <span class="cmt_word">The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.</span> [Heb. <span class="hebrew">עֲרָפֶל</span>, lit., <span class="accented">darkness of clouds</span>. When did God speak of dwelling in dark cloud? The reference, probably, is to <a href="/exodus/19-9.htm">Exodus 19:9</a>; <a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Deuteronomy 4:11</a>; <a href="/exodus/5-22.htm">Exodus 5:22</a> (note that, in the three last cited passages, this same word is used, and in the last two in connexion with <span class="accented">cloud</span>, which would appear to be a practically synonymous term), but especially to <a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a>, "I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." Solomon had thus every warrant for connecting a theophany with the thick dark cloud. Cf. <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Psalm 18:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2</a>. The words cannot refer to "the holy of holies not lighted by windows" (Wordsworth). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/8-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֖ז</span> <span class="translit">(’āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">At that time, place, therefore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Solomon</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·mōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8010.htm">Strong's 8010: </a> </span><span class="str2">Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said:</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has said</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that He would dwell</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁכֹּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(liš·kōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> </span><span class="str2">To settle down, abide, dwell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the thick cloud.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעֲרָפֶֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘ă·rā·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6205.htm">Strong's 6205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cloud, heavy cloud</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 8:12 Then spoke Solomon Yahweh has said that (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/8-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 8:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 8:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/8-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 8:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 8:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>