Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 6:1
Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Solomon addresses the gathered assembly at the temple dedication, announcing that Yahweh previously declared His intention to take up residence in a thick cloud. This declaration immediately precedes Solomon’s statement that he has built an exalted house as a permanent dwelling place.
The words — The Hebrew verb אָמַר ('a.mar) appears twice in the verse, establishing Yahweh’s prior declaration, while לִשְׁכֹּן (li/sh.kon) specifies the divine intention to permanently take up residence. The noun עֲרָפֶל ('a.ra.fel) denotes a dense atmospheric obscurity or mist rather than a visible cloud formation.
The thread — The motif of divine presence veiled in atmospheric obscurity appears in Exodus 20:21 and frames the sacrificial regulations of Leviticus 16:2, while Psalms 18:8 describes a theophany of smoke and fire rather than cloud or darkness.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that divine habitation is anchored to a prior divine declaration rather than human architectural achievement. It demands an acknowledgment of God’s sovereign initiative in determining both the mode and location of His presence.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
Cross-references
- Exodus 20:21 And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
- Psalms 18:8 Smoke rose from His nostrils, and consuming fire came from His mouth; glowing coals blazed forth.
- Leviticus 16:2 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.
- Deuteronomy 4:11 You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire to the heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.
- 1 Kings 8:12 Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.
- Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.
- Hebrews 12:18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;
- Exodus 24:15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,
- Psalms 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.