“Then Solomon said, ‘The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness’” (1 Kings 8:12 ESV).
As the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, Solomon’s newly built Temple was suddenly filled with a dense cloud. The priests, who had entered with reverence and celebration, were now driven out by the overwhelming presence of God. The people stood in stunned silence as the cloud of God’s glory rolled out behind the retreating priests. Solomon, perhaps with trembling lips and a hushed voice, reminded the assembly, “The LORD has said that he would dwell in thick darkness.”
This moment mirrored what God had told Moses centuries earlier: “I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat” (Lev. 16:2). The same glory that once filled the tabernacle now filled the Temple. The “thick darkness” was not a sign of God’s absence, but of His holy and mysterious presence. This dark cloud represents both the hiddenness of God, His transcendence, and His manifest presence, His immanence with those who seek Him.
We too should stand in awe before our holy God. He is not to be approached lightly or casually. Yet here is the wonder of the gospel: though the priests were driven out by God’s glory, we who are in Christ are invited in. Because of Jesus, our Great High Priest, we can now “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Heb. 4:16). We no longer fear the thick darkness of God’s presence, for Christ has torn open the veil of separation and brought us near. Let us never lose our reverence, even as we rejoice in our access.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we tremble at Your glory and marvel that You would choose to dwell with us. You are high and lifted up, clothed in mystery and majesty. Yet, through Jesus, You have drawn near and invited us into Your holy presence. May we never take this access for granted. Help us walk in holy reverence and joyful confidence as those who know You, the God who once dwelled in thick darkness, but now dwells in us by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.