2 Chronicles 7:2

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

Study Bible

The priests were unable to enter the house of the LORD
This phrase highlights the overwhelming presence of God's glory, which was so intense that even the priests, who were consecrated to serve in the temple, could not enter. This event occurred during the dedication of Solomon's Temple, a significant moment in Israel's history. The inability of the priests to enter signifies the holiness and majesty of God, emphasizing that His presence is beyond human comprehension and control. This mirrors the experience in Exodus 40:34-35, where Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the glory of the LORD filled it. It underscores the idea that God's presence is both a blessing and a consuming fire, as seen in Hebrews 12:29.

because the glory of the LORD had filled it
The "glory of the LORD" refers to the Shekinah, a visible manifestation of God's presence. This divine glory filling the temple signifies God's approval and acceptance of the temple as His dwelling place among His people. It is a fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with Israel, as seen in Exodus 29:45-46. The filling of the temple with God's glory also foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, where the fullness of God dwelt bodily (Colossians 2:9). Additionally, it points to the future glory of the New Jerusalem, where God's presence will be fully realized among His people (Revelation 21:22-23). The event serves as a reminder of the holiness required to approach God, a theme that runs throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for atonement and purification.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priests
The Levitical priests were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. In this context, they were unable to enter the temple due to the overwhelming presence of God's glory.

2. The House of the LORD
This refers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.

3. The Glory of the LORD
This is a manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud, signifying His holiness and majesty.

4. Solomon
The king of Israel who built the temple, fulfilling his father David's vision and God's promise.

5. The Dedication of the Temple
This event marks the completion and consecration of the temple, a significant moment in Israel's history where God's presence visibly filled the temple.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
God's glory filling the temple signifies His holiness and the reverence due to Him. We are reminded to approach God with awe and respect in our worship.

God's Presence Among His People
The filling of the temple with God's glory symbolizes His desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence within us.

The Limitation of Human Effort
The priests' inability to enter the temple underscores the limitations of human effort in the face of divine majesty. It is a reminder that our service to God is only possible through His enabling presence.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
The dedication of the temple and the filling of God's glory demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises to David and Solomon. We can trust in God's faithfulness to His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the overwhelming presence of God's glory in the temple challenge our understanding of worship today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to be a dwelling place for God's presence, as the temple was for Israel?

3. How does the concept of God's holiness influence our daily lives and decisions?

4. What are some modern-day "temples" or places where we might experience God's presence, and how can we honor Him in those spaces?

5. How can we rely on God's presence to overcome our limitations in serving Him, as the priests experienced in 2 Chronicles 7:2?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40:34-35
Similar to 2 Chronicles 7:2, when the tabernacle was completed, the glory of the LORD filled it, preventing Moses from entering. This parallel highlights the continuity of God's presence with His people.

1 Kings 8:10-11
This passage describes the same event as 2 Chronicles 7:2, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's glory filling the temple.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Isaiah's vision of the LORD in the temple, where the glory of God fills the space, echoes the theme of God's majestic presence.