Log inSign up

2 Chronicles 5 · a question people ask

Did the LORD's glory fill the house twice?

In the text

2 Chronicles tells of it in two places. Here, before Solomon's prayer, "the house was filled with a cloud" (5:13), and "the LORD’s glory filled God’s house" (5:14). After the prayer: "Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the LORD’s glory filled the house" (7:1), and "The priests could not enter into the LORD’s house, because the LORD’s glory filled the LORD’s house" (7:2). 1 Kings tells the cloud and the glory once, before the prayer (1 Kings 8:10-11). When Solomon finishes praying there, "he arose from before the LORD’s altar" (1 Kings 8:54), and "He stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice" (1 Kings 8:55). 2 Chronicles doesn't say whether 7:1-2 is a second filling or the first one told again, and this answer doesn't say either.

The verses

“when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever!” then the house was filled with a cloud, even the LORD’s house, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the LORD’s glory filled God’s house.”
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 · World English Bible
“Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the LORD’s glory filled the house. The priests could not enter into the LORD’s house, because the LORD’s glory filled the LORD’s house.”
2 Chronicles 7:1-2 · World English Bible
“It came to pass, when the priests had come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the LORD’s house, so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the LORD’s glory filled the LORD’s house.”
1 Kings 8:10-11 · World English Bible
“It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD, he arose from before the LORD’s altar, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread out toward heaven. He stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,”
1 Kings 8:54-55 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Chronicles 5

2 Chronicles 5: One sound, and the cloud

Only 2 Chronicles tells what came just before the cloud: priests who didn't keep their divisions, and Levite singers with priests sounding trumpets, all "as one, to make one sound" (5:13), singing "For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever!" (5:13). Then "the house was filled with a cloud" (5:13).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week2 Chronicles 5 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 2 Chronicles 5

All questions about 2 Chronicles →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions