“Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.”
(1 Kings 8:12)
From the beginning of revelation God’s presence has been veiled in thick darkness, an overwhelming mystery that no man can fully understand. Scripture makes it clear that His glory is too great for sinful flesh to endure. When Moses longed to see the Lord’s face, he was told, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live” (Exodus 33:20).
In the Old Testament God always cloaked His presence in clouds and smoke, like when the tabernacle was filled so that even Moses could not enter (Exodus 40:35). Isaiah saw the same in his vision: “And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke” (Isaiah 6:4).
The mystery of God’s hiddenness, however, does not indicate His absence. Rather, His dwelling in darkness testifies to His holiness and our unworthiness. The darkness veils what we cannot endure. Even creation itself functions as such a veil—full of beauty, yet not displaying the fullness of God. And Hebrews 10:20 speaks of Christ’s flesh as a veil. Even so, the glory of God has been shielded until the day of unveiling.[1]
Still, Christ’s hand moves behind this veil in the events of history. He declared in Matthew 24 that wars, famines, persecutions, and the shaking of heaven and earth are all under His command, signs of His sovereign work until the end of the age. Though unseen, He rules, guiding history toward its appointed consummation.
At His return, however, the veil shall be torn away. What was concealed will be revealed. “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:7). His majesty will blaze forth, and every eye shall see Him. Those who once pierced Him shall mourn, but His saints shall rejoice. And the clouds that once veiled Him will become His chariot (Psalm 104:3-4; Hebrews 1:7).
So let us remember that God’s dwelling in thick darkness simply shows us how far short we fall of His holiness and how dependent we are on His mercy. And that for now, we live by faith, not by sight, longing for the day when His glory long hidden will shine forth in all its fullness.
Contemplations:
- The Hidden Majesty of God. While reflecting on 1 Kings 8:12, “…The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness,” I am reminded that God’s ways are often hidden from my sight. His majesty overwhelms and humbles me, teaching me reverence even when I cannot fully understand His purposes.
- God’s Presence in the Natural World. Hebrews 10:20 describes Christ’s flesh as a veil, and I know that creation itself also veils God’s glory. So whether I look at the heavens or the depths of the sea, I must remember that they both reveal and conceal the greatness of their Creator.
- The Motion of Christ in the World. Matthew 24 teaches that history itself is guided by Christ. Though I may not always see His hand, He is moving in nations, societies, and hearts. Like a hidden force beneath the waters, His providence shapes all things.
- The Glory of Christ’s Return. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 declares that the Lord will be revealed with flaming fire and mighty angels. This truth stirs me to repentance and hope. For the wicked, it will be terror; for the saints, triumph. I must be found ready, confessing my sins and clinging to His mercy.
Prayer (Confession):
O Lord of heaven and earth, dwelling in thick darkness, I confess before You my unworthiness to stand in Your holy presence. Your glory is unsearchable, Your majesty unendurable for mortal flesh. And yet I often live as though I could approach You in my own strength. Forgive me for treating lightly the mystery of Your holiness. Forgive me for rushing into prayer without reverence, for speaking of You without awe, for thinking of You in small and earthly ways.
I confess, Father, that I have sought light in created things more than in the Creator. I have looked at the veil of this world and forgotten that behind it dwells the infinite God. I have trusted in the works of my own hands, the comforts of life, and the wisdom of men, instead of trembling before Your hidden majesty.
Lord Jesus Christ, I confess that I have not always remembered Your sovereign hand moving in history and in my life. When calamities come, I have murmured rather than prayed. When blessings come, I have taken them for granted. Forgive my blindness to Your providence, and open my eyes to see that all things, even those cloaked in darkness, are under Your rule.
Holy Spirit, I confess my dullness of heart in awaiting the return of Christ. Too often I live as though the unveiling will never come, as though judgment and glory are far off. Yet You have promised that the Son will come with His mighty angels, and that every eye shall see Him. Forgive me for living in forgetfulness of that day.
O Lord, dwell in me though I am unworthy. Cleanse me by the blood of Christ, and grant that I may walk humbly under the shadow of Your glory. Teach me to confess my sins daily, to approach You with reverence, and to wait in hope for the revelation of Jesus Christ. Let me live in awe now, so that I may rejoice when the veil is lifted.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further References for 1 Kings 8:12:
1 Chronicles 6:1; Psalm 97:2; Exodus 20:21; Psalm 18:11
[1] Peter Sterry, The Clouds in Which Christ Comes (London: Printed for R. Dawlman .., 1648), 20.
