(12) В¶ Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. (13) I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in forever.
Solomon, having made all suitable arrangement, and convened all Israel to the dedication of the temple, now opens the solemn service. He first shows them the certainty, and reality of the divine presence being with them, and in confirmation, quotes a well known saying of the Lord, in the book of Leviticus: see Leviticus 16:2. How delightfully is this (and more strikingly) shown in the gospel church. No man hath seen God at any time; but the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 1:18. Reader! when our God and Saviour is pleased at any time to appear unto us in a cloudy dispensation, still remember he is our God, our Jesus, notwithstanding. The disciples feared, as they entered into the cloud; but the manifestation afterwards was full of glory. Luke 9:33-34.