And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house.
The priests could not enter. Both from awe of the miraculous fire that was burning on the altar, and from the dense cloud that enveloped the sanctuary, they were unable for some time to perform their usual functions (see the notes at 1 Kings 8:10-11). But afterward, their courage and confidence being revived, they approached the altar, and busied themselves in the offering of an immense number of sacrifices.