This verse from 2 Chronicles 5:13 describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"When the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh...": This highlights the unity and coordination of the musicians. They weren't just playing or singing their own parts; they were working together seamlessly to create a unified sound that focused on praising and thanking God (Yahweh). The emphasis is on unity and focus in their worship.
"...and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!”": This describes the specific actions of the musicians and singers. They were using a variety of instruments (trumpets, cymbals, and unspecified other instruments) to amplify their praise. The words they sang ("For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!") are a common refrain in Hebrew worship, emphasizing God's goodness and enduring love (hesed). The phrase "loving kindness endures forever" is a declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and mercy.
"...then the house was filled with a cloud, even Yahweh’s house.": This is the climactic part of the verse. The cloud represents the Shekinah glory of God—the visible manifestation of His presence. The fact that the cloud fills the Temple signifies God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place and His pleasure with the worship being offered. It's a powerful sign of divine approval and confirmation.
In Summary, the verse means:
1. Unified and Focused Worship: The musicians and singers were completely united in their praise and thanksgiving, creating a single, powerful sound.
2. Expressive Praise: They used instruments and voices to express their gratitude and acknowledge God's goodness and everlasting love.
3. Divine Presence: God responded to their worship by filling the Temple with His glorious presence (the cloud), signifying His acceptance and blessing.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it shows the importance of:
Unity in Worship: The power of collective and focused worship.
Expressing Gratitude: The necessity of acknowledging God's goodness and loving-kindness.
God's Presence: The promise that God responds to genuine worship with His presence and blessing.
The filling of the Temple with the cloud of glory serves as a high point in the Temple dedication and represents the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people. It's a powerful reminder of the connection between worship and the presence of God.
This verse from 2 Chronicles 5:13 describes a pivotal moment during the dedication of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"When the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh...": This highlights the unity and coordination of the musicians. They weren't just playing or singing their own parts; they were working together seamlessly to create a unified sound that focused on praising and thanking God (Yahweh). The emphasis is on unity and focus in their worship.
"...and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, “For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!”": This describes the specific actions of the musicians and singers. They were using a variety of instruments (trumpets, cymbals, and unspecified other instruments) to amplify their praise. The words they sang ("For he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever!") are a common refrain in Hebrew worship, emphasizing God's goodness and enduring love (hesed). The phrase "loving kindness endures forever" is a declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and mercy.
"...then the house was filled with a cloud, even Yahweh’s house.": This is the climactic part of the verse. The cloud represents the Shekinah glory of God—the visible manifestation of His presence. The fact that the cloud fills the Temple signifies God's acceptance of the Temple as His dwelling place and His pleasure with the worship being offered. It's a powerful sign of divine approval and confirmation.
In Summary, the verse means:
1. Unified and Focused Worship: The musicians and singers were completely united in their praise and thanksgiving, creating a single, powerful sound.
2. Expressive Praise: They used instruments and voices to express their gratitude and acknowledge God's goodness and everlasting love.
3. Divine Presence: God responded to their worship by filling the Temple with His glorious presence (the cloud), signifying His acceptance and blessing.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it shows the importance of:
Unity in Worship: The power of collective and focused worship.
Expressing Gratitude: The necessity of acknowledging God's goodness and loving-kindness.
God's Presence: The promise that God responds to genuine worship with His presence and blessing.
The filling of the Temple with the cloud of glory serves as a high point in the Temple dedication and represents the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people. It's a powerful reminder of the connection between worship and the presence of God.