Does God really dwell in darkness? (1 Kings 8:12)
Question: The Bible says that God dwells in light (1 Timothy 6:16, John 1:5), but it also mentions that God dwells in darkness (1 Kings 8:12). Does this seem contradictory?
Answer: Let’s carefully examine these verses and explore the theological context before explaining further.
1 Timothy 6:16
“Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen.”
This passage reveals a fundamental truth about God’s nature. He lives in “unapproachable light”—a light so pure and glorious that no human can fully comprehend or come near it. This highlights God’s transcendence and holiness, setting Him apart from all creation (1 John 1:5). Theologically, God’s light symbolizes His absolute purity, righteousness, and glory, which are beyond human reach or understanding.
1 Kings 8:12
“Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord said that He would dwell in thick darkness.’
13 I have indeed built a magnificent temple for you, a place for you to dwell forever.”
In this passage, Solomon reflects on the fact that, despite the magnificence of the temple he has built for God, God’s presence is still described as dwelling in “thick darkness.” This highlights the mystery of God’s immanence and transcendence. While God is in unapproachable light, He can also manifest His presence in ways that are beyond human comprehension—like in “thick darkness,” which often represents God’s holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. This darkness does not mean literal absence but rather points to the awe and reverence God demands in His presence.
Theological Explanation: No Contradiction
At first glance, these passages may seem contradictory—God is described as dwelling in light (1 Timothy 6:16) and in darkness (1 Kings 8:12). However, the Bible is consistent when we understand that God’s essence is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully described by either light or darkness alone.
God’s Light: In His essence, God is light.
1 John 1:5 says,
“God is light; in Him, there is no darkness at all.”
This emphasizes that God, in His purest form, is light, representing His holiness, goodness, and righteousness. Theological scholars describe this as God’s transcendence—the idea that God is wholly other and cannot be fully grasped by human beings.
God’s Darkness: When Scripture refers to God dwelling in darkness, it is a metaphor for His holiness and the awe-inspiring mystery of His being. In the Bible, darkness often symbolizes God’s unapproachable majesty. For instance, in Exodus 20:21, when Moses approaches the mountain where God’s presence was, it is surrounded by thick darkness. This “darkness” is not negative but highlights God’s overwhelming glory and the need for reverence. It serves as a reminder that God’s presence is both near and far—He is present with His people, yet His full essence remains hidden.
The Role of Sacrifice and Offering to God
In the Bible, God consistently asks His people to offer Him their best because of the kind of relationship He desires with them. This is especially relevant in the context of the temple Solomon built. Theologically, the temple represents the physical manifestation of God’s dwelling among His people. Solomon’s desire to build a house for God, despite God’s infinite nature, is a reflection of God’s relationship with humanity—He wants to dwell with His people, but He also requires holiness and reverence.
Malachi 1:8 says, “
When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you offer lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?”
Here, God is showing that He deserves the best, just as earthly rulers would expect the best offerings.
2 Samuel 24:24 says, “
But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.'”
David’s heart here is key: when offering to God, it should come at a personal cost, symbolizing sincere devotion and honoring God’s greatness.
1 Kings 8:26-28
“Now, O God of Israel, let Your word that You promised Your servant David, my father, come true.
27 But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!
28 Yet give attention to Your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying in Your presence this day.”
Here, Solomon acknowledges the paradox of God’s presence. While the temple he built is magnificent, he humbly admits that even the heavens cannot contain God. God, in His immensity, cannot be confined to a building, no matter how grand. This understanding aligns with
Acts 7:48-50, where Stephen says,
“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands
. As the prophet says: ‘
Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord.'”
God transcends all created things, yet He still desires a relationship with His people and dwells among them in a way that is both near and awe-inspiring.
Theological Reflection: God’s Relationship with Us
Even though God cannot be contained in a temple or building, He still desires to dwell with His people. His “dwelling” with us is not about the physical space, but about the relationship He offers. Theologically, this points to God’s immanence—His presence with His people, even though He is also transcendent. God’s dwelling in the “thick darkness” symbolizes that while He is near to us, His full essence remains a mystery, reminding us of His holiness.
David and Solomon’s desire to build a temple was not about making God a home, but about creating a space that reflects the honor and reverence due to Him. Their actions teach us that even though God owns everything and needs nothing, we are called to honor Him with our best, acknowledging His greatness and holiness. The temple was a physical space that pointed to a greater spiritual truth: that God wants to dwell with His people, but this relationship requires holiness and reverence.
What Can We Learn from This?
God is great and transcendent, yet He desires a relationship with us. If we live in a beautiful home but our place of worship is dark, we must think twice. Don’t dismiss the importance of honoring God with our best, even when we know that He doesn’t need anything from us. Just like David and Solomon wanted to build a house for God, we are also called to give Him our best, as an act of love and reverence.
Deuteronomy 4:24 says,
“For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
This jealousy is not about selfishness, but a desire for His people to recognize His worth and give Him the honor He deserves.
Matthew 25:40 says,
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Our service to God is also reflected in how we honor Him through serving others.
Conclusion
Let’s reflect on how we treat the things that represent God in our lives. If we value our possessions and books, we must also value our relationship with God by giving Him the honor He deserves. The way we approach God’s Word, His house, and our offerings to Him speaks volumes about our reverence for His greatness.
Maranatha!
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