| Geneva Study Bible Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. Wesley's Notes 8:12 Then spake - Perceiving both priests and people struck with wonder at this darkness, he minds them, that this was no sign of God's disfavour, as some might possibly imagine; but a token of his approbation, and special presence among them. Said - He hath declared, that he would manifest his presence with, and dwelling among his people, by a dark cloud, in which he would appear. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 1Ki 8:12-21. Solomon's Blessing. 12. Then spake Solomon-For the reassurance of the priests and people, the king reminded them that the cloud, instead of being a sign ominous of evil, was a token of approval. The Lord said-not in express terms, but by a continuous course of action (Ex 13:21; 24:16; Nu 9:15). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 8:12-21 Solomon encouraged the priests, who were much astonished at the dark cloud. The dark dispensations of Providence should quicken us in fleeing for refuge to the hope of the gospel. Nothing can more reconcile us to them, than to consider what God has said, and to compare his word and works together. Whatever good we do, we must look on it as the performance of God's promise to us, not of our promises to him. | 
